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.
Sure. I feel good for the 2nd half of my taper, once past the dreaded "blahs." I also feel very antsy, like I have too much energy, and a huge desire to blow off my taper and get back to training.
I have this image that, when you step on the block, you should be bursting with energy, like a frisky race horse in the stall before the race. Of course, you need to harness that energy intelligently with a good race strategy.
This seems ideal, for sure. I do recall you feeling kinda crappy at one point at Rutgers though. Right before you swam an unbelievable PB.
Anyone have any thoughts on weights for women? I'm inclined to lift a couple more times at lighter weight instead of taking week 1 off entirely. I just feel, with no scientific basis, that women take longer to build muscle and lose it more quickly. Also, it seems like women have less muscle mass (although I'm starting to look like Hulk, I fear) and lift with less intensity/weight than men.
Sure. I feel good for the 2nd half of my taper, once past the dreaded "blahs." I also feel very antsy, like I have too much energy, and a huge desire to blow off my taper and get back to training.
I have this image that, when you step on the block, you should be bursting with energy, like a frisky race horse in the stall before the race. Of course, you need to harness that energy intelligently with a good race strategy.
This seems ideal, for sure. I do recall you feeling kinda crappy at one point at Rutgers though. Right before you swam an unbelievable PB.
Anyone have any thoughts on weights for women? I'm inclined to lift a couple more times at lighter weight instead of taking week 1 off entirely. I just feel, with no scientific basis, that women take longer to build muscle and lose it more quickly. Also, it seems like women have less muscle mass (although I'm starting to look like Hulk, I fear) and lift with less intensity/weight than men.
