Anyone have any advice on tapering? I've worked my way up to about 30,000 yards a week and am about 4 weeks out from a weeklong competition where I'll be competing in several mid distance races (200s). I have never had much luck with tapers as they always seem to do more harm than good, making me feel like I've lost the "feel for the water" and sluggish. I'm looking for any general or specific guidance. Thanks! :confused:
Hi Rob-
I have lots of notes about the taper, how it feels and what to think about those feelings in the 4 weeks of workouts leading up to nationals (4/6 through 5/1). In terms of cutting back on yardage, my general suggestion would be 10-15% each of those 4 weeks. Keep in mind that the yardage swum and the intervals used must change and become more specific to your races. Also, sprinters' and distance swimmers' tapers will vary those final two weeks as the yardage comes way down for sprinters but holds for distance swimmers. Complicated, eh?
Jacki
Hi Rob-
I have lots of notes about the taper, how it feels and what to think about those feelings in the 4 weeks of workouts leading up to nationals (4/6 through 5/1). In terms of cutting back on yardage, my general suggestion would be 10-15% each of those 4 weeks. Keep in mind that the yardage swum and the intervals used must change and become more specific to your races. Also, sprinters' and distance swimmers' tapers will vary those final two weeks as the yardage comes way down for sprinters but holds for distance swimmers. Complicated, eh?
Jacki
