Mental Preparation

As we approach JOAD Nationals, there are things we should be doing to help mentally prepare for the event. How we perform has a lot to do with how comfortable we are in an environment. Visualization is a powerful tool that can help. We've used it to whelp with our actual shooting and I've explained how our minds can't tell the difference between reality and a vivid imagination. Knowing this, we can use it to help get comfortable with being at Nationals before we even get there.

Starting now, take a few minutes each day and imagine yourself there. Try to picture the crowds of archers and spectators (families). The long line of targets. The food and equipment vendors. Then see yourself being calm and relaxed and just being glad to be there. See this as a place you feel welcomed. Almost like a home field where you train all the time. See yourself focused and shooting well each day. No stress. Just doing what you always do, shoot arrows at a target. It's even ok to picture yourself on the podium receiving medals. While I don't think you should visualize a score, you can see yourself being happy with your score and that it was good enough for you to be successful.

The best time to do this is at night just before you go to sleep. Do this every night between now and then and when you arrive, it will be less of a shock to your senses. If you've been there before, it will be a little easier for you. If not, this still works. Don't take this for granted. Always use every tool you can to give yourself the best chance at success.

Eating for Success

One of the biggest problems I see amongst  competitive archers is the lack of recognition that they are indeed athletes. Denying this fact leads them (or allows them to use as an excuse) internal arguments for not treating themselves as athletes. If you compete on a regular basis and expect the best results, you must do what it takes to make sure you are ready for the challange. One of the easiest things you can do is eat for success. You have to eat anyway, so why not choose the foods that will help you reach peak performance? Some of these foods, you may already eat. Take a look at this article...

http://triathlon.competitor.com/2013/08/photos/10-essential-foods-for-endurance-athletes_82217

Our New Home

So, I've finally chosen and begun building a new website for Precision Archery. This new website will cover everything the old website did and few new things. Most importantly, it will reflect the new structure of Precision Archery. I wanted to get this page up and running as soon as possible with some of the more basic and important information, then let it grow and evolve along the way. So don't worry if it looks a little sparse right now. The new blog allows for comments, so please feel free to add suggestions here.