pre race training
im not a great paddler or anything, but i always try to focus on maybe a particular race that i would like to do well in.
and all of the smaller races, i still try to stay competitive, but mostly i try to focus on them and think of them as a practice.
#4 Thu, 01/01/2009 - 4:16pm
When you race, you race. When you train you train.
I don't see how you can't go all out in any race. How else are you going to find out where you are, or where you need to be.
If you think of races as practice you are just practicing not racing.
#5 Thu, 01/01/2009 - 4:51pm
I don't think its a matter of going into a race and not trying to do your best, but for a really important race you taper going into it so you're fully rested and can go to your full potential. Going into a "training" race, maybe no taper or less of a taper. You're not going to be at 100% of your potential, but the workout will contribute to your "important " races when you do taper properly.
#6 Thu, 01/01/2009 - 5:00pm
Look at 'Q & A with Karel Jr' on Mindy Clark's outrigger blog.
For conditioning I go on the canal. Technique is always my main interest - how to paddle better, how to read the ocean better, how to be efficient.
I don't do anything different before a race because a rest would mean that I can't paddle. I rather give up a little on performance in a race than not paddle for two or three days. Different for 20 miles plus races. Just as Jibofo says.
Some extra weights or CV 3 or 4 days before the race seems to give an extra boost.
#7 Thu, 01/01/2009 - 5:18pm
Tapering is not a matter of not paddling, its cutting back on the amount of paddling. If you're used to 2 hour paddles, you'd cut back to 1 hour. Keep the intensity, just less time.
#8 Thu, 01/01/2009 - 5:07pm
Very true, however ultimately you must do what works for you.
Running hills is good, also speed work.
#12 Thu, 01/01/2009 - 6:28pm
In the Q & A Junior recommends to take off an entire week regularly. Kind of surprising. I think that I do remember that he said that he does other work outs during that week, just no intense paddling.
#14 Thu, 01/01/2009 - 7:18pm
Cycling weeks and changing up work-outs work for a lot of folks in all competitive sports. Gives the body time to re-charge.
#15 Thu, 01/01/2009 - 7:35pm
My brother told a young lady at the club write a list of the things you do for paddling. and the ones you hate.... do them moor. and for her it was running and distance paddles. she did very well after fallowing that advice.
I really enjoyed the Q & A with Junior on Mindy blog . I especially liked his phrase ( get back to basics. )
#16 Thu, 01/01/2009 - 8:12pm
Just curious how guys train a week or two before a race. Sprints and or distance?? Does anyone who plans on doing outer island races really prep for the local races or just focus their training for the big race and just use the local races for training?? Just trying to see what others are doing.
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