Seeking advice regarding how/when to taper for Potomac River 7.5 mile swim (race day is June 4th). I have been swimming the following work-outs for the last month:
Saturday - long swim, started with 3 miles and worked my way to 5 miles. I will swim 6 this Saturday. (at Barton Springs)
Sunday - Easy recovery swim usually 4K - 5K. (in Lake Travis)
Monday - 5K with at least 2K of fast repeats (ex. 10 X 200 on the 3 mins.) (in Deep Eddy)
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - Long swim up to 4 miles. (Barton Springs)
Thursday - Rest
Friday - 4K - 5K tempo swim (usually mix up sets at 85%) (Deep Eddy)
When should I start to taper and how much should I swim the week before the race?
thanks
Former Member
OK, well that's two experienced swimmers suggesting a one week taper. Damn, I was looking forward to getting a little more sleep. Back to the drawing board.
Question then: is 10K a long enough training swim? I've swum 10K the last two Saturdays. With a 4 mile swim on Wednesdays. Should I swim 7 miles next Saturday or is 6 enough?
You might get differing opinions on this one. For me a 10K would be more than enough for a 7.5 mile race (assuming you are going to race it - if not 5 miles would be enough for me).
Kevin, thanks for the reply. One week out? Most of the advice I've been given recommended starting to taper between 2 and 3 weeks.
Robert,
I am not really qualified to offer any advice but I have been working with Kevin as my Coach for some time and can give you my experience. I too was skeptical of this taper the first time I saw it in my workouts. I used this for several long swims last year and I did feel well prepared on the day of the swims.
Good luck! See you at the swim.
