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.
You want a 1-week taper and I think that's a little short. My suggestion to cut out cross-training 2 weeks out was meant as a kind of a compromise...you can keep your swimming yardage/intensity up but still get a little rest.
You work out a lot. IMO you are not going to lose your conditioning in a 3-week taper. But if you want to experiment, go for it! I don't want to discourage you.
Never even contemplated a 3 week taper. But I have been working out more than I did around Austin. Did rather a longish workout for me just today.
I have cut out running/spinning 3 weeks prior before ... I do find that it's essential to rest the legs. I haven't lifted since Sunday, so if I don't lift this week, it's almost 3 weeks out. So I guess cutting out cross training is just part of a longer taper. I was really more focused on how to cut back the swimming correctly. And I guess whether I should taper weights. I know Ande thinks sprinters should just keep lifting ...
I didn't actually say I wanted a 1 week taper. I was wondering if anyone had done the 7 day drop dead taper. But I like experimenting, though perhaps it's better not to experiment too much with a travel meet. Perhaps Albatross? That might be the perfect meet for an experimental 7 day drop dead. I could come back from Auburn, train hard for 3-4 weeks and then give it a whirl. I have a friend who has done this taper before with success -- and she's almost exactly my size and shape.
Much as I'm not fond of tapering, I think it's easier in the winter than the spring-summer-fall.
Elise:
I think I've been fairly consistent with weights since Austin -- almost 9 months. I've only stopped to rest for meets.
You want a 1-week taper and I think that's a little short. My suggestion to cut out cross-training 2 weeks out was meant as a kind of a compromise...you can keep your swimming yardage/intensity up but still get a little rest.
You work out a lot. IMO you are not going to lose your conditioning in a 3-week taper. But if you want to experiment, go for it! I don't want to discourage you.
Never even contemplated a 3 week taper. But I have been working out more than I did around Austin. Did rather a longish workout for me just today.
I have cut out running/spinning 3 weeks prior before ... I do find that it's essential to rest the legs. I haven't lifted since Sunday, so if I don't lift this week, it's almost 3 weeks out. So I guess cutting out cross training is just part of a longer taper. I was really more focused on how to cut back the swimming correctly. And I guess whether I should taper weights. I know Ande thinks sprinters should just keep lifting ...
I didn't actually say I wanted a 1 week taper. I was wondering if anyone had done the 7 day drop dead taper. But I like experimenting, though perhaps it's better not to experiment too much with a travel meet. Perhaps Albatross? That might be the perfect meet for an experimental 7 day drop dead. I could come back from Auburn, train hard for 3-4 weeks and then give it a whirl. I have a friend who has done this taper before with success -- and she's almost exactly my size and shape.
Much as I'm not fond of tapering, I think it's easier in the winter than the spring-summer-fall.
Elise:
I think I've been fairly consistent with weights since Austin -- almost 9 months. I've only stopped to rest for meets.
