Emily Mason’s World Championships Diary

BALTIMORE, Md., USA, July 21. TAPER isn’t always the easiest thing in the world. Sure the yardage and intensity of workouts go down, but emotions tend to rise. For me, I always wonder am I doing too much on the long days, or am I doing to little on the short days.

One of my biggest challenges is remembering to trust myself and especially my coach. As a swimmer I think it is so important to recognize your coach always has your best interests in mind. You aren’t supposed be swimming your best times during taper, just at the end of it.

Today, however, was a good day for me. My set of 100s fly went well, descending from a 1:07 to a 1:05, to a 1:04. For now, my taper blues and I are satisfied. Tomorrow we leave for Montreal in the afternoon, and I have to pack up all my junk. I am feeling ready to go.

A member of the Tucson Ford Swim Club, Emily Mason is representing the United States in the 200-meter butterfly at the World Championships in Montreal. At the 2005 NCAA Championships, the University of Arizona swimmer won the 500-yard freestyle and placed second in the 200 fly and 400 individual medley. She’ll provide SwimmingWorldMagazine.com with regular diary entries through the conclusion of the World Champs.

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