Smell the Roses

Melbourne is always one of my favourite places to compete. Melbournians love their sport including the World Athletics Tour meet.

Part of the reason I enjoy the Melbourne meet so much is because historically I’ve jumped so well there - often doing my season’s best. The track, the conditions, the atmosphere and the consistent tailwinds all contribute to my good performances in Melbourne. There are other reasons I love Melbourne so much and I believe they help me to Jump Long.

Shopping! I have to confess I love shopping and in my opinion, Melbourne is home to the best shopping in Australia. It may be psychological and it may be a superstition but I tend to perform well when I’ve had a good shopping day prior to the competition. I rationalise my shopping by saying that it gives me a natural buzz which improves my mood and performance!

I’ve compiled a list of tips for performance-enhancing shopping:

Don’t overtrain – limit the shopping excursion’s duration.
Set realistic goals – have an idea of what you are looking for but don’t be too specific – you don’t want to risk disappointment.
Avoid injury – wear comfortable footwear and make sure when trying on clothes, they’re easy to get on and off – you don’t want to dislocate your shoulder in the change room.
Maintain good hydration levels during the event – it’s ok to stop at a café or juice bar during the spree.
Training partners may help or hinder – you don’t want a shopping buddy who has different goals or tastes from you, it may hamper your performance.
Performance analysis – review your purchases on return to the hotel.
Believe in your training – avoid buyer’s remorse.
Give something back to the sport – share your triumphs with other athletes to improve their performances (eg location of various shops and sales).
Facilitate recovery – put your feet up after you’ve been shopping.
Celebrate your success – have a great competition and the prize money in Melbourne will cover any costs incurred.

Although I didn’t jump a season’s best this year, considering how little I have trained over the past month due to injury, I was pleased with the consistency of my series plus I won my event.

Even if it is just a stroll through one of Melbourne’s fabulous shopping precincts, take some time out for yourself, enjoy your travels and the opportunities athletics presents to you.