Why didn't you take I90 to Spokane? That's where everything went wrong.
Why didn't you take I90 to Spokane? That's where everything went wrong.
And that is going to take a few comps to figure out. In the meantime, don't beat yourself up. I never really had a good big mountain comp experience. I wouldn't sleep, would party too hard the night before, not spend enough time inspecting. And I would get pissed with how, during inspection, I would slay my line but as soon as all eyes were on me, I flailed. HARD. But skier cross was a different story and I never figure out why.Quote:
Originally Posted by BC-FLOW
The problem with reacting as you did is that competing stops being fun...and pretty soon freeskiing isn't much fun either. BC-Flow's gives good advise- the mental shit is different for everyone and some are better at it then others. The next time, travel with other people to relax a little. Or get there a few days in advance to ski the terrain and feel more at home. You have the first one out of the way, so you know the flow. Now adapt.
I saw you, bloody and all, and you did fine, especially for a first time.
Dont worry about it, live and learn. Next time you know a what to expect, can be a little more focused etc. Plus, the conditions were tough, I wouldn't have wanted to compete in that light/fog.
Props for showing up and sacking up to do it.
well that's over with, now you can get on with the rest of them!!
I have always been nervy...always. I've found, for me, that the best thing is to keep putting yourself in that situation until you're not so nervy.
It's a weird feeling, and a hard one to describe to people who haven't felt it. It's not good.
adrenaline overdose
do it a few more times and you'll get the hang of it
best part is that you got out there and did it the first time
well phill, you sacked up and did it, and you survived. just use it as a learning experience. next comp just chill, listen to some music, something to calm your nerves. don't get your heartrate up right before you drop in, that will happen naturally.
Oh, forgot to mention the pre-game / pre-show shits... typically gets worse when the available crappers are horrific or non-existant.
Its impressive that somebody your age would follow through with the whole process. That in and of itself is something to be proud of.
Anxiety/nervousness=learn meditation techniques and keep exposing yourself to similar circumstances. You'll get over it.
you must not have been high hu...
Thanks for the TR Phil even without the photos it was good to hear your report. I'm already getting a bit nervous for Squaw. I'm expecting a lot of anxiety. (I was out during the last powder day and it was like watching "Linescore" in real life) I wonder if your putting a bit more pressure on yourself because you're young. Me as an old guy, I don't have much to lose. Maybe see you at Crystal. It would be good to see you and the other Alpental guys there.
over the last few years i have raced allot, and i have learned to deal with the stress and adrenalin a bit too well. These days i have to try to get my self pumped up in the gate it ski aggressively (expect in really big races). These days i end up being too mellow and not pushing myself.
moral of the story, you will get used to it. To stay calm music really helps some people, smooth, mellow music.
"Sometimes ya eat the bar. And sometimes... well... he eats you..."
FKNA, Phill. Someone with your alleged level of talent can't help but do well eventually. As has been said about 40 times already, kudos for the effort.
so how is redmountain
ive heard it is good with steep glades
One thing I learned in Sport Psychology is that when you visualize something in your head (which is a must for all sports, or performance activities) you need to visualize EVERYTHING. Sounds, smells, sights, FEELINGS, the spectators, the birds chirping, the criticism afterwards, the chick you're going to fuck in your tiny little car--everything. Now you know what you are going to be like the next time you are in a competition. Those jittery feelings you had will be there again, just not as bad. It is important that you visualize yourself getting nervous because once the time comes you will feel like you have already been there a hundred times.
Positive "self talk" goes a long way as well when it comes to competitions. Saying things to yourself like "I can do this" and "I'm the best skier here" as opposed to "I hope I don't screw up" or "holy shit I don't know if I should be here--that gnar-rippin dude is riding it switch to the road!" has been proven to make a big difference on motivation before, during, and after competitions. If you are thinking to yourself that you shouldn't be there when you're at the top of your line, you might as well download on the chair because you have no shot (not saying that you did say that--just sayin). It's all about you--not anyone else.
hey what about red mountain how is the snow this year
i m thinking of heading out there at the end of feb
What a bump! Well off to squaw. Lets see how I do for round two...
You'll do better. Your story sounded pretty much exactly like my experience at my first J2 race. The good news is that it gets better, the bad news is that it might take a few more tries. Don't get discouraged, and do try and find what things work to keep your mind on point.
I can only imagine how nerve wracking that first big mtn comp would be...i'm sure experience will take care of that. I've always had a hard time controlling my nerves, I'd probably shit my pants standing up there waiting for my turn.
Phil if you see me there give a shout! White Aegix jacket & one of a handful of guys on some sort of Bro Model. I'll be up there on Wednesday.Quote:
Originally Posted by Phill
Phill! Say hello to your mom's ex, Kirk, for me.
Phill, when you going to be down this way?
Impressed that you did it and that you are humble enough to give an honest analysis.
don't crash phil. get french. and don't crash. and make sure to plaster stevens pass stickers everywhere.
Oh yeah, and say hello to your Mom for me!:DQuote:
Originally Posted by Greydon Clark
Good Luck!
Good post phill, and congrats for at least having the nuts to sign up. That's really the first step, it's all downhill from there on out.
Although your story was pretty much a spot-on reminder of my first NORBA national DS run ever. :) It was Mammoth, '95 I think. I got through it, but it was ugly and definitely anything but graceful. To make me look even worse, Jimmy Deaton was the guy in the other gate. Doh. :rolleyes:
What day are you getting back in town? Stevens on Presidents Day?Quote:
Originally Posted by Phill
I expect that. The competition at this one might be a little stiff ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Garrett
Will do. I'll be there wed afternoon. Green Jacket. Green skis.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tyrone Shoelaces
Kirk is showing me around. I'll make sure to give him a patchouli smelling greeting from you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Greydon Clark
i'll let you knowQuote:
Originally Posted by dk_alaskan
I would except Ian is gay and didn't give me any. I'll be up tomorrow though do you know where I can grab someQuote:
Originally Posted by Zeedashbo
ProbablyQuote:
Originally Posted by TyeStick
Who cares?
haha
If he beaters like you, no one.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dug
Don't make fun of me in front of my internet friends, you albino.Quote:
Originally Posted by TyeStick
Lots of good advice, but this sums it all up:
Comps are fun shit! At least every comp I've been to has been. That is, after I got over the nerves in the first few:D Easiest way to make it fun is to have a lot of good people there. If you don't know anyone, start talking, get a good vibe going. That helps make it feel more like a normal day riding w/ a bunch of people, even though you know everyone is still out to win.Quote:
Originally Posted by ratcliffe81
Also, when you started out saying you had some pictures of your skis with blood on them, I was expecting much worse. Glad you were able to keep it together, for the most part;)
Have the best day of your life.
(you can still do that again, you know.)