Olympic distance ...do you taper ?

maubueno - 2008-06-21 12:55 AM

Hello you all,

It may be a silly question , but lately i heard some different opinions on tapering for an Olympic distance tri. What do you do ?

atasic - 2008-06-21 5:00 PM It is suggested to reduce volume for B races, but a not a full blown taper. This is based on the fact that you are very fit, executing ATP as planned and are on target for all objectives related to your A race. The normal taper would have taken to much time from completing quality BT workouts therefore is not usualy suggested. This all being said, there are many different oppinions and approaches as well as plans out there. There is no correct or wrong answer. What works for one athlete may not work for the other. I would reduce volume in the week up to your B race. I would use that race as a BT mascular endurance workout for the week. Allow more rest than usual for the period you are in. Maintain frequency of workouts. If you recover well from swimming, I would keep it as usual volume+intensity. Bike, again based on your limiters, I would continue at the same intensity, but would cut volume by about 25-30%. Running is what needs the most recovery time. With running, I would reduce volume by about the same as bike and would reduce intensity in the 4-5 days prior. I would still do strides or other running skill workouts all the way to the race. The idea is more rest and recovery, but not a full taper. I am no expert here, I just stayed at Hilday Inn Express last night.