Photo Courtesy: Rob Schumacher/USA Today Sports Images
By Chandler Brandes, Swimming World College Intern
One word, two syllables, five letters.
Taper.
The word swimmers wait all year to hear. There’s no better feeling than walking into practice after months of hard work and hearing Coach announce that taper begins today.
Here are 29 thoughts the tapering swimmer has:
- I’ve been waiting for this all season.
- I will finally get to shave.
- I can actually feel the breeze through my leg hair.
- It’ll probably take me at least 7 hours to shave.
- Wonder if my fast suit doesn’t fit?
- I feel GREAT!
- I feel AWFUL.
- *panics at thought of Championships*
- *gets excited about Championships*
- *panics again*
- Why do I have so much energy?
- Where was this energy all season?
- I refuse to walk more than 500 feet at a time.
- *packs for meet two weeks before departure*
- I love taper!
- I hate taper.
- Why am I SO HUNGRY?
- Sprinters: Yes, only 2,000 yards!
- Distance swimmers: Yes, only 6,000 yards!
- I am so out of shape.
- If I do any more race pace my limbs are going to fall off.
- Where’s the nearest elevator?
- Coach, am I supposed to feel this weird?
- *heart skips a beat when thinking about race*
- Sorry I was late, I had to wait for the elevator.
- SO MUCH SLEEP.
- What am I going to do with all my free time after Champs?
- Wait, I’m still not going to have any free time.
- All of my hard work will be worth it in the end.
Taper includes a roller coaster of emotions. However, it’s important to know that you and your body are prepared to race at its full potential. Have confidence in yourself, and remember: trust your training, and trust your taper!
Photo Courtesy: Kelly Lennon
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