Panic: Getting in Shape for Nationals

[CuriousSwimmer]

If a few of you could please share your thoughts on this matter, I'd really appreciate it:

I recently "came out of retirement" this October and have been swimming in meets and stuff this year, and not doing too bad. Now I am signed up to go to the National meet (Indy). Here's my problem: over the past three weeks or so I've gotten busy and haven't been working out as hard. Now I feel sooooooo slow and feel like I've lost a lot. Before I was doing 2 mile workouts about 5 days a week, now I'm doing 3-4 workouts per week at a mile to a mile and a half each.

I have a meet tomorrow and know I'm gonna SUCK!

So, here's my real question: what should I do now? Should I work the next two weeks really hard and then do a one week taper? What should I be concentrating my energy on over the next few weeks? I know that I'm in this for the fitness and fun, but I am also making a special trip to go to Indy so I want to perform well too. Thanks!

[swimr4life]

What events are you swimming at Nationals?

[CuriousSwimmer]

Good question....50 yd sprints in fly, back, and breast, plus the 100 IM and 100 breast. So not too much distance.

[old dog]

How old are you?
What are your 50 and 100 times?

[waves101]

I'd concentrate on sprints and mechanics. Tell yourself you are tapering. I've learned as we age the taper can be longer so a few weeks of just cutting yardage shouldn't hurt you. Also, try swimming with fins to get accustomed to the swimming fast feel.