Coaches update
High Tides Families,
Entries for the MAC meet in Alexandria on Feb 22-23 will be closed and final as of tomorrow evening (Feb 12 at 7:00 pm) Current entries are posted on our website (here). Let me know as soon as possible if there are any changes, additions or errors in these entries.
February marks the end of our regular season, and the last day of practices for swimmers not advancing to a championship meet will be Thursday, February 27th.
Taper --
During the last 2-3 weeks leading up to the target meet, we will decrease volume while increasing (or maintaining) technique work and intensity. These changes in training will result in a rested state that should produce increased energy and faster swims at our target meet! This effect is more evident (pronounced) in older, more seasoned swimmers, and the plan is adjusted for these psychological/experiential differences. I have talked with many of the swimmers about which championship meet they should be targeting, and will continue to adjust taper training for each group to achieve the maximum effect. Along with the rest, to optimize what we expect to get out of the taper, all of our athletes should take special care of their sleep habits and nutritional needs.
Added drag. Our older swimmers are accustomed to wearing drag during their high school end of season. This may increase load levels in swimmers that are training at high volumes and intensities, and accentuate the effect of rest, but tend to negatively effect stroke technique and have minimal load response in younger swimmers. All Gold 2 and Platinum swimmers are encouraged to wear extra drag during taper, and our Gold 1 swimmers have the option, But I will remove drag from any swimmer that looses good work habits or technique from this adjustment.
I have a similar position with Tech suits. There is very little added physical advantage for an age group swimmer to wear a technical suit. The greatest gains we will see from our 12 and younger swimmers will come from executing their race plan (focus), and good stroke technique. In fact, starting in September 2020, no 12 and under swimmers will be allowed to wear a Tech suit in any swim meet. I am including a link on our webpage from the most recent Splash Magazine explaining USA Swimming's position and upcoming rule. High Tides 12 and under swimmers should not be wearing Tech Suits!
Carb Feed --
High Tides will be hosting a carb feed at Qdoba on Tuesday, February 25th from 6:30-8:00 PM. This is a come and go event for swimmers so once practice is done head over to Qdoba for for some friendship and food! All High Tides swimmers are welcome to attend, we ask that you RSVP by Tuesday, February 25th, 10 AM, so we can turn in the most accurate count. Use this link to sign up. The cost is $5 per swimmer and will be collected when you arrive. Milk will be provided by the club. Any other drinks will need to be purchased off the menu at your own cost. Parents are encouraged to stay and eat as well but are responsible for their
own meals and must order off the menu. Let's kick off MRC week with a fun team outing!
“Self-discipline is often disguised as short-term pain,
which often leads to long-term gains.
The mistake many of us make is the need and want for short-term gains,
which often leads to long-term pain.”
