Competition Anxiety by Drew Ginn (12 March 2007)

Been meaning to bring this one out for a while.

Drew Ginn on Racing Anxiety (12 March 2007)

[..] some of the strategies that I (i.e. Drew Ginn) use to prepare and deal with racing anxiety.

• Develop a routine, but be adaptable and flexible


• Take time to enjoy the build up to the race


• Go for a walk and enjoy taking in the sights and sounds around you


• Visualise the race and run through your race plan, but don’t dwell on it


• Give your self plenty of time to go to the toilet, a few times if needed


• Make sure your system is up and running on land and on the water


• A few deep breaths at specific times always helps


• Remind your self why your there and look forward to being the best you can


• Let go of the result and focus on the process that will enable you to perform

Drew indicates the Racing Anxiety post was his most popular blog post.

Somehow the following photos seem right for me.

"Visualise the race and run through your race plan, but don’t dwell on it" Drew Ginn
Boat and Oar - Cooks River / Tempe - Sat 01 Sep 2001 (picasa)
"Go for a walk and enjoy taking in the sights and sounds around you" Drew Ginn
Jenny and Joanne - Glen Coe / Scotland - Sep 2005 (picasa - from this post)
"Let go of the result and focus on the process that will enable you to perform" Drew Ginn
Geoff - post 200m Senior Open Final "letting go" - Racice/Prague 2009 - 28 Aug 2009 (picasa from here - photo by Lisa)