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:
While most coaches will probably tell you to maintain yardage (at about 80%), I believe that you don't lose the edge so fast as much as you benefit from resting and going into the meet feeling full of energy. What you want to manage is knowing your proper pace and maintaining that speed through your taper. It also doesn't hurt to swim a few short-yards sets a bit faster but with ample rest. Remember that no matter how good you feel going into your races, do not blow it on the first 200! Control the urge to swim too fast too soon.
While most coaches will probably tell you to maintain yardage (at about 80%), I believe that you don't lose the edge so fast as much as you benefit from resting and going into the meet feeling full of energy. What you want to manage is knowing your proper pace and maintaining that speed through your taper. It also doesn't hurt to swim a few short-yards sets a bit faster but with ample rest. Remember that no matter how good you feel going into your races, do not blow it on the first 200! Control the urge to swim too fast too soon.
