Kyle Smith

Less than 3 days to go until the 2011 Canadian Championships are underway in Calgary.  Thursday is the semi-final for the 800m which because of hitting a standard, I get an automatic bid into.  Don't be too quick to high-five me though.  There are quite a few more athletes who also get to skip the first round.  But it still means one less round, which means once less day to get tired for the finals.

Semi's are all about top 2 finishers.  There will be three heats of the mens 800m which the top 2 from each heat then the next 2 fastest times from all the heats move on to the finals.  All I read is top 2.  Anyone who knows me knows Nationals is a bit of a mental game with me.  Last year was a breakthrough year where I placed 2nd, and my goal is to improve again.

I'm already getting asked, "are you ready?" or "how are you feeling?" or "Are you going to win?"....  Right now all I'm doing is relaxing and not focusing on the race.  There will be no over-thinking, or over-analyzing this weekend.  I know what I need to do and my body knows how to race.  Giving all my energy now into planning means I'm going to be burnt out for the actual race.  You know that feeling...when you've stressed about it all week then the day actually comes and all you think is let's get it over with.

One race at a time and the race starts Thursday.  So am I ready? ......I will be on Thursday!!!