Why compete, the calm before the storm and game day. Prep for our competitors

The Southwest Fitness Throwdown is this weekend. We are sending several athletes to compete as individuals. For some, this is the first solo competition. With this competition in mind, I am going to cover topics about competitions.

Why should you compete?

Read this: http://www.liftbigeatbig.com/search?q=competition

Competition is healthy and normal. It also has potential to be a major learning experience for yourself and/or your teammates. You form bonds with teammates during training leading up to competitions and during the event itself. Post-competition is typically a pretty good time too.  Just go for it.

I may be preaching to the choir with this first topic, but I liked that guy’s blog. This post is most beneficial to those athletes going to El Paso this weekend.

The calm before the storm.

Everyone gets pregame jitters. They usually don’t go away, no matter how many times you have competed. Read this: http://www.catalystathletics.com/blog/blog.php?blogID=1745

The night before, you should do things that make you feel good and ready for the next morning. Make sure you eat a good, normal meal for you. Don’t mess with your diet the night before. It’s risky. Nurse nagging injuries, do mobility wods, and get good sleep.

While your stretching out, read this: http://www.crossfitinvictus.com/blog/the-importance-of-visualization/ It’s great to think about your competition the night before. Do your best not to get anxiety because of it. Think positive thoughts. See yourself getting that max lift. Meditate. Relax.

Game Day!

There is a 1RM thruster event at this competition. To prep, read this on how to approach a max lift: http://FletcherFitness.com/2567/how-to-mentally-prep-for-a-max-effort-w-katie-hogan-part-i/. Get in the zone. Focus on the bar. Approach the bar exactly like you have been approaching your lifts for the past several months. Routine is excellent in this case. Recite cues or sayings to psyche yourself up. Get mad if it helps.

Read this on how to approach a metcon http://traininglog5.com/blog/gaming-the-2012-crossfit-games/. Know yourself. Know where your redline is. Get through what you think you may struggle at and freaking smash what you know you are great at. Don’t be afraid to go beyond what you think you can do, but be smart about the metcons.

Stay calm, focus, let your nerves work in your favor and be smart about your workouts. I know you will all do great and represent yourselves and our box well. Good luck to everyone! Go out and kill it.