final Summer Nationals notes
Jul. 13th, 2009 09:15 pmIf you read my posted Tweets you have a complete, if rather bullet-pointy, account of how Div III went. Needless to say I was pleased with the day, but even more so with my headspace than with my performance in terms of touches made, bouts won.
Best thing I did for myself was eat and sleep healthy the night before and have all my gear and "strip side bag" prepared the night before. All I had to do in the morning was dress and take everything to the car. No shoving water bottle and pen into bag last minute or wondering if I had all my equipment - saved me a lot of anxiety.
Also got there early and "parked" my gear/had my foot bandaged, so no rushing about last minute to warm up or find a place to be.
All this logistics prep helped me keep my mind on what I was about to do/was doing. I stayed focused and alert, and kept moving even when I was short of breath and tired.
Yesterday was a glimpse of the headspace I want and need to be in to really perform. The physical stamina and strategy will come with time if I can just retain that clarity!
The knowledge that adequate prep saves me a ton of worry is also something I can use outside of the strip - work, travel, whatever.
Speaking of off the strip: my regular practice and competition will resume, but no more extra training at least for awhile. Life got out of balance there and I'd like to do other things: family is visiting this month, I've got some sewing I want to do and I'd really like to see my non-fencing friends!
Best thing I did for myself was eat and sleep healthy the night before and have all my gear and "strip side bag" prepared the night before. All I had to do in the morning was dress and take everything to the car. No shoving water bottle and pen into bag last minute or wondering if I had all my equipment - saved me a lot of anxiety.
Also got there early and "parked" my gear/had my foot bandaged, so no rushing about last minute to warm up or find a place to be.
All this logistics prep helped me keep my mind on what I was about to do/was doing. I stayed focused and alert, and kept moving even when I was short of breath and tired.
Yesterday was a glimpse of the headspace I want and need to be in to really perform. The physical stamina and strategy will come with time if I can just retain that clarity!
The knowledge that adequate prep saves me a ton of worry is also something I can use outside of the strip - work, travel, whatever.
Speaking of off the strip: my regular practice and competition will resume, but no more extra training at least for awhile. Life got out of balance there and I'd like to do other things: family is visiting this month, I've got some sewing I want to do and I'd really like to see my non-fencing friends!