health issues right before nationals

I think you've got two options. Either you just taper right now and hope the work you put in before your health problems carries over, or you could get in a solid week of work, then do a one week drop taper. If it were me, I think I'd do the second option. It's probably more mental than physical, but I'd feel like I need to put some aerobic work in because of the 500 free. I wouldn't go nuts this week, just do some longer sets with short rest. Also do some speed work, but emphasize the longer aerobic stuff this week. Again, you're not looking to kill yourself. Then one week from the start of the meet drop down the yardage drastically. Do some pace work for your 500 and speed work for the shorter event. Think about your IM transitions, your starts, etc. I'd probably do no more than 3,000 yards one week out and then drop it to a meet warmup, maybe 1,500 max, the final day or two before Nationals. One thing is for sure and that's that you'll want to feel rested going into the meet. Mentally don't beat yourself up. You're probably thinking you've got to make up for lost time, but a better attitude is probably just to accept that you're at where you're at. In masters this a good attitude to have, because there's usually something that throws a wrench into your training! At the meet your goal should be to swim the best races you can. You might be surprised how well you swim. Good luck, Joel!

Thanks Kirk! I swam today and my legs were no where to be found after about 2000. I still was moving along pretty good I just felt very low in the water (as I expected). Your second option sounds good. I am looking forward to the meet and will have a great time but I still want to salvage something out of this mess.

Good luck Joel! Some things are out of your control so try to enjoy your swims and have LOTS of FUN before and after them!

Hey Joel, I can relate to what you're going through. I am a walking RSI (repetitive stress injury) and none of it was from swimming! But, residual issues from past surgeries keep me walking (or swimming!) a fine line; especially with my breaststroke form. So, you have my sympathy/empathy/ :bighug:. Good luck!!! :cheerleader:

No advice for you that hasn't been said but I want to wish you good luck and tell you I'm sorry that this happened. See you in less than 2 weeks!

how should I handle my training for the next two weeks? You've had recent surgeries, Today is May 10th, the meet starts for you on May 21st, you've got 10 or 11 days depending on how you count it's too late to "put in the work" just take it easy, do taper practices or even lighter. don't do too much this close to the meet, you don't have time to pick it up then drop it down. just keep it down, do what your doctor & your coach say you can see if they'll allow you to do some 50's & 100's at your 500 pace ALSO, swim smart races, split your 500 fr & 200 IM really well I am looking for some advice. I have recently had a battle with a kidney stone. That thing has completely messed up my training in the last month. I just got my stent removed this week that I have had in for two weeks. The amount of time I spent training the two weeks prior to my initial surgery was kind off hit or miss depending on how I felt that day. My question is, how should I handle my training for the next two weeks? This will be my first trip to nationals and I am very excited. I will be swimming the 500, 200IM, and the 100 IM. I have really put the work into this up until my body decided to pick the wrong time of year to not cooperate. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you Bobinator , Elaine , and Alison for your words of encouragement! I have my motivation back, I just need to find my legs and that feeling of being on top of the water. Thanks again!!

Thank you for the advice Ande! I'll be fine. I am just very frustrated. The input from the forumites and my teammates has helped me get my mind right. Thanks again.