Are you ready for Game Day?
Written By ShaNay M. Norvell
2 time Obstacle Course Champion
Member of the A-TEAM XTREME
You have spent the past weekends
and some weekdays tirelessly training for your next obstacle
course competition. You have learned the best way to attack the
wall, decided whether you are going to flip over the cargo net (or
not), and learned to keep your momentum through the ladder bars.
You have bumps and bruises strategically placed on the inside of
the arm, on the back of your leg, and of course a scuff or two on
the front of the shin right? Don't worry a bruise is considered
a cost free accessory for the physique round so you will fit right
in. Other than your bruises you are feeling pretty well prepared
.but are you ready for game day?
What is game day?
Game day is the day of any competition, be it a Body Building, Fitness,
or in this case Obstacle Course competition. This is the opportunity
to put your skills on the line and see where you rank amongst fellow
competitors and peers. Clearly, this is a big day and like any test
day you want to be prepared to ensure optimum results and finish
saying "I did my best." To achieve this you must prepare
for the following phases: Before take off, Upon Arrival, and Game
Day.
As
an Obstacle Course Champion I have learned that strategy and planning
is the key on and off the course. These three areas will help you
perform at your optimum level, avoid excessive stress and help you
to enjoy yourself along the way.
Before Take off
This
begins ultimately when you decide to compete in a competition. And
you start you travel, hotel, and requested time off arrangements.
This may be the most crucial time. .
ADD AN EXTRA TRAVEL DAY - this allows for
rest and travel ease. This also removes you from your day to day
activities early to alleviate any excessive hassle. This is not
realistic for everyone but if you have the opportunity take it.
This will also allow time to adjust to the contest environment before
other competitors arrive.
REVIEW ALL ITENARARY - This includes airline
departure/arrival time, competition schedule, and hotel check in
& checks out times, venue, airport shuttle service, and distance
from airport to hotel. Pack all schedules, tickets, contest registration
forms, fees and lists in special folder and place in your carryon
luggage.
EXCHANGE INFORMATION - Get hotel location
and cell phone numbers of coach, trainer, and teammates before you
leave home. Contest anxiety can cause you to confuse even your home
number.
SURVEY HOTEL - Call ahead of time or look
at hotel website to check hotel amenities. No need to drag a microwave
if the hotel restaurant will warm your food up for you.
PACK & INVENTORY - Pack all necessary
items 2 days before departure. This allows time for laundering,
dry cleaning, and last minute purchases. Remember to all of the
equipment and items you use during practice and rehearsals. Complete
an inventory least as you pack so items can be easily accessed during
competitions. It is easy to allow nerves to let you think you forgot
something. The list will reassure you and ease anxiety attacks.
Also pack an additional bag to carry items that will need to go
to the actual site of the competition. Place all competition suits,
shoes, and competition music. These are the hardest to replace if
luggage arrival is delayed.
Upon Arrival
ENJOY THE VIEW Take in all of the
sites on your path from the airport or train station to your hotel.
Take special notice of supermarkets, stores, and a place to celebrate
you competition upon completion.
PHONE HOME Call family and/ loved ones
and let them know you arrived safe and sound. They may be just the
voice you need to soothe those jitters.
TOUR HOTEL Familiarize yourself with surroundings,
inquire about meal times, and late check out options.
CONTEST REGISTRATION All necessary items
should be in your special pre-packed folder. Arrive to registration
on time which is at least 10 minutes before scheduled start time.
This will avoid long lines for weigh in and allow you to ask any
questions and hear the questions of others. Be sure to note course
and routine practice time, transportation to course and competition
time, and length of time to practice. Registration is also prime
time to see your fellow competitors, teammates, and friends. You
will want to chat so you can get it all out of the system in order
to focus on Game Day.
WALK THROUGH If you are lucky the walk
through is the day before. Run hard just as if it were practice
right? WRONG! Even if it is the day before you don't want to unnecessarily
wear yourself out. Familiarize yourself with the course and competition
stage. If there is an obstacle or floor you have never practiced
on by all means go for it. However, this is not the time to: mimic
the gal who just flipped over the net, hurdle when you have practiced
the dive roll or to change a routine just because someone is using
your song. Use this time to see the differences and similarities
to what you have practiced. Take a moment to mentally adjust and
move on.
REST Get two wakes up 15 minutes apart. ( better to be safe
than sorry) Get in the bed even if you are not sleepy. Use visualization
or journaling to ease your nerves and relax your mind. You are more
prepared at this point than you think
Game Day
BREATH Start your day with a cleansing
inhalation and exhalation and long stretch while still in bed. Make
it slow and controlled. If you practice Yoga or Pilates then go
through some of the invigorating postures and movements to the blood
flowing.
PRAY/MEDIDATE/SELF TALK Make your claim
to your creator and/or speak or write out your goals "To complete
the course", "To present well in Physique Round"
"To walk away as the Champion" Stake your claim and make
it happen!
EAT Have what you would normally eat during
hard practice days. You need energy to complete the course so feed
the machine. Don't be fearful of the physique round. If you have
followed a smart plan you will not ruin it with a smart breakfast.
Think of the items that make you feel energized and light and enjoy.
ARRIVE EARLY Go to the competition site
at the earliest possible time. Stake out reasonable space for you
to feel comfortable during waiting time. Avoid high traffic areas
and spots close to food vendors.
FOCUS This is your time. Bring headphones,
a book, and sunglasses, whatever it takes to keep your energy positive
and on you. This is not the time to ask for training ideas or give
training techniques. Your coach, teammates, and training partners
have done their part. It is now up to you to make it happen. Use
this time to visualize your self at the starting line, moving instantaneously
with the sound of the gun, attacking every obstacle with precision
and finishing with the ability to say "I did my best."
SET GO This is what you have been waiting
for. Approach the line with confidence, positive self talk and make
it happen. Acknowledge your opponent, take your mark and explode.
Now, ARE YOU READY FOR GAME DAY?
For questions or information on preparing
for obstacle course competitions contact ShaNay Norvell via email
at perpetualmotion4@aol.com
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