MHTT World Champs Buildup Diary: Day 2

Today I spent my morning watching table tennis. I have noticed I haven't been watching anywhere near as much as I used to so it was the first place I went looking for inspiration. I also spoke to a few players and looked for some advice from friends about how to get myself back in the right mind space. Thanks to everyone who has helped so far.

One of the important things which helped me today was taking some time to remember the times when I have really worked hard towards my goals and what the results have been. Everything has been too focused on what I feel can't be achieved and it's important to stop now and start focusing on what can be achieved.

MHTT WTTC Diary Day 2

In the beginning of 2013 I hadn't played table tennis for almost 5 months due to a job (which I quit after 3 months) and then to the first signs of my now diagnosed auto-immune disorder. I spent my time wondering if my body would be able to endure competitive table tennis anymore, would I have to give up on my goal of making it back into the New Zealand team? My temporary prescription was making my heart rate soar up to 200 bpm every time I tried to play. Either way I bounced back with more resolve than ever and for 5 weeks I endeavoured to train no less than 20 hours per week in the lead up to the North Island Championships, New Zealand's 2nd biggest tournament.

My hard work paid off and in my second event, where I was 8th seed, I came through winning the quarterfinal 3-0, semifinal 3-0 and final 3-1. I had an incredible desire to win and to show myself that I was not anywhere close to being down and out.

Fast forward 2 years and the first national team trial for New Zealand during my time playing comes to life. The biggest chance I would have to get back in the team again. It was at this time that I made my first trip to China, training in Zhengding and Beijing before playing the China Open. You can read more about my trip HERE. After training for 6 hours a day for at least 3 weeks I was in great shape, along with my weeks of gym training before the trip and help from my coach Lily Yip.

Upon returning home to New Zealand I continued to play as much as I could. Training at least once a day, playing tournaments most weekends. I read the book 'Winning Ugly' by Brad Gilbert which I reviewed HERE. I was able to prepare my best and tie for 2nd place in the team trial which eventually led to my selection for World Championships.

I did a few boxes of multi-ball at the club, mainly just trying to stay focused on keeping the ball on the table and movement, but more on trying to get into training and get positive. This is my main focus for now is getting and staying positive in practice and in matches and just building the desire to play and win.

A throwback to training in China

You can follow my training diary on Instagram @mhtabletennis

So today I went out and bought myself a large whiteboard to hang in my room to plan out my week on, building a good routine is going to be important. I'm starting a 3 day juice cleanse tomorrow so I can get my body ready for what's ahead. Hopefully with all this planning, I will be able to hit the ground running and go for broke :)