With the Open practically upon us, I brought most of the Power and Grace team down to test and see where we are in prep for the next 5 weeks. Turns out we’re in good shape. Spending time with the team down in Florida was not only a needed “traincation” for them but a great opportunity to assess all the work we have been doing on them over the last 6 months. Getting to train with each other and then later hang with each other over the course of the week was not only good for their training this close to the Open but also good for their morale.
Sometimes we get into the monotonous grind of daily training and we lose sight of why we love our sport so much. We lose the love for competition and the love for the camaraderie found with other athletes. Trips like this past week are, for most athletes, a necessity to re-ignite desire, passion, and an enjoyment of the sport again. The purpose of the trip was dual purposed to that end. It’s important that athletes feel good about their training, their growth, and their goals heading into a big competition. For Power and Grace that means establishing the kind of confidence that will carry them through the Open. This week was exactly that.
This principle holds true for all athletes. Do things to step out of the monotony of daily training and get around environment and athletes that will spur confidence and excitement for upcoming competitions. This is why weightlifters always have camps or training days together when they are close to major competitions. It generally gives them the confidence and energy to finish the cycle well and compete well. Do the same for you or your team as you get ready for your next big competition.