Replying to Compete : be the champ

i also found this in a wakeboard mag, also worth a post, again ill change some words to make it skiing

The riders who win events are not always the most talented athletes. Back in the day, raw talent was a trait often found on the podium:however, today's pool of great riders is huge. To win takes serious work, and victory can be achieved by training your body and mind. this will ensure you reach your competition goals.
Preparing for an event includes acheiving three key goals to gaining ultimate contest-season performance. These goals can be summarized into four categories: physical,techincal,tactical, and mental.

Physical

Physical goals are most often worked on during the off-season or off the ski hill during the conest season.The gym is a great place to increase your strength, power and endurance. Be smart about it. Educate yourself on how to train effectively. Pay a trainer. You'll find that your new coach will limit your workload with barbells and squat racks and increase the movements you complete on balance boards, t-balls and on a mat. The body's core- the group os muscles from your rivs to your groin- is the single most important element to your success on the hill.To become consistent, your core must be ready for action.
Physical goals will take a toll on your body, so don't take rest and relaxation for granted. Complete the maintenace on your body by increasing your flexibility, taking time to rest and eating for recovery.
Nutrition is as important to help you reach your physical goals. If you want to increase your power, use the proper food as fuel. The best way to increase your fuel is healthy food choices.If you eat a fruit and grain breakfast, and three to four light meals throughtout the day, you will gain energy as you train.

Technical

Technical goals are easily acheived with a strong, maintained, fueled body.If you're interested in learning new tricks for the contest season, ask why you want to learn a specific trick.If you feel you need a switch mute 5, go for it. But be practical, Don't spend all your time getting your ass kicked for a trick you may never throw in a contest.
A smart rider uses a stock run to move throught heats. Consider choosing tricks you needs to complete a good pass rather than your dream tricks.The difference is winning an event versus killing it on a bluebird day with your bros.

Tactical

Tactical goals will set you apart from your competitors. You must know the rules to maximize your chances of impressing the officials with your performance. it is time to gain insight on why certain riders dominate the sport and continue to stand on the podium. Rules are not made to me broken but rather guide your tactical strategies to move you on top.As minor as equipement malfunctions to dealing with disputes, the riders who know the process will continue to perform well.

Mental

Training your mind includes gaining control of your thoughts, dreams and fears. As mentioned, the sport is no longer dominated by the talented few, rather the riders who are determined to train their bodies and minds.
Each rider's worst enemy is anxiety.Anxiety starts with doubt; you're going to fall, your competition is better than you,. Once negative thoughts create anxiety in your mind and move into your body, you are toast.
this does not need to happen. The mind is like the body- you can train it to get stronger and prepare it for situations. Weve all heard athletes or artist speak of being in the zone, but how do we get there? just like everything else: practice. Some find they need to be hyped or fully energized, others find themselves riding and performing best when they are level minded or controlled.
Take time for yourself.Relax and warm up. remember, you will make yourself a winner, not your sponsors, your friends or your new sticks. Dont rely on anything but yourself. Most of all, kepp it fun. Its no fun to go crazy with your training, but what you invest into it will return.
if you wish to perform at a high level in any sport, you must take time to prepare. You cannot control your competitors slider skills or his ability to deal with anxiety. You can only control yourself. Get to know your strengths and weakness. Train like an athlete to become your best. Most importantly, invest time and money into yourself. If your paying 50 bucks, to buy tickets, think about what that coin could do for you.
To gain the ultimate goal of performance, ask yourself what you want from the sport. If you want to become a competitor and not a beer-drinking party animal, i hope this artical helps you define who you are and why you choose tp pay 50 to 150 bucks per event.