The Taper

Coaches obsess over the taper because it is one of the few things we directly control. Like rigging, a proper taper before a big race can make a difference between victory or failure.

Ever seen a coach who's launched all of his crews? All boats are out, nothing to mess with. It's kind of sad, really. That coach has done everything he can to get the crew ready and now must wait for the results.

That's kind of the situation I find myself in now. The taper has been planned and executed. There isn't anything I can really do at this point. Everything is in the hands of the oarsmen. All I can do is wait, and bake cookies.

If I've done this right, the boys will have the greatest energy level possible on Saturday morning. If I've "missed" they'll feel ok, but just a little "off" or "rusty." And at this point, there is nothing I can do to change the situation. One day before the event is too late to make any changes in physical preparation.

The only workout remaining is the "swing-pop." Much like the paddle over a race course before a regatta, tomorrow's workout is almost like a pre-game shoot around for a basketball team. They'll warm up, then paddle for twenty minutes, taking power tens every four minutes at their goal pace. Nothing more, nothing less. The idea is to visualize going that fast for 2000 meters and find a comfortable rhythm during those power strokes.

I'm looking forward to Saturday. It will mark the real end to true "winter" training. From there, we'll be doing practices focused on getting to the water. I hope the guys do as well as I think they can, because it will really validate all the hard work they've put in over the last three months and show them exactly how far they've come in their fitness.

One more thing: save that energy, guys. It's the taper. Don't do anything to waste that edge. Drink your water to hydrate, and if you're up this late reading this post, GO TO BED!!!!