Competition Prep: Support System
SUPPORT SYSTEM
It is important for you to understand yourself before, during, and after prep. Are you naturally a moody person? Understand that your natural characteristics are amplified under stress, and can be even more exacerbated by the duration of a prep. Know your physical/mental limitations, your need for human interactions, your want to succeed and what you are willing to sacrifice to achieve that goal.
Having an understanding support system can be as important as your diet, workout plan, and supplements. Your support system in prep is commonly the support system you have in life; family, friends, significant other, and your coach. Let’s explore some of these common players in a support system and things to consider when communicating with them and some recommendations to strengthen those relationships rather than destroy them during your prep process.
COACH
Your coach is guiding you but you need to keep the lines of communication open and you need to take ownership of your role in the prep process. When working with a coach request a road map for the duration of your prep. This road map will create a clear picture of what lies ahead and can help you identify times where you may need more help or isolate yourself from others to retain your energy.
FAMILY & FRIENDS
Be transparent about your motivations to participate in competition prep, what it looks like, and how they can support you. Use productive language and break down what the prep will look like. People can only understand and help when they know the totality of what's going on. If you're irritable and the people around you have no clue you're doing two hours of cardio with no carbs and half your normal calories, don’t be surprised if people don't want to be around you.
SIGNIFICANT OTHER
Communicate your coach’s roadmap with your significant other. Plot out times that you can spend time together and put them on the calendar and explain the times where you might want to consider to isolate. Your cheat meals or higher calorie days are days to be spent with the one you love over a nice meal, and not just you eating chicken and rice out of a tupperware. On the flip side when you need to isolate or have alone time explain that it is not personal but more part of the process.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Consider your motivations for competing.
Is your lifestyle conducive to competing?
Know your training split and rest days. Spend your rest days with your significant other.
Take the time to know your high and low days for calories and or carbs and adjust accordingly.
Communicate with your support system what you are going through and your motivations to keep going.
Express how your support system brings value to the success of your prep.
Understanding the side effects of the supplements & diet you are following.
Work with a therapist who understands the side effects of the supplements & diet.
Listen to your body.
