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JOCK'S STRAPPED STOMACH
Dear Les,
I’m on my schools track team and my performance isn’t what it could be because I usually get knots in my stomach before competitions. I know that this is a common symptom of performing, but the bottom line is that it takes away from my ability to succeed and win. I’ve dealt with this issue for a long time and have tried things like deep breathing and yelling (to relieve tension) before meets, but nothing seems to work. Any different ideas?
Thanks,
Jock
Dear Jock,
Stress from anticipating the unknown is probably doing laps in your gut, triggering muscle tension and acid production that produces the feeling you described.
Have you ever tried to untie those knots with some rehearsal imagery during the days and hours prior to a competition? This technique works to reduce the element of surprise that is part of unfamiliar situations. By imagining upcoming events in as much detail as possible, we can reduce the distracting stress that builds up before and during the events themselves—even if there’s no way you can be 100% accurate.
Try this quick exercise--it’s a little like stretching your brain just as you do your muscles to get them ready for acute exertion. Close your eyes and bring into focus as many elements of your competition as possible—particulars like:
- Your running gear and how you will look and feel in them
- Teammates, competitors, spectators and others that will be around you
- The arena where you’ll be performing; the size of the track, it’s proximity to other equipment, stands, roads, buildings, etc. (visiting unfamiliar facilities, or viewing them on line, can make these imaginings even more effective)
- The moments before your take off, including when you take your starting position and listen for the starting gun
- Launching into your sprint, your stride, running, crossing the finish line and coming to a stop
Rehearsal imagery prior to presentations, theatrical performances, interviews, important conversations and even exams works, too. Imaginary practice may not make perfect, but it can make any kind of performance calmer and more focused.
If these suggestions don’t spell relief, could your coach, trainer and team physician also provide their expert advice? You’re not the first athlete who wants to clear gastrointestinal hurdles on the way to a stronger finish, and communicating your performance-enhancing mission could make you a trailblazer for teammates with similar tension.
Les
4/07
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