Rest Day

Each year of preparation for the Season leads me to figure out something else that is important that I have been neglecting in my training. The first year I realized that the shotgun method of training doesn't work. You can't expect to do two-a-days and triples all year round and be healthy or prepared for Regionals. The Second year I realized that having the right coach is extremely important. Last year I realized that being "average" at gymnastics just doesn't cut it. This year I have realized that it is less and less about the actual workouts that I do in preparation for the Regional. It is more mental for me than it will be physical. The training works and will continue to work. I will be as prepared as anyone when it comes time to perform. I used to be convinced that it was all in the workouts we do leading up to Regionals that will give us the edge. Don't get me wrong, it is vitally important to train correctly, but for me, that is simple. I have Max. I do what he says and I know I will be 100% prepared physically for the weekend. Leaving regionals on Sunday, I was as healthy and recovered as I have been in the past 3 years. There is no doubt that the training I am doing is exactly what I need. It is the mental side that will be the difference. I need to be able to disconnect from this shit every once in a while and realize what is really important. For me, that is family. For 3 years, I have put my training in front of pretty much everything else in my life. I don't regret that, I just acknowledge that I no longer want to prioritize that way. Make no mistake, this doesn't mean that I am not going to put the effort into training like I have in the past, it just means that in order for me to be successful in this sport, I have to be able to turn my mind off and decompress a for a few days every couple months. I have done this twice since Regionals and each time I have come back more focused and hungry. Sometimes I just hold on too tight because I am always thinking about how bad I want it. I know I can compete with the guys that have been to the Games. It won't come down to my training, it won't come down to my diet, it won't come down to anything but my mental preparation. Period. I know how to eat, I know how to train, now I just need to learn how to win...and expect to win. That part, only I can change. Everyone has something that keeps them from getting on that podium, it took me 3 years to figure mine out but better late than never.