Being an athlete means that I need to prepare for my competitions in a way that is going to put me in a situation where my mind and body will allow me to race at my best.
Obviously hard training is of the utmost importance, but that alone simply isn’t enough. I can only wish that it was.
I want to take extra steps to looking after myself, which means leading or trying to lead a healthy lifestyle.
It’s the little things that seem so unimportant, but at the end of the day when it comes to performing, it really all does add up and mount to something.
I try to:
Get enough rest each night (8 hours) and if I don’t I have about a nap sometime before my afternoon training session or straight after my morning session.
Eat the right foods, mainly water based foods such as fruit and vegetables along with fish, chicken and steak sometimes and at all times absolutely no alcohol and no drugs for that matter.
Do yoga once a week
When I have worries or concerns on my mind, I need to talk about it to someone – get the load off. (I’m also fortunate to have access to a sport psychologist.)
Have other interests outside of my chosen discipline, a change from what I do outside of being “Cathy Freeman” including the non-running part.
This is a list, in no particular order of what is going to help me to achieve my goals and fulfil my potential as a runner.
It helps me to be a strong, confident, relaxed person too.
Cathy Freeman
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