The mental preparation of our waterwomen by Walter Geyer

One of the points not to be neglected in order to succeed perfectly (or almost) in an expedition is to work on our weaknesses and to draw on our resources in order to go through with things. Today we have decided to highlight the work of Walter Geyer, mental trainer for waterwomen .

Can you introduce yourself, your background, your experiences?
My name is Walter GEYER, I am 52 years old. I am married and have 3 children. I have been a trainer for nearly 25 years in swimming, lifesaving, triathlon…and I am the manager of a leisure company and mental trainer.
Concerning my personal sports background, I have practiced judo, swimming, triathlon (Ironman Hawaii) and lifesaving. Discipline where I was 6 times French Champion and where I participated in 3 World Championships between 1998 and 2006.

What is mental preparation?
To prepare mentally is to give yourself the means to control what you can control, by knowing yourself better and by organizing yourself better.

What are the objectives of mental preparation?
Philosophy:
– Wanting rather than hoping: Be convinced + have the will and determine your goals.
– Rely on what depends on you: Despite the importance of the environment, be an actor.
– Living in the moment: Focused on my task.
– Be realistic: Be at 100% of my potential on the day.

What does a mental preparation session consist of?
Mental preparation is based on a listening relationship. Based on a climate of mutual trust, it promotes the development of the mental skills of the athlete in training and their optimal use in competition. However, it is important to specify that mental preparation does not belong to the mental trainer. The idea is that all members of a staff play a role in terms of mental preparation, each at his or her own level, while remaining, of course, within his or her area of expertise.

In the context of the expedition, what can mental preparation bring to waterwomen?
All that we have said before. First of all, there is the adhesion to the project (of the team), once this project has been identified, the preparation will, according to the rowers and their profile, be oriented on one of the 2 main bases, the motivation or the concentration or both.
Depending on the period and their situation at the time in relation to their history, their past, their personality, they were able to address several themes: combativeness, the ability to organize themselves (and the organization of the team), the management of emotions, self-control, the management of difficult moments, self-confidence…
So many levers, techniques, to allow them to live this adventure at best.

As the start approaches, how do you feel about the waterwomen? Are they in a good frame of mind?
As the departure approaches, everything is rushed, planning the equipment, looking for partners, organization… etc.
This is a time that generates a lot of stress and anxiety. The important thing is that, despite the lack of time, they can find phases of rest (sleep, relaxation techniques, breathing).
It is an important moment that they cannot escape but are able to manage. The deliverance will be once at sea, in their bubble, the fruit of these months and years of work in the service of a beautiful cause.
They are focused on their goals and nothing will divert them from this motivation to date.