[NELCI OBRIEN]

Hi Tracy,
I just saw the course for UKI Nationals round 1. Wow, so many options for the lead out 1-2-3-4 hahaha. When you have time, would mind sharing how you handle this lead out and what you saw from other team members.
Without walking it, the way I would have handle is leading out close to 3 with DOR, then BC 3-4, to push to the back side of 4 and “serp” 4, with an extreme exit connection to get a tight turn to get the WP entry.

Thanks! Nelci

[NELCI OBRIEN]

Hi Tracy, great comments!!! About working during the competition, I think it helped me not to be 100% focused on Agility, which I do in local trials when I have no RV to rest at. But since I was not engaged 100% it lost some of the excitement. Also, I did not have a chance to discuss courses or strategy with anyone. One of the things about these large events, is that it is very hard to have your friends on the same group or ring, so it is hard to walk courses together.

Yes, I agree, I need to concentrate on the entire course, and dedicate special time to the hardest parts but without losing site of the full course.

Also, at these large events it is very hard to run a course (too many folks), and I didn’t do that, and I think you are right, if I had run it and would have been more comfortable with the execution. Something else to keep in mind!!!

I will start visualization my dog’s brilliant execution, excellent point 🙂

Lead outs are tough for me, there are many places and options where I could stand, and when doing long lead outs I need to be more aware of my exact position!!! Definitely something I will be working on.

Can you please let me know what is a reasonable amount of time I need to practice visualization? I am a very structured person and need to follow instructions 🙂 If you tell me “visualize for 1 min every day” I will do that, but with no goal it is very hard for me to do the “homework” 🙂

Hope you had a great day today!!! I will be looking at the UKI Open course maps and try to visualize those 🙂

Thanks,
Nelci

[NELCI OBRIEN]

Hi Tracy,
I know you are preparing for tomorrow competition, but I could not held myself to continue writing to you on this class 🙂
I read the information on visualization and I also reviewed my videos from Cynosports, again! I am very proud of Lilu’s and my performance, we run very well and I used my verbals and my connection better than ever. For this event I decided to work remotely so I only took half days from work, and I worked after the walk throughs and between runs. So I guess that helped me not obsessing about agility 🙂 As such, I did not watch many of the runs as I usually do. But I did not feel that I was as engaged as in prior times (this being my 3rd time).
This is the summary of my results and below are my thoughts on what went well and what did not: I run clean in Team Std, Team Jumpers, GP Quarterfinals (called on the A-Frame), and Biathlon Jumpers. I also did very well in Team Gamblers. So my team made it to DAM team finals :-). The runs that did not well were Biathlon Std, and Team Snooker, and a small bubble (which cost me big) in Steeplechase Semifinals.
– My best run was Biathlon Jumpers. A very tough course with a very hard WP entry. I can’t remember what I was thinking while I was running. But what I remembered is that I did not want to over handle the WP entry, I trusted Lilu and our training! Once I saw the run on video I couldn’t believe how well it went. I think it is one my best runs ever!
– GP Quarterfinals was my very first run of the event. The A-frame was the second obstacle and base on the set up I couldn’t handle it with the speed required for Lilu to get a good A-frame. I went in the ring to do my best but knowing the A-frame was going to be an issue. I even took Lilu to the “practice ring” but even there she was missing the A-frames.
– Steeplechase Semifinals: I planned on doing two BCs back to back, so I spent 80% of my visualization on that section, I really concentrated on that section, so when I went in the ring and I led out, I realized that I did not remember where obstacle #4 was!!! So my approach into one of the easiest part of the course (tunnel to tunnel) was not correct and Lilu missed the entry to the second tunnel. However, the back to back BC’s were exactly as I had visualized them 🙂 Lesson learned, visualize the entire course. Thoughts?
– My worst run was Biathlon Std. I had planned on a BC to handled a very tight turn (on a very sharp pinwheel), BUT when I executed it I did a FC!! Not sure what happened. Then there was a turn from a jump into the WP with a tunnel as an off course, Lilu had a beautiful turn, and I thought “what a beautiful turn” then I got lost and went to the wrong obstacle, argh!!!
– My second worst run was team snooker. I had a long lead out (I consider lead outs one of my weaknesses since I am not confident about where to stand and not consistent with executing my plan), and I pushed Lilu to the “finish” jump, so I only got ONE point!!!!
So in all, great experiences, great moments from Lilu and myself, and lots of improvement opportunities for Nelci 🙂 I am also continuing working on Lilu’s running A-Frame. I don’t want to give up, but it has been a very hard journey on this obstacle.
Anyways, if you would like to see my best runs here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfFBZDGj1fc
Have fun this weekend and best of lucks!!!
Nelci

[NELCI OBRIEN]

Hi Tracy, you will be busy the next few days! Good luck at the UKI US Open!!! I would have loved to be there, remember to scratch my name 🙁 I hope the party we are going on Saturday if worth it!! 🙂

Question, how often do you set up the alarm to remind you to drink water? If I have water on me I am good at drinking enough.

Let me read the next material about visualization and I’ll write about my experience at Cyno. I would also love for you to see my best runs 🙂

Good luck again!!!

Nelci

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