Friday 10 June 2011

More about overcoming setbacks

As I mentioned in a previous post, it seems that some athletes have an incredible ability to overcome setbacks along the way.

This interview with Steph Twell highlights just how far some athletes go to get back to full strength after major injury.  Steph broke her ankle when headed for victory in an international cross country race earlier this year.  For most this would be a career ending blow; for Steph it seems to be an inspiration to come back better than ever.  She started aqua jogging pretty much straight away afterwards, and is applying the same degree of dedication to her rehab, as she does to her training.

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/interview/rw-interviews-steph-twell/6854.html

Just over a year out from the Olympics and all the extra pressure that will place on the British athletes, this injury may even have been a blessing in disguise for Steph.  Only time will tell.

Thursday 2 June 2011

Revision Techniques

With many athletes in the middle of exams at the moment, trying to balance your studying and sport can become very demanding. Here are some tips to help you study more effectively.

The sooner you start practicing the sooner they become a routine, and make balancing your priorities much easier

· Try to summarise the topics at the end of each module or chapter. This will help you gain a better understanding and a quick review of the information covered. Think about using a diagram to summarise too.
· Active reading- take notes, underline or highlight while you are reading
· Practice drawing diagrams, using visual aids can be a valuable tool to assist learning.
· Say things aloud- self talk helps you have a clearer understanding of a topic
· Develop formula cards- word on one side definition the other

Pre-reading activities- prepare for revision like preparing for a training session. Write down what you want to achieve from the session.

Post reading activities- Condense the main points in to summaries and try to use a diagram to explain what you have covered.

Good Luck!!!