Clean Run - March 2012 - 53

designed and dug by our own hands, summed up in the phrase, ‘It’s no use—I can’t do it.’” Building a strong self-image can be done through positive experiences that include setting achievable challenges for yourself and building a history of success, so you know you can do it. The other amazing thing about building your self-image is that the mind cannot tell the difference between a vividly imagined experience and real life. I can remember as a kid playing basketball in my backyard and in my imagination shooting the final shot with time running out to win the big game (of course, if I missed, I had always been fouled by the opponent)! I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was programming myself to be ready for that moment when it came, and when it did, I already had hours of success built up in my mind. I used the same technique the entire season before winning the IFCS World Agility Championship. I would walk to the line in practice or local trials, and picture the crowd, the excitement, the colors. I would feel my heart rate increase, go through my usual routine, and run as intensely as I could. I would practice drills imagining it was a sequence at the World Champion-

ships, running the drill and having a great time doing it. When I was standing on the start line of the last round of the World Championship, knowing this was the make or break round for who would be named World Champion, I had already won this round a thousand times before and was confident and ready to do it again joyfully.

Agility Mind Gym Exercise
Where is your glass ceiling? The statements below apply to agility, but you can make a similar list and relate it to work, relationships, or anything else. The list increases in perceived level of achievement. Where do you start to feel uncomfortable about the statement, like that’s not you? Just make a note to yourself. It is neither good nor bad, simply a reflection of where you perceive yourself. Do you want to change that perception? Why or why not? I deserve to win a class at a local agility trial. Comfortable: Yes / No (circle one) I deserve to win a regional event. Comfortable: Yes / No (circle one) I deserve to win the Nationals. Comfortable: Yes / No (circle one) I deserve to win the Worlds. Comfortable: Yes / No (circle one) Work on saying the one that is not comfortable to you over and over until it does feel comfortable. If this particular list doesn’t resonate with you, make up a list that is personally meaningful to you and do the same exercise.

“Relentless, repetitive self-talk is what changes our self-image.” —Denis Waitley
You deserve success just as much as the next person, in agility and any other aspect of your life. You have the ability to get it done. It may not be today, but you have the ability to gather, create, and leverage the resources you need. Work hard and persevere until it happens. And that includes changing your self-image to a powerful, productive, resourceful and competent person. D

“Life’s only limitations are those you set upon yourself, for as long as you strive hard enough anything is achievable.” —Chad Williams

Kathy Keats has been competing in elite athletics her entire life, with great success. She has been fascinated with human potential and peak performance and has dedicated much of her life to learning how to apply these principles in her various endeavors, as well as teaching others how to reach their potential. Kathy’s success at the national and international level in multiple venues demonstrates a plan for success, not simply a talent in one area. Kathy wants to see everyone become the best they can be and reach their goals in whatever life path they choose. You can reach her at kathy@theagilitycoach.ca.

BLIND CROSSES
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What foundation training should be in place before you begin training blind crosses. Training a strong blind cross cue. The importance of timing when using a blind cross. Applications of where you might use a blind cross. Explanations of why I would prefer a blind cross in certain sequences. Actual trial footage of my use of blind crosses with slow motion clips and explanations... And more!

HANDLING SYSTEM B D

Training Running Contacts with Stride Regulators
Available at www.cleanrun.com and www.strideaheadagility.com 53

Also available from Barb Davis

March 12

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Clean Run - March 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run - March 2012