Tiffany uses a combination of preparation, mental game and visualization to help manage the adrenaline she feels before big waves. She focuses on building a strong foundation of readiness and positive self-talk to stay calm and make good decisions in high pressure situations. Transcript: "Adrenaline, adrenaline, Tiffany has pros and cons. I think it goes a long way before I got into the big waves because obviously in the window as a huge adrenaline is going through the reef, but I like to prepare long in advance. I like to have a lot of discipline in my training and I try to mimic the big wave, environments in the swimming pool in my training. I try to visualize as the big waves, the big wipeouts, I put myself in the situation long before it actually happens and there's I like to call this like building a foundation of being prepared and when I have the strong Foundation of Readiness, when the adrenaline hits, I feel like this at lessens the impact and it helps me to still remain calm to think clearly when the pressure is on and make good decisions. So I think Like being prepared and it's a huge part. And then I think also the mental game, when I'm able to, I talk to myself all the time. So I try control the thoughts that are coming into my mind. I try for my mind with statements that are only empowering and encouraging and that also helps a lot with adrenaline."
Tiffany uses a combination of preparation, mental game and visualization to help manage the adrenaline she feels before big waves. She focuses on building a strong foundation of readiness and positive self-talk to stay calm and make good decisions in high pressure situations.
Having control over your adrenaline is important for racing and competing. To throttle up, use caffeine, an aggressive warm-up, mental imagery of a race, pump up music, clapping, fast and deep breaths, thinking of yourself as a fierce animal, and a volcano or tidal wave. To throttle down, have less of a warm-up, mental imagery of a happy place, slow deep breathing, mellowing music, stretching, and classical music. Know thyself and controlling your adrenaline is key to success.
When it comes to the pros and cons of adrenaline, it is essential for high performance competition. In order to get comfortable with the feeling, you should give yourself a mental pat on the back and thank your body. There is a possibility of overstimulation, so use simple techniques such as going through routines, focusing on things you can control, adapting to things you can't, doing breathing exercises, listening to good music and playing puzzle games on your phone. Additionally, stimulate your parasympathetic response by using the app Apollonia.
When trying to handle the pros and cons of a gentleman, it is important to find the right balance between staying in control and having enough adrenaline. Hollis Conway taught me this when I was attempting the American high jump record. He told me to relax, stay in control, and find my rhythm before making my final attempt.
Let adrenaline flow and use it to your advantage, don't over pump it. Channel the energy into your race instead of just the first 100 meters and use other sources of energy as well.
I try to use as little energy as possible while preparing for a race. I do my fire ups during workouts and focus on the course details. On race morning, I listen to music and talk to people to keep relaxed until I'm warmed up. Then when I'm ready, I let the adrenaline kick in and use it to my advantage during the swim start of the race.