07/22/10

What can I do during taper to help me succeed at the big meet? Is there anything extra I should be doing to get faster at the end of the year? What do you do during taper in order to make sure you’re prepared for your main meet? These are some of the questions I’ve received recently via emails from age group swimmers all the way up to masters swimmers. First, let’s be clear on one thing…there is no single way to prepare yourself for fast swimming, but rather a combination of things which will help carry you to success.
 
Taper time is very exciting. For me it’s a time when I go to the pool less often, work out for shorter periods of time, begin to feel stronger and quicker, and in some respects become happier. At Texas Eddie Reese kicks our butts all year long. The grind of training can be ruthless and at times discouraging. However, when it comes time to rest everything seems to come perfectly into form. Taper is like springtime almost, as our minds and bodies bloom into the new level of strength. Invigorated and feeling fresh, we should be ready to fulfill our goals and dreams.
 
Here are some tips I’ve learned from fellow Olympians and teammates as well as through personal experience. Get your taper on!
• Listen to your coach but make sure they know how you’re feeling in the water.
• Continue on the diet that has helped you train well up to this point.
• Do what makes you happy. Go to the movies, read a book, sit outside and get a little sun, float the river, cook a good meal, play ping-pong…whatever it takes (within reason). Just be careful not to get your heart rate up too high.
• Every few days work on your starts and turns.
• Get plenty of rest before the meet. Don’t wait until you get to the meet to go to sleep early.
• When it’s time to go fast on pace day let it rip.
• Don’t try to do any extra training at this point…you’ve either prepared throughout the year or you haven’t.
• Tell yourself you’re ready…you are in control of your own destiny. Believe!
 
Taper is the best time of the year. You’re on the brink of going a best time, fulfilling your dream, and make all the hard work worth it. Be confident. Have fun. Rest up!
 
Train Hard. Eat Right. Swim Fast.