This is it

You are supposed to train like it is competition and compete like it is training. The idea behind this simple gem is basically fool your brain so you can relax and get it done. I have never really understood this truth until two weekends ago in Cleveland.

My Theatre on Ice team was in Cleveland to do our Choreographic Exercise and our Free skate. We were not only competing for National ranking but a berth on the US team to go to Nation’s Cup in Spain. No pressure right… Oh, did I mention that they were only going to send 2 adult teams to Nation’s Cup. So if we wanted to go, we needed to win. No worries, the reigning champions had only won the event EVERY year!! Oy

I was way nervous all year. I am the lowest level skater on the planet trying to skate with superb skaters. I fake so many steps I am not sure I did one sequence as choreographed. Lol.  So I spent the better part of the year just hoping I could blend in. Then add to that the actual pressure of competition and our chance to represent the US internationally. Yay, I was a little stressed.

My coach told me it would be fine. Competing with the team is not nearly as stressful as solo competition. I could only hope she was right as it was way too late to change my mind. And like most sage wisdom offered by coaches, she was, in fact, right! 

I stepped onto our practice ice and took a deep breath. Then I took a few more. I just told myself to let go and get it done. Even with all my faking, I did have muscle memory. I found myself going through the routines just like I do at home. Since I gave it my all at every practice, this was not a bad thing. 

In fact, it was great! The trick worked.  By the time my mind re-engaged we were seconds away from our second skate being over in the actual competition. I got through 3 practices. I competed 2 events. 5 times on the ice without sheer panic overwhelming me. My body just acted like it was a practice.  My mind relaxed. Dare I say it, it was actually fun! 

When I realized it was over, I was so amazed. I had done it and enjoyed it.  This was it. This was all that hard work coming together. This was the wisdom of practicing like competition coming true for me. I love it when you are smart enough to listen to the wisdom around you!

What about you? Have you found some old gem to be true recently? Ever you amazed at just how true it was?