Subject: (IM) Tapering...what tapering? Can any veterans out there share their philosophy and experience with IM tapering? (I'm racing in a few weeks )
There are competing theories embodied in some of the training schedules I've followed.
My questions really encompass the following:
1 ) How should one taper - Presumably its straight forward on the volume side. However, some people have suggested intensity reduction, while others say to enhance intensity along with the volume reduction. What do you recommend for this, and how should this change each week leading up to the event?
2 ) Composition of training - It's been suggested that I, particularly 1 week before the race, shift "training" (using loosely, as real training should already be done ) much more towards swimming, while keeping bike/run extremely light. Thoughts?
3 ) Duration of tapering - 3 weeks seems excessively long to taper. Would 1.5-2 be sufficient, or is the longer period necessary?
4 ) Dietary modification - What's the best modification to one's diet the week before the race? Do I really have to lay off the chilidogs and bacon smoothies? |