Taper time?

The end is in sight, it's almost championship season.  We have finished our meets and are looking at taper time.  All of the hard work is done, now just don't screw it up!

There are a couple of rules to live by when thinking about your taper and being ready to race.

First make sure you go to each and every practice.  Don't miss practice or "self taper", your coaches know what they're doing and are planning for each day before your championships.

Don't spend or waste your newly found energy.  Being on taper and resting means you are building up energy so you can compete at your top level.  This means the couple of days before you race, you will probably  have extra energy.  Don't go running around in circles just to burn that energy, try and save it and hold it until your meet.  I remember when I was swimming in college and everyone would be spinning in their chairs and couldn't stop moving.  Elevators are completely appropriate during taper time too, I mean you have to save your legs and all.

Eat right sleep right.  Two important things to preparation and taking care of yourself.  No soda's, stay away from fast food, and cut out the late night snacks.  If you're going to snack, because I'm sure you'll be constantly hungry, find something that is healthy.  This all matters and it matters throughout taper time.  What you do a week or two before can affect what you do during your champs.

Details, details, details!  This is during practice where you need to follow the details and pay attention to the little things.  Little things will make big differences.  You're talking about hundredth's of seconds between places.  Every little bit counts so make sure you work your turns, starts, entry, and small details of your strokes.

When it's time to race in practice and go for goal times, GO FOR THE GOAL TIMES.  Be aggressive and go after it.  If you get it great, if you go faster, great, if you don't.......don't stress.  It will all come together when it's time to race.  The important thing is that your are giving that race effort and race speed and practicing going fast.  Practice racing your turn, your stroke count, etc.  You have to do it in practice if you expect it to happen in a meet, it doesn't just automatically happen just because.

When you get to your meet, go for it.  You are prepared, have done everything possible to do your best, and are ready.  Confidence goes a long way at this point, go out and own your race.  Have fun, cheer on your teammates, and enjoy the meet.  You don't get to taper often, so when you do, make it count!

I personally can't wait for the meets, there is nothing better than fast swimming and great racing!