preparing for competition

[beagstkd]

I plan on going to several sparring tournaments in the near future and have had problems in the past with my energy levels. I find I either eat too much and feel full or eat too little and run out of steam. I take snacks but somethimes it just doesn't work out to eat them or I forget while I'm watching others.

Another problem I have is I find myself so pumped up before going that when I get there and if I have to wait to compete I lose that edge.

How do you prepare the day of a tournament and what do you eat to keep at top performance levels?

[Toptomcat]

Eat a big, healthy meal sufficiently before the tournament that it's more or less fully digested when you get there. Eat a snack or two if you have to, but never eat a meal right before you get in there! If you're still feeling full by the time you step in to spar, your meal was way too late.

The best thing to keep from fading isn't something that you do the day of, but the months before: run, miles, every other day minimum.

[Jeffrey]

Like Toptomcat said but bring fruit and granola snacks. Things you can eat fast while waiting that will give you energy and not fill you up. I like apples, carrot sticks and nuts for snacks. Everyone is different but stay away from dairy products like cheese etc.

[DWx]

Sometimes stuff like eating habits are best just discovered by yourself. People can give you advice but it'll all depend on what your body wants and what makes you feel comfortable. Personally I always start they day with something slow release like porridge (although this is usually at 6am as then have to travel up to 4hrs). Then I eat little bits all day. Stuff like sandwiches and fruit. Bananas are good, chocolate biscuits too Just don't eat anything too starchy, been at a tourny where they gave the competitors lunch and then served rice and potatos... nice ploy by the hosting team.

If you can, find out roughly what time you'll bee on. Most tournaments will follow some sort of running order, like juniors first, colour belt order etc. They may even post a rough timetable. I don't even put on my dobok until about an hour before I'm due to go on but once its on thats it, I'm in competition mode. If you can separate being a spectator to being a competitor, I find it helps with the nerves as I don't even think about competing till I'm dressed for it.

[JAKEHE3078]

Trail mix and gatorade, works just fine for me. As long as I have a good breakfast in the morning, the trail mix keeps everything level without filling you up.

[beagstkd]

The best thing to keep from fading isn't something that you do the day of, but the months before: run, miles, every other day minimum.

I realize training and conditioning is most imporatant of all. I'm just trying to find the perfect blend of mind and body before a competition that isn't always there when I need it most. I'm sure everyone has had that perfect sparring match where you feel great and move flawlessly...Why or what was different from that match from one where you're just not quite all there?

[JAKEHE3078]

The best thing to keep from fading isn't something that you do the day of, but the months before: run, miles, every other day minimum.

I realize training and conditioning is most imporatant of all. I'm just trying to find the perfect blend of mind and body before a competition that isn't always there when I need it most. I'm sure everyone has had that perfect sparring match where you feel great and move flawlessly...Why or what was different from that match from one where you're just not quite all there?

When you are training to compete you should push yourself, and your training hard enough so that when you are out on the mat competing, its like a vaction from your dailiy training. Also keep in mind that when its time for competition irs business, nothing else matters, get that mindset that you have a job to do and thats your mission. If you can do that, it is easier to be in the zone (mental state)

[beagstkd]

the zone (mental state)

The zone...THAT'S what I'm looking for. Well said!

training hard enough so that when you are out on the mat competing, its like a vaction from your dailiy training. Also keep in mind that when its time for competition irs business, nothing else matters, get that mindset

I see what you mean. I tend to spar to my apponents level if I'm sparring someone I know I can beat and try to turn it up when sparring someone better. Trying to keep that higher level all the time would probably help a lot.

[beagstkd]

Well I had a tournament today and took all your advice. My energy was what I needed...wasn't in THE ZONE as much as I hoped but still placed 3rd.

Thanks.

[Scott Bolinger]

I plan on going to several sparring tournaments in the near future and have had problems in the past with my energy levels. I find I either eat too much and feel full or eat too little and run out of steam. I take snacks but somethimes it just doesn't work out to eat them or I forget while I'm watching others.

Another problem I have is I find myself so pumped up before going that when I get there and if I have to wait to compete I lose that edge.

How do you prepare the day of a tournament and what do you eat to keep at top performance levels?

eat things that are easily digestable and high in carbs. Pancakes or french toast with syrop or perservatives is fine and some juice. Stay away from things that will stay in your system a long time.