By Lance Watson
Oct. 11, 2007 -- A key to success at an important race is creating an environment that is comfortable for you. One of the challenges is that if it is a new place, often you can be out of sorts for a day or two until you get your bearings. This can take energy away from your race and add stress to your taper. It's good to travel early. Most top athletes in come in at least 10 days early or before that so they can settle in.
The Ironman in Kona is the "A" race for just about everyone here. With that comes some (often self-imposed) pressures. I do notice each year that many athletes will travel with their own little support networks and that is a great idea. Chris Lieto and Lisa Bentley, athletes whom I coach, often will bring their own massage person or physio. People that are familiar with what they need to get their body primed for the big day. They also bring their favourite training partner. Lisa is training with Craig Alexander. Chris is training with his brother Matt Lieto. If this isn't an option, you can do some research or talk to experienced athletes about who is good for massage, ART, or physio, and booking appointments ahead of time also helps. Try and learn where the grocery store, coffee shop, bike shop and pool are ahead of time. This contributes to creating a comfortable, stress free environment.
One thing that is really cool about coming to Kona is that, even more so than with other races, you will meet moms and dads, brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunt and uncles, second cousins, etc. As a coach, you really get a sense of all the people who are a big part of that athlete's success. Absorb their love, and feel their support. One word of advice though: try and lay some ground rules ahead of time. You might decide you want to limit talk about the race. You might not want to hear 10 times a day "how are you feeling, how are you going to do?" You might want some personal space during the day. You may want to avoid organizing group dinners of 10 people every night.
There is nothing better than having a good group of people behind you on race day. Try and remember the hard work you did getting ready and not to be a tour guide for your loved ones. Pre-determine your limits to limit your pre-race stress! Most people will understand!
Check in this week for more coaching insights at Ironman in Hawaii.
You can find other Kona reports from Lance
HERE.
LifeSport coach Lance Watson is in Kona as the Official Coach of Ironman. He has coached 16 Ironman wins. To learn more about LifeSport or to start on a great coaching journey, contact Coach@LifeSport.ca, or visit www.LifeSport.ca.