Go Fast. Don't Suck.

This is my final entry before the competition (commence panic!) so I've decided to write myself (or anyone else that is reading this) a bit of a motivational post. Back in the day, I was a barista at Starbucks and if you've ever been there during a rush you can see how hectic it gets sometimes. Every now and then a new barista will be hired and they usually ask the more seasoned baristas for advice and the answer that is most commonly given is "Go fast. Don't suck." I'm adopting this as my personal mantra for this competition. My coach wants me to skate with speed so I'll go fast. The judges want proper technique and good performance, so I'll try my best not to suck.

Going into this competition, I'm reminded about why I started skating to begin with. I know I'll never go to the Olympics and I may not even do well enough to earn a medal at this particular competition but I know I'll have fun! I'm going to meet at least five other skaters who are skating at my level and who are just as excited to get on the ice and skate their programs as I am. I'm not even thinking of them as competitors because I'm not out for blood, you know? So I don't really feel like they are my competition. My only competition here is myself and as long as I do my best and skate a program that I can be proud of, I think I'll be happy. No puppies will die if I don't make the podium, my coach won't beat me, my husband won't divorce me. Even if I get last place, I will still get more points than if I were the only competitor and got default first. So, even if I come in last, I win.

I find that I am more excited than nervous. I get to wear my club jacket for the first time at a competition and I get to hear my name called over the speakers. How fun! I get to have fun hair and make-up and see the people who love me cheering me on from the stands. I don't know, that sounds like a good time, right?

So, go out there and be the best Geisha or Spiderman (Hi Stan!) or whatever and kick some ass! Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the experience. Just being there is an accomplishment. Celebrate it :)