A proper taper is one of the keys to a great performance. It is the final piece to the puzzle as it relates to training for a triathlon (or any race). If executed properly, the taper phase will allow your body to heal up, absorb fitness and be fresh for race day.
Have you ever finished a race and felt like your results did NOT reflect your current fitness and overall training efforts? Below we will discuss what, why and how to taper like a pro.
RTA coached athletes are regularly scheduled to undergo performance testing. Tests in each discipline are incorporated into their triathlon training program. These tests are a critical part of triathlon training. They help measure progress (or lack there of) and allow us to reset training parameters for workouts. Ultimately the results closest to race day help us establish a realistic race execution plan with pacing strategies & time goals.
At RTA Triathlon, our professional triathlon coaches understand the importance of regular testing in all three disciplines. Every 5-8 weeks we schedule our athletes to perform basic tests in each discipline. These tests act as a measuring stick and are used as a bench mark to elicit continual improvement and eventually to help set realistic targets for race day.
Not only do test results act as a form of extra motivation and encouragement for our athletes, but as coaches we use this data to prescribe specific workouts for the weeks to come. Each athlete has specific needs and react differently to different workouts and training load.
Needless to say, it’s impossible for test results to ALWAYS come back favorable. However, when an athlete gets less then optimal results, it provides an additional opportunity for our coaches and athletes to roundtable and re-look at what they have and/or have not been doing. In most cases, we are able to make small changes to get their future test results on track and ultimately have them fully prepared on race day.
Guest Post by RTA Club member, Larry C
Last week RTA had their first Team Race of the year in St. Petersburg, FL. About 12 club members made the trip to Florida to race the iconic St. Anthony’s Triathlon and kick off the 2017 season.
Because I always enjoy reading race reports from others, I decided to write my own.
This report is a summary from my own eyes.
I tried to keep it short.
