Nerves & Joey
Even though I have been skating VERY well recently, off the ice I have become quite anxious about the upcoming Olympic trials. Almost reaching that mythical state of “worried sick”. I don’t listen to music anymore driving to workouts, if certain songs come on, it feeds the butterflies in my stomach, and they start acting up.
If you have ever met me in person, you know I talk a lot (and that’s an understatement), but when I am truly deeply upset, oddly enough I submerge & don’t say anything, and if I must speak, it’s in a monosyllabic whisper. In fact, last night, I was stressing out so badly, I even went stone cold silent on Jessica, she is a trooper for putting up with me.
A few days ago, Olympic bronze medalist Joey Cheek told me a story about one of his own experiences with pre-race nerves. It made me laugh at the time, and still does, humor can be a powerful antidote to stress..
At practice today, I asked him to repeat the story for all of you.
Take it away, Joey!
Filed under: Audio/Video
Hey Andrew,
That’s a great story, but since you already wear glasses, I wouldn’t suggest that one piece of advice from Joey. I usually would listen to him, not on this one. hahaha Just remember to relax, that you have all of the ability in the world to break into the 36’s and even if you don’t do it next week, you’re still the same person inside, and in the end, that’s really what matters. If you have to change your soul to be a better skater, or an Olympic berth changes your soul, is it really worth it?
Hi, Andrew
Do you remember me? I have been in the military for about 3 months. All the training there makes me forget everything I learned in college, including the English.
You are a great skater and I belive you. (what sould I say to tell you that I believe you will do a great job in Olympic trial?)
Good luck in the trial
CHIH-WEN CHEN
Hey, Andrew, you are really doing a great job with this site. As a former speedskater I enjoy reading your entries.
Good luck with your personal goals!!!
Skate with passion!
Markus
i think this story would be funnier if joey told it in a heavy irish accent.
Seeing one poke their eyes out with the earpiece of their eyewear is a spectacle to behold! Just be sure to not let that be the focal point of your experience of the O.T.’s.
Your focus should be to skate your 500. When you are finished, look up at the reader board to see your time of 35:38. Time is of the essence; now it is your time!
Joey is such an encouraging and uplifting person. He coached slideboard at an inline clinic I attended and I was so impressed at the confidence he instilled in all of us. Of course I did break my collarbone the next day but at least I didn’t poke my eye out.
Andrew, Eleanor and I have been sending much positive energy your way! We will be in Lake Placid during your magnificent moment, all because of your enthusiasim and encouragement. As an aisde, we will also be cold, and we blame you for that as well.
Last minute tip.. be the bullet out of the gun.
Hey Andrew,
Great blog and congratulations on “doing what you set out to do”: Skate the big time. Keep us posted - but stay out of the pain cave and if you do submerge into it the re-emergence only makes a person stronger.
[…] Joey has appeared on this blog several times, both in a ZEN 10 Interview, and a video blog I recorded just before Olympic trials, about nerves and racing. Here is a goofball picture of Joey I took, he […]