In threads where training philosophy comes up, discussions of TRIMPS and TSS and other training models occasionally intrude. These models are not very well known, and even more poorly understood, so probably SolarEnergy, qbrain and I are just talking to each other and killing threads in those conversations. In any case, I figured I would present a brief overview of what it is that we're talking about when this terminology starts showing up.
Best case, this will introduce these models to the subset of swimmers (or coaches) who would be interested enough to use them, but didn't previously know enough to do so.
Plus, even if you're not the type to be interested in quantifying your training, it can be useful to think about workouts in this general framework.
And, at the very least, this might serve as a place to discuss some of the details without worrying about driving those other threads too far off-topic.
My formula is train hard during the season, taper 3-4 days at most for minor meets, taper 8-10 days for the major meets.
That's fine, but the problem is that many (most?) people use inappropriate markers (ie, total yardage) for determining how hard you are training and how much to rest.
But this is certainly mostly an academic exercise. Although I am intrigued to try applying (a modified version of) Q's point system when I have some time to set it up, I generally go by "train hard with lots of race-pace work" and "use performances in practices/meets to gauge the effect of training and taper, and adjust accordingly."
It is still interesting to hear about theory that supports a certain taper length, and why. And as I don't know much about physiology, it is nice to absorb some concepts.
My formula is train hard during the season, taper 3-4 days at most for minor meets, taper 8-10 days for the major meets.
That's fine, but the problem is that many (most?) people use inappropriate markers (ie, total yardage) for determining how hard you are training and how much to rest.
But this is certainly mostly an academic exercise. Although I am intrigued to try applying (a modified version of) Q's point system when I have some time to set it up, I generally go by "train hard with lots of race-pace work" and "use performances in practices/meets to gauge the effect of training and taper, and adjust accordingly."
It is still interesting to hear about theory that supports a certain taper length, and why. And as I don't know much about physiology, it is nice to absorb some concepts.
