Final SCVAL Instructions

Last week I was talking to Dr. Steve Portenga, the USATF sports psychology chairman, about the best practices for athletes competing in the Olympics.  What he told me was that the biggest mistake athletes make in approaching big competitions is to suddenly try to do everything differently, because the race is more important.  Steve says this is a big mistake–in the big meet, athletes should follow the same routine that has worked for them all season.  Now is not the time to try something new.  I agree!

The SCVALs are not the Olympics.  Almost, but not quite.  The same rules apply, though:

Trust in what got you here.

So if you are competing in SCVALs tomorrow…

>>Eat a dinner tonight that is similar to what you ate the night before your best races this season.

>>Pack your race back tonight so don’t sweat it tomorrow:  Uniform, socks, spikes, spike wrench and spares (tighten your spikes tonight so you don’t have to mess with this tomorrow!), trainers, bottle for water, healthy snacks, a dry shirt and a sweatshirt for after the race, whatever else you like to have in your bag.

>>Check the schedule and make sure you are at Santa Clara AT LEAST an hour before your event.  And that is cutting it closer than I like!

>>Get to sleep early tonight!  If you are behind on homework–the standard state for MV student-athletes!–focus on what you need to get done before your Friday classes, and mentally budget time on Saturday and Sunday to catch up on everything else before Monday.

>>Drink a small glass of water before you go to bed.  Have a big glass of water when you wake up.  Sip water during the day but you don’t have to overdo it either.  Hopefully hydration is normal for you by now.

>>Have your usual competition day breakfast and lunch.  You are running later than usual so plan on a light, healthy snack in mid/late afternoon, about 3 hours before your race.  Maybe a half a sandwich and a banana, or some rice and chicken and veggies.  If you ran at Top 8 and were happy with your race, do exactly what you did that day!

>>Know your race time and be there early.

>>Warm up just like you always do.

If you do all these things just like usual, this routine should help put you in a good mental state prior to your race.  Yes, SCVALs are important–this is a big meet.  But you deserve to be at SCVALs!  You earned your spot, your place on the starting line or in the ring or on the runway did not come to you because of luck or as a gift from the track fairy!  YOU EARNED YOUR PLACE IN SCVALs!  So do what you did that got you here, and everything will be fine!

Oh, and…GOOD LUCK!

Other reminders and links:

>>Uniform, electronics and jewelry rules will be strictly enforced.

>>No warm ups on the infield.  Warm up in the area provided (field beyond the finish line end of the track).

>>Check in as soon as you arrive, and no later than 30 minutes before the event or alternates will be put in your place.  Alternates check in to see if availability exists 30 minutes before your event.  Check in at Santa Clara is usually set up under a canopy on the edge of the track, outside the oval, past the finish line.

>>Julia, Chloe, John H, Ajay, Steven, and Anand have volunteered to work hurdles for the whole meet!  See you there at 5pm, folks; your names will be at the gate, tell them you are on the Monta Vista Gate Pass list.

>>Heat list and the SCVAL meet program is here:

http://archive.dyestatcal.com/ATHLETICS/TRACK/2012/qual_pgm.pdf

>>Time schedule of events is as follows:

*Or immediately following completion of previous event

***Coaches Scratch Meeting:                  4:00pm @ Clerks Tent

**Implement Weigh-ins for:                  4:30 events        ~      3:45-4:15,  6:00 events        ~      5:20-5:45