I was looking for some advice on tapering. In my own mind I had a plan, but when I mentioned it at a practice recently, my coach seemed to think it was a bad idea. Here is some background
I am 31 and have been back to swimming after a 7 year break from competitive aquatics (I played a bit of water polo here and there). I have been swimming about a year now. I averaged 7000 yard/week from last May to July. I then took off Aug to Nov, swimming very occasionally during those months. I then started up in December to now and have been averaging 14,000 yards/week over 4 workouts. I have a meet coming April 17-19.
Reading these boards it seems that a longer taper is advised for older swimmers, sprinters, and those that have not been swimming year around. I fit all those categories.
I had a plan to start my taper this coming week. My shoulders have been getting more sore than usual recently. After a few practices in a row I really start to get tired physically.
I was thinking about making my taper 3.5 weeks. My team has a plan for a 2.5week taper, but their yards don't cut back until 1.5 weeks before the meet.
What do you think a reasonable taper would be yardage and time wise?
Parents
Former Member
Hi!
I am a sprinter (50 and 100 m ***). 38 years old. 98 kgs. 1.94m long. (sorry I am Swedish...therefore the units). I try to taper 4 weeks for the big meets. After 2 weeks I actually typically feel very tired. I have tried 2 week tapers with disastrous results. I need the 4 weeks to get back into shape fully rested. The last week I dont even do 25 meter max:s. Only starts, some turns and maybe som 15 meter sprints...but lots of technique drills.
Normally I swim 10 000-13 000 meters per week divided on 4-5 practices a week.
During taper I go down like this (i do the same sets... just shorter with less reps.)
Taper week 1 - 8000-10000m
Taper week 2 - 6000-8000m
Taper week 3 - 4000-6000m
Taper week 4 - 2000-3000m
my :2cents:
/Per
PS Maybe I should add that my normal training is very "sprinty". I never do long 10x100s etc. Only short 25-50-75-100 sprints with 100% speed and focus or very slow recovery sets DS
Hi!
I am a sprinter (50 and 100 m ***). 38 years old. 98 kgs. 1.94m long. (sorry I am Swedish...therefore the units). I try to taper 4 weeks for the big meets. After 2 weeks I actually typically feel very tired. I have tried 2 week tapers with disastrous results. I need the 4 weeks to get back into shape fully rested. The last week I dont even do 25 meter max:s. Only starts, some turns and maybe som 15 meter sprints...but lots of technique drills.
Normally I swim 10 000-13 000 meters per week divided on 4-5 practices a week.
During taper I go down like this (i do the same sets... just shorter with less reps.)
Taper week 1 - 8000-10000m
Taper week 2 - 6000-8000m
Taper week 3 - 4000-6000m
Taper week 4 - 2000-3000m
my :2cents:
/Per
PS Maybe I should add that my normal training is very "sprinty". I never do long 10x100s etc. Only short 25-50-75-100 sprints with 100% speed and focus or very slow recovery sets DS
