I'm planning on resting for a meet in Feb. As usual, I'm wondering what taper to use, how much to rest, etc. I don't feel like I've really hit on the "one" plan that works for me.
I know everyone has their own approach to taper and may taper for between 1-4 weeks. In every taper plan I've seen, the yardage always drops off gradually. Has anyone ever tried a "drop dead" taper? One where you continue to exercise at your regular level and then, say 7 days before the big meet, you precipitously drop the yardage down to 1500 or so with very little sprinting? Thoughts?
I'm wondering if this type of taper might work for me, as I feel (possibly falsely) like I lose conditioning if I taper too long.
Despite the fact I only lifted once last week, I'm generally more consistent about my weights than I am about my swimming. How long you are off the weights and don't lose power and strength depends on how good your base is. If you have been consistently in the weight room for 6 months, then I would say you would be o.k. to drop them two weeks out.
If you have been consistent for only two or three months, I've been told you need to gradually taper down the weights. Three weeks out, go to one set of ten of what you have been lifting. Two weeks out, go to 1 set of ten and do 2/3 amount of weight on each set. You can lift one last time a week from the meet and do one set of 10 of 1/2 the weight.
Note that this has been what has been prescibed to me by PTs and apparently is very specific for WOMEN over 30.
Despite the fact I only lifted once last week, I'm generally more consistent about my weights than I am about my swimming. How long you are off the weights and don't lose power and strength depends on how good your base is. If you have been consistently in the weight room for 6 months, then I would say you would be o.k. to drop them two weeks out.
If you have been consistent for only two or three months, I've been told you need to gradually taper down the weights. Three weeks out, go to one set of ten of what you have been lifting. Two weeks out, go to 1 set of ten and do 2/3 amount of weight on each set. You can lift one last time a week from the meet and do one set of 10 of 1/2 the weight.
Note that this has been what has been prescibed to me by PTs and apparently is very specific for WOMEN over 30.
