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.
I do fret about longer tapers. Sometimes it sucks to train alone and go only on instinct.
Part of the problem that comes from training alone is zero feedback...
This can really work against some who need reassurance going into a big meet.
I try to encourage swimmers who are in this situation to bring someone - anyone - like a friend, husband, person you are trying to encourage to swim, a not too young child, etc.- along with you to the pool for a practice session.
Bribe them in any way that is necessary.
Then, get your "coach" to time some of your swims or sets.
Teach them how to start you from the blocks so you don't have to keep your head up watching the clock to go.
AND - bring your video camera so they can record some of your swims.
Take your times and video and analyze them all at home.
Send it around to your coach in another city - or on your blog.
Just one or two sessions like this will provide so much information. Especially a videotape even if it is only from above.
I am all admiration for athletes who manage to train alone... its' a whole different world of dedication. But it can be done.
Now better than ever.
Yes, I agree. Ande is not only brilliant, but generous.
Thanks to all of you for the offerings here.
I had a situation not so long ago, where I asked my coach for guidance on "race-preparation week"/tapering. I was told to go look on the internet or read a book or check the ASCA website. In other words, blown-off.
Lucky for us that we now swim in a time where we have access to GREAT resources to consult. And we can actually ask for solid and experienced advice.
I have found most swimmers very generous and appreciate it so much.
Like Ande says, ASK!
I do fret about longer tapers. Sometimes it sucks to train alone and go only on instinct.
Part of the problem that comes from training alone is zero feedback...
This can really work against some who need reassurance going into a big meet.
I try to encourage swimmers who are in this situation to bring someone - anyone - like a friend, husband, person you are trying to encourage to swim, a not too young child, etc.- along with you to the pool for a practice session.
Bribe them in any way that is necessary.
Then, get your "coach" to time some of your swims or sets.
Teach them how to start you from the blocks so you don't have to keep your head up watching the clock to go.
AND - bring your video camera so they can record some of your swims.
Take your times and video and analyze them all at home.
Send it around to your coach in another city - or on your blog.
Just one or two sessions like this will provide so much information. Especially a videotape even if it is only from above.
I am all admiration for athletes who manage to train alone... its' a whole different world of dedication. But it can be done.
Now better than ever.
Yes, I agree. Ande is not only brilliant, but generous.
Thanks to all of you for the offerings here.
I had a situation not so long ago, where I asked my coach for guidance on "race-preparation week"/tapering. I was told to go look on the internet or read a book or check the ASCA website. In other words, blown-off.
Lucky for us that we now swim in a time where we have access to GREAT resources to consult. And we can actually ask for solid and experienced advice.
I have found most swimmers very generous and appreciate it so much.
Like Ande says, ASK!
