The week ahead: 10/22 to 10/27

As we head into the final weeks of the season, there will be lots of important information, times, and dates to keep track of.  Please be sure to read these posts thoroughly and check the blog often in case of any updates.  Thanks!

Taper Info
Those swimmers who have not achieved a state-qualifying time will be "tapering" for our Conference Meet on November 1-3.  In basic terms, a "taper" is a period of rest, the idea being that the athlete will be in peak shape and fully rested for the big meet. We will begin to back off yardage (NOT intensity) and it will gradually decrease throughout  the next two weeks.  We will also focus more on starts, turns, finishes, etc., all the small details that lead to faster swimming.  For us, this will be first evident this coming Wednesday.  Naturally, we will see a significant increase in daily energy levels, which is exactly what we want!  However, we need to store up these reserves, NOT increase other activities simply because we have the excess energy to do so.  Make sure to get as much sleep as usual, if not more, and limit other vigorous activities.  What we do outside of the pool has as much of an impact on our performance as what we will be doing in practice!  Also, it's important to note that it's perfectly normal to feel a bit sluggish for a day or two during this time as our bodies will be undergoing a lot of adaptations due to the rest.


Monday 10/22

• Practice: 8:00 to 10:30am.  
• We will be using the lockers for the competition pool.

Tuesday 10/23

• Meet HOME vs. Byron Center (Senior Night!)
• Athletes on-deck for devotions at 5:15pm
• Senior parents need to be on-deck at 6:15pm.
• Senior Night introductions will start at 6:20pm, Meet Start to follow.

Saturday 10/27

• Practice: 8:00 to 9:30am (Doors open at 7:45am)
• Compassionate Heart Service Project
• From practice, we will carpool from the pool to Compassionate Heart Ministries in Zeeland.  
• After serving, we will head to iHop.
• Once the time we're actually serving until is nailed down, I'll send out that info and we'll have a better idea of our final pick-up time.