Rhi Reynolds

I wish someone, besides me, could be in my head the week before any competition. It’s usually a mess in there. The calm, elevator music and tumbleweeds are replaced by all sorts of madness: excitement, anxiety, the “what if’s”, and heavy metal. Regardless of what’s going on in there, I came to the conclusion today that I can’t let it get in the way of my performance.

I listened to an inspirational TED talk last night before bed about the importance of self-confidence. I know, I know…I write a lot about confidence. But I’m going to write about it some more! Maybe I like it! Anyway, the man lecturing in this talk was a soccer coach. He mentioned while he was in the recruitment process, many parents would mention the physical capabilities of their children and why they were superior to the other athletes. The coach mentioned skills are important, of course, but does the athlete display self-confidence upon execution?

My last heavy Clean and Jerk before my taper!

Instead of falling asleep like I am supposed to, I decided to ponder his words. Without self-confidence, you may never see the true skills of the athlete at hand. In more harsh terms, the athlete might “choke” under pressure. I took a stroll down memory lane and remembered how in my earlier meets, my warm-ups would always be solid. Then, when I walked out to the platform, it was like the bar was replaced with a bee hive (I hate bees). With more experience, I have since learned to put that aside and express a better platform presence.

But this meet is BIG for me. It is an opportunity, an experience that I will never forget. I am preparing myself to make the most of it. I have been eating super clean, sleeping a lot, and tapering like a champ. I might have a few of the weightlifting jitters, but I am more thrilled than anything. I mean, I get to lift with some badass girls! I’m going into the Spring Open with a lot of positive energy. I have to: I was first put on a waiting list, and then told it wouldn’t be opened up to a two-day event. Then, after about two weeks, I found out I was on the start list. God granted me a great opportunity here. He also gave me some skills that I have to display with self-confidence. It’s time to lift like a monster. Like a lion. Like some other creature I didn’t mention that is really strong.

I have to stay focused, and still have fun. I have to be fast and technical. I have to be strong. I have to pull on the bar like my life depends on it. I have to be a great sport. I have to walk up to the bar with controlled ferocity. I love it. And after I’m done, I’ll be hungry for more.

P.S: MDUSA will be having a live webcast of the event, so feel free to watch some great lifting on Saturday and Sunday!   3Sixty will post links on the FB and IG so stay tuned!  My session will be at 11 on Saturday and I’ll be lifting alongside Morgan King and some other awesome girls!