You train hard for your sport. You are dedicated, motivated, and driven. But what happens when that drive starts to feel overwhelming, or you start to feel like everything has to serve a function to make you better? There is a lot of misinformation out there about how to fuel, how to train, and how to even BE an athlete. It can be challenging to sift through what will actually help you perform, versus what will hinder your goals.
A lot of the athletes I work with have started out in similar ways: just wanting to improve for their sport. They may have increased practice time, or started cutting out certain food groups, or missing out on social opportunities because it would mean interfering with their next workout. Or they may have started meticulously counting reps or miles or drills. Then, what was once a love, can turn into a chain to your performance.
As an elite athlete myself, I know what the pressures look like. I know the drive to succeed, and to win. And I also know how those pressures can sometimes derail your enjoyment of the sport.
In those moments, we have to ask ourselves, “why?” Why am I doing this sport to begin with? What do I get out of it? We have to be honest with ourselves with our response. Is it because I love the feel of the pavement under my feet? Is it because I can be fully present when I’m in the midst of a game? Is it because I love the satisfaction of landing a routine and knowing I gave it my all? Or has it shifted? Is it because I am only worthy if I perform. Or I have to burn the calories I consumed. Or someone will be disappointed in me if I don’t continue. All of these are possibilities, and worth exploring. We can work together to refocus your love of the sport, and get you set up to optimize performance and output.
