What do you do before a Big Competition like the London Marathon?

I’ve been coaching lots of clients this week, mentally & physically, with the taper towards the London Marathon,

Many of them have discussed how they suffer ‘taperitis’…. feeling niggles, illness, fatigue and numerous other things. And if things are going well, they almost find or make a problem, for a safety net, in case things don’t go to plan. Madness really, but what so many of us do to keep ourselves safe. Preventing you from the fear of failure, and limiting your true success…. so,

As you think about your big competition…. and by big, it could mean anything, your first 5km, or a ‘big’ championship event, perhaps a job interview, buying a home….. anything really that feels big right now…. what comes to your mind? Fear, Success, Excitement….?

I wonder… Do you remember your WHY? Why do YOU want to do this competition or goal to happen, why does it really matter to YOU?

There are so many reasons for everybody’s why…. that is your motivation. Your Why is what keeps you focused, grounded and calm, it gives you motivation, courage, commitment, it’s your personal why … keep that in your mind. Keep it safe, and honour it.

The reason for wanting to do something is so personal. Make sure you always remember your why…. what you will gain from achieving your goal, what you have chosen to dedicate your time to, and how this will add value to your life.

And you know what, if it doesn’t work out, you may well still fulfill your why and more… for on the journey towards any goal, you always learn. So have courage, keep going and….

Avoid comparisons, they will only sabotage your self belief and limit your potential.

Instead I like to pause if I find myself doing comparison, and observe excellence. Observe what inspires you to become better. Observe what inspires you in someone to believe you can become better. Then decide, is it worth the cost, in time, energy, wealth, focus and balance… to put that level of commitment in, to become that level of excellence? If the answer if yes…. commit. If it’s no, let it go and respect their excellence.

Finally, as you head towards your big goal or competition…. prepare.

Prepare your mind and body. For you. For what works for you.

And don’t change what works, unless you have experimented before a competition, and know that it works for you.

Eat good, fresh, quality food. Food that balances your energy, and gives you what you need for the competition you are doing. It will be very different if it’s a marathon or triathlon, to an extreme adventure to a stage show.

Plan this with your travel, if you are flying, staying in hotels, have several days of competition. All this will affect your performance. Stay hydrated, sleep. And if you can’t sleep, rest. Quietly and relax.

And I know, I know… there will be nerves. But you know what, they matter. Nerves are there, because what you are doing matter’s to you (remember you why…)

Yet, its the disproportionate nerves that are not so helpful. So breath in what you want to feel, calm, confident, relaxed… and breathe out what you don’t want to feel. And the additional nerves, bank them for later as stored up energy in your muscles, trust me, it works….

I would love to know what helps you prepare for a big competition, goal or event….

And whatever it is, 100% remember to enjoy every moment, relax and know that, whatever the outcome, you will have done your best 🙂

Do Tweet me @kimingleby & @iamactivbod #feelgood

ps. check back for my next blog about what I’m preparing for on 8/9th May that’s making my nervous and why….. and what to do in November 2015?!