When I was approached to share an aspect of my experience in Chicago, I was inspired to share something that might be informative to those of us who, like me, love kettlebells. This inspiration came as a result of having once again received generous and invaluable information from Master of Sport Catherine Imes as well as Master of Sport Marty Farrell. I continue to be deeply appreciative that such accomplished athletes take time to share their personal experience and knowledge so that new competitors such as myself can learn and progress.

Over the last couple of days I have had the opportunity to reflect on the rich experience of competing at the WKC Championships last weekend in Chicago. One of the many reasons I love Kettlebell Sport is that it is as much a mental sport as it is physical. Each time I compete I learn something new about myself, the sport, the critical importance of technique, and how to be a better competitor. For me this competition illuminated the differences in who I experience myself to be when training in the gym as opposed to taking the platform. I am learning that there is both an art to training as well as an art to competing. The medium in which these art forms are practiced is in fact quite different.

While training in the gym I have creative control over each aspect of my training: the time of day, the music that elevates me, the individuals with whom I train, the focus of each training session, the food I draw energy from, the time I start a set, how long I want a set to be, etc. Each of these deliberate choices allow me to maintain an element of control over my training and have created an optimal atmosphere (calm, quiet, and out of the public eye) in which to learn and progress. I know how much sleep I need each night to allow my body and mind adequate rest time. For me, finding ways in which to feel in control in the midst of manipulating a 20kg kettlebell over extended periods of time have become essential to maintaining a calm and focused emotional state. Tuning into the nuances which support my training as opposed to hindering it has been essential to my success. For the majority of my training sessions I am at peace, focused, determined, playful, and optimistic. I feel as though in many ways I have begun to master the art of training.

The art of competing, however, is one which I am just beginning to understand. While in the gym I experience myself to be calm and confident, I find it extremely challenging to maintain this inner quiet and self-assurance during the long hours of a competition. Regardless of the amount of hours I have put into training and the numbers I have hit in the gym, I have found it very difficult to be a confident competitor. I love the comfort of the gym and training in familiar surroundings. As an individual who thrives on routine, I have found the unpredictable elements of competition to be quite unsettling. Traveling long distances, crowds, inconsistent meals, lack of sleep, stress, the unknown of who my competition will be and what time of day I will be taking the platform, managing my own anxiety, sustaining excitement, and preserving energy can ultimately have quite an impact on my performance on the platform.

As with many things in life, experience and self reflection have provided me with the opportunity to learn more about preparing myself mentally as opposed to just physically. Visualization, positive affirmation, self reflection, patience, and determination are all tools which I have begun to use to prepare myself for a competition. I have also begun to ask myself questions: How much energy can I afford to exert enjoying the company of my fellow competitors? Would I be better able to manage my anxiety if I distanced myself more from an event while waiting to take the platform? What types of food will sustain my energy? How do I remain calm and confident? How do I “warm-up” mentally?

Video Highlights from the World Kettlebell Club Championship in Chicago

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My hope is that in asking these questions and reflecting on the positive and negative of the experience, I will come to understand myself better as an athlete and as a person. The reality of competition is that it is grueling, emotional, vulnerable, inspiring, heartbreaking, and wonderful. Nothing is predictable or guaranteed and that is what makes it so exciting. Each time I decide to compete I know it will be an adventure, an opportunity to learn more about myself and others. That is the hidden gift in this experience––true self discovery!”

Surya Voinar-Fowler
Candidate for Master of Sport
Ice Chamber Kettlebell Girls

Related Chi: Kettlebell Sport: The Road to Competition Day Friendly Competition How Kettlebells Lift My Life A Coach’s Gold Medal? Kettlebell Tutorial: One Arm Swing