By Andy Raspin
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Previously Andy was a GB Team slalom paddler, gaining medals at World and European Championship level. He has also acted as a coach for the Canoe Wales Slalom Squad.
More than 1 month to go…
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- Physical Review – Am I where I want to be?
- Technical Review – Are all my moves/techniques working for me?
- Mental Review – Getting in the correct head space, with my progress and performances.
- Venue Review – Make sure to practice as many moves as possible at race sites.
- Make sure Race Entries have been sent and accepted.
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1 Month to go…
- Equipment Choices made and happy with choices. (Boat, paddles, clothing etc.)
- Boat should meet regulations and be in good working order.
- Accommodation arrangements made for race weekends.
- Start to practice your Race Preparations, in pre-races and also in training with Delivery Fulls.
- Start to Taper your training.
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2/3 Weeks to go…
- Stop reviewing your progress, work with what you have and deliver to the best of your ability.
- Travel arrangement to races arranged.
- Start to practice Course Visualisation of the site you will be racing at. Also be able to watch videos for specific sites.
- Pre-plan Solutions to possible race-day problems, be prepared for some eventualities eg. Race running late, paddles damaged during warm-up etc.
- Get a Start List – To plan The Day (course walks, time to change etc).
- Tapering continued.
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1 Week to go…
- Race-Day Food organised and chosen, food you like and food that works for you.
- Plan Warm-Up – site dependent, how long, type of exercises and the location of your warm-up.
- Socialising and Relaxation in the run-up can be a good way to de-stress.
- Good Sleep for the whole week running up to the race, try to avoid late nights.
- Feel Good in yourself, physically, mentally and emotionally.
- Be Ready To Race!
Andy Raspin
2016