" exk7" <" exk7"@adelphia.net> wrote in message news:<
[email protected]>...
> Liz D wrote:
>
> > Hi Ruth
> >
> > I am swimming in our national masters champs (long
> > course) on Sat/Sun
> > 20/21 March. I am swimming 50m, 100m, 200m & 400m free &
> > 50m back. I won't place anywhere but would like to
> > swim some PBs and ideally match or better my times
> > from the world champs in Christchurch 2 years ago
> > (which are still my best 50m times).
>
>
> I would be way out of line if I attempted to advise anyone
> about the best strategies for tapering for a meet. For
> sure I know what has worked for me and some of that seems
> to work for others, but I have only the smallest
> smattering of knowledge about the physical changes that
> result from various degrees of easing up on the demands of
> muscular effort or endurance. As I mentioned, I find the
> subtlest tapering to be that for endurance. I and most
> people I know seem to need the psychological reassurance
> of maintaining long workouts past the point when they do
> any good physically. It's much easier and takes no courage
> to taper for a fast 50 which, for me, depends on cutting
> back severely. It amazes me how much strength hides behind
> a worn-out muscle if it is allowed to heal for a couple
> weeks. For a meet on Sat/Sun, I certainly would stay dry
> on Thursday, following an easy week of less than half my
> usual distance. But on Friday I would put in some sharp
> 25's or even less and a long cool-down, mostly of easy
> drills. Tapering for a middle distance is a mystery to me.
> I'd rather prepare for and swim either 50's or 1650's. The
> 200 requires a judicious mix of strength and endurance
> that I've never found.
>
> Again, this is purely what works for me. Good luck!
>
> Ruth Kazez
Thanks for that, Ruth, taken with the caveat and disclaimer.
I generally have the feeling that most masters swimmers
(myself included) don't swim sufficient volumes or in a
scientifically controlled manner (such as "diabolo"
discussed) to make a real "taper" essential or desirable.
Those kind of swimmers taper *down* to volumes that are
still several times what I swim each week.
I think the main thing is not arriving at the meet too tired
(yesterday I was still feeling the effects of Sunday's 2km
open water swim, no more long slow distance of that
magnitude). I had a couple of weeks off swimming last year
following a minor foot operation which necessitated a week
of almost complete rest, when I got back in the pool I felt
great! Even though I hadn't swum for 2 weeks, I was really
rested & refreshed. But then I had to have another couple of
weeks off following a post-op infection and after that I
felt terrible for a couple of weeks. SO a bit of rest is
good, too much definitely not.
I find what works best for me for 200m & (especially) 400m
is to do "pacing" work, getting used to the kinetic feel of
the different pace I need to swim at to achieve my goal
times. This seems to be best done as close as possible to
the event. Luckily my 200m is Sat and 400m is Sun, so I can
use the warm-up periods on those days with that focus.
I'll let you know how I go.
Thanks
Liz D