Adam Nelson in action US Open (© Getty Images)
With two weeks left in the season, there's not a lot that I can do to improve. All the hard work is over and now it's time to have fun. There's nothing like the thrill and excitement which surrounds a championship calibre competition.
I'll arrive in Paris for the Grand Prix Final on Wednesday morning. This should give me ample time to adjust to the time change. Also, it will give me several days to focus on what I've got to do to prepare mentally. I'm looking forward to this competition. I've never competed in Paris, but I've always heard great things about the crowds in France.
The throwing events are a strange combination of strength, technique, and mental focus. Finding the appropriate strength level is the easiest of the three. To put it simply, I want to be strong enough to keep my confidence high. Technique can come and go. Sometimes when my technique waivers a little bit I'll try and fall back on my strength. This is not a good idea for any prolonged period of time. Fortunately, technique tends not to be a major issue at this time in the season. Mental focus is probably the most difficult to maintain over a NINE month season, which is why I work on it daily.
In preparing for the final two competitions, I've spent a great deal of time on my mental preparation. It's important for me to know exactly what my expectations are for a competition and what it will take for me to accomplish them. That's what I'll spend a lot of time doing over the next week. Boxers talk about not walking into a fight with their eyes closed. This is no different.
Just a little advice to the fans in Paris, keep your eyes on the infield when the big guys take to the ring. And a little more advice for the officials in the landing area, give yourself a little extra space when I step in the ring. I'm ready to throw something HUGE!
It will be a great day to throw far.
Adam
