How to prepare fro your first CrossFit competition!
There are many times athletes will ask me what to do for a competition. While everyone does have a routine they like to follow there are some standard things that you should keep in mind. The number one thing I DO suggest is to have fun! This is an opportunity to showcase your strengths and learn about your weak spots in training !
#1- Stick to what you know and currently do. If you have a favorite pair of shoes or clothes to wear, use them. Competition day is not the time to test it out with something new. Be sure to pack things you “might” need even if they didn’t state to bring it. Remember to bring t hand grips, wrist wraps, head bands, jump ropes, and any other accessories for mobility and stretching! Sounds like common sense, but you’d be surprised what people forget to bring!
#2-Your nutrition should not be different! Just like wearing new shoes is probably a bad idea, so is eating foods that you don’t normally eat. Nothing is worse than feeling sick and trying to train at your best. Stick to as close to normal “snacks” as you would a regular training day. I make protein oatmeal cakes and freeze them the night before so I have quick snacks that have protein and carbs but not overly filling. Also, the fruit applesauce packs are great for quick carbs between workouts. Above all, stay hydrated and make sure your replenishing your body.
#3-Your mind is powerful, be positive and do what you know. If you are confident going into the event and know you can hit the required weights, mentally preparing should be about strategy. Yes things do go wrong, adrenaline takes over and sometimes you do things you normally wouldn’t do. The worst thing to do is start mentally tearing yourself down before you start. Know your numbers and your plan before you start and you would be surprised. You’re even capable of beating what you “think” you’re capable of, but you have to not set such self-limiting constraints to that potential first!
#4- Take one event at a time. Focus on the task at hand, THEN start to make a strategic plan on the next one. Be smart if you are in a later heat and watch those who train before your. Know what is working and not working. If your the first heat, make your time untouchable to anyone behind you to chase it. People fail on weights they hit in practice. Life happens and sometimes you have an off day. Keep digging and as each event passes, let it go and move forward with the next.
As you can see, a lot more mental game is needed that physical when preparing for a competition. You need to stay calm and collected in training and know what your body can do. No use getting stressed over it, have fun and do what you know best- 3,2,1, GO !