Today is DAY 3 of my Race Prep Series! My name is Fares Ksebati – CEO and Co-Founder of MySwimPro.
I’ll be competing in the Masters World Championships in Doha in February 2024, and documenting my training along the way. This is part 3 of a 5-part series where I’ll be giving you a behind the scenes look at my training, how I taper, and how I prep for race mode.
As a swimmer, you know that nailing your taper is the secret sauce to swimming fast. It’s that magical period where you shed off fatigue, gain energy, and glide through the water with ease. But like any recipe, if you mess up the ingredients or the process, the final product might not turn out as expected.
In this blog post, we’re going to delve into the five biggest taper mistakes swimmers make, and how you can avoid them to ensure that you’re primed for peak performance when it matters most.
1. Overtraining: Let Your Body Recover
The first mistake many swimmers make is overtraining during the taper phase. Taper is all about allowing your body to recover from the intense training you’ve put it through leading up to the big meet. It can be tempting to push yourself harder, fearing that too much rest will lead to decreased performance. However, overtraining can leave you feeling fatigued and stagnant in the water.
Remember, taper is not the time to add extra sets or reps. Instead, focus on shorter, higher intensity workouts, coupled with adequate rest, sleep, and recovery to ensure your body is fully prepared to perform at its best.
2. Changing Up Your Routine: Stick to What Works
Another common mistake swimmers make is changing up their routine too much during the taper phase. Your body thrives on consistency, so now is not the time to experiment with new warm-up routines or drastically alter your training regimen.
Stick to what has worked for you in the past. While minor tweaks and adjustments may be necessary, avoid making sweeping changes that could throw off your rhythm and confidence heading into competition.
Related: 10 Tips For Your Perfect Taper
3. Toning Down Intensity: Train Fast to Swim Fast
Contrary to what some may think, tapering is not the time to ease off on intensity. In fact, maintaining high intensity during taper can be key to priming your body for peak performance. With reduced training volume, you have the opportunity to push yourself harder in each session, helping to reinforce muscle memory and race-specific skills.
Focus on maintaining or even increasing your intensity during taper, ensuring that your body is accustomed to swimming at race pace when it counts.
4. Not Giving Yourself Enough Rest: Embrace Recovery
One of the biggest mistakes swimmers make during taper is not giving themselves enough rest. It’s crucial to allow your body ample time to recover between workouts, sets, and even races. This means prioritizing quality sleep, managing stress levels, and incorporating active recovery strategies into your routine.
By giving yourself the rest and recovery you need, you’ll be better equipped to train at higher speeds and maintain peak performance throughout your taper.
Related: 10 Tips To Prepare For Your Championship Swim Meet >
5. Overthinking the Taper: Keep It Simple
Lastly, many swimmers fall into the trap of overthinking the taper process. While it’s natural to want to fine-tune every aspect of your training and preparation, sometimes less is more. Trust in the work you’ve put in leading up to taper, and focus on swimming with confidence and joy.
Avoid getting caught up in overanalyzing every detail and instead, embrace a simple, straightforward approach to tapering that allows you to swim fast and enjoy the journey.
In conclusion, nailing your taper is essential for swimming fast when it matters most. By avoiding these common mistakes and adopting a balanced approach to tapering, you’ll set yourself up for success in the pool and achieve your goals with confidence and ease. So dive in, trust the process, and swim your heart out!
Happy swimming!
For more swim tips and workout ideas, download the MySwimPro app!
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