Winter months in canoe slalom are hard. Even when the weather isn't record-breakingly cold, the frozen mornings and black night sessions can make it seriously difficult to create a '100%' attitude. Everything takes just a bit more energy, and as soon as you're physically exhausted it can be difficult to remind yourself why you are there.
I guess part of what gets me on the water every day is knowing what the return will be. The immediate return is physical and mental satisfaction. I am confident every time I get in my boat I will learn or become aware of something new. When the temperature drops and my hands start to hurt, I know that I am building a layer of resilience that very few people are lucky enough to have an opportunity to build.
It's easy to talk about learning new things when sessions are going well - when sessions are going in the wrong direction, or you can't seem to turn on the speed, it can begin to feel like you're going backwards. Added to the dark evening sessions and freezing water, motivation can take one look and run screaming for the warm changing rooms.
Finding ways to keep yourself motivated between sessions is a very personal routine, and it can keep changing through an athlete's career. At some points in my paddling, it has been about reminding myself how far I have come from the beginning. Other times it can be remembering the feeling of sitting on a start line, and being absolutely happy that I have done everything physically and mentally possible to create a good run. Right now, it is about the future, and where I will see myself in four years time. When you look at long term goals, it is easy to zoom out too much and be drawn into a fantasy about the ultimate dream. But when I can connect the dream with the day, and the day with the session, it becomes about the exact moment that I decide to get into my boat and paddle.
It's easy to talk about learning new things when sessions are going well - when sessions are going in the wrong direction, or you can't seem to turn on the speed, it can begin to feel like you're going backwards. Added to the dark evening sessions and freezing water, motivation can take one look and run screaming for the warm changing rooms.
Finding ways to keep yourself motivated between sessions is a very personal routine, and it can keep changing through an athlete's career. At some points in my paddling, it has been about reminding myself how far I have come from the beginning. Other times it can be remembering the feeling of sitting on a start line, and being absolutely happy that I have done everything physically and mentally possible to create a good run. Right now, it is about the future, and where I will see myself in four years time. When you look at long term goals, it is easy to zoom out too much and be drawn into a fantasy about the ultimate dream. But when I can connect the dream with the day, and the day with the session, it becomes about the exact moment that I decide to get into my boat and paddle.
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