Hello club2athlete!

One of the best aspects of being a professional athlete is travel! I have been fortunate enough to travel all over Australia and the World, competing in tournaments and training.

I love to travel, experience new cultures and meet new people.

But how do you create your ideal training environment everywhere you go?

To be honest, in my experience, a lot of this comes down to trial and error- working out what you need to enjoy your training and to get the most out of every session.

My journey

After competing at the World Junior Championships in 2009, I had a year off competitive squash, choosing to work full time and finish my yr 12 studies.

In 2011, at 20 years old, I left Canberra and moved to the AIS in Brisbane with very little knowledge on what being a professional squash player meant. You can imagine my shock when I began my new routein, training 3 times a day, 6 days a week- working with some of Australia's best coaches, players, physiotherapists, psychologists, nutritionists and sports scientists. Ontop of this, I was in a new city, living in a shared house with 4 other players!

I like to think I was very open minded. At the time, I wasn't 100% sure I wanted to be a professional squash player (I didn't even know what it meant) but I committed to 1 year and gave it my all. I tried my best to learn from every situation and to make the most of every opportunity thrown my way- and overall, I loved it! 

I remained in Brisbane with the AIS for 18 months until January last year (2013) when I moved to Melbourne.

I also spent 5 weeks overseas, training under Malcolm Willstrop at the Pontefract Squash Club, Yorkshire, UK. This was one of the best experiences of my career. It was my first trip solo over seas, and boy did I learn a lot about myself! Travel used to stress me out- I couldn't hop on a bus in Canberra without having looked up the time table beforehand! I learnt to do things for myself, and to not be afraid to ask for help. The Pontefract Squash Club and Malcolm Willstrop were like nothing I had ever experienced before. At the end of each session, I found myself disappointed that another session was over! In the past, I had been counting down the sessions until my day off! I discovered a vibrant, social club, with open doors to anyone who was hard working, positive and reliable and made friendships that I'm sure will last throughout my life. It was here in Pontefract that I learnt what I enjoy most about squash- I love to be social! Training with other people and having a drink afterwards! I loved coaching the kids at the club, watching the squash live at the centre over a meal with all sorts people- ex and current world champions, upcoming stars, club players, juniors and their families and friends. It was a mind blowing experience, and I find myself reliving the passion I felt whilst there as I write this! 

I have and continue to, live the rollercoaster life of an athlete, and love it!

I have experienced the highs and lows, the fantastic motivating wins and the heart breaking losses. 

I am very greatful for my sporting journey which has tought me so many life skills- dedication and discipline, how to lead teams and work together in a team and how to communicate with different people, from coaches to players to managers- kids, adults and everyone inbetween. 

It has instilled a strong belief in myself- my ability to achieve what ever I choose to through hardwork and determination.

In order to create your ideal training environment, you need to know yourself, your priorities and goals.

Ask yourself a few simple questions and test different scenarios out- I find that keeping a journal of my training not only motivates me, but also serves as a record that I can refer to to pin point patches where I enjoyed my training and improved significantly in order to repete what worked again.

Below are some questions I ask myself each time I travel to a new training base or begin training with someone new.

Training

1. Why do I play squash? What are my favourite things about the sport? Take actions to ensure your favourite things are inbuilt into your daily routine.

2. Do I enjoy 1-1 coaching/training or group coaching/training? Where do you learn best? Do you enjoy being social or being independent?

3. What qualities do you like in a training partner? Eg. Punctual, reliable, positive, committed etc ensure you train with people with these qualities! Ask yourself this question for everyone in your sporting support team- coaches, managers etc

Living

1. Do I enjoy the company of the people I live with? Are there any issues I need to raise to ensure a happy living arrangement.

2. Do I need another outlet to remove some if the pressures and stresses of my lifestyle eg. Work, study

For me, I am happiest and achieving my best results when I have a balanced life- I had to make some tough decisions to enable me to do so.

I enjoy travel, but I always miss my family and friends- I moved to Melbourne where I can be with them in between tournaments and I arrange to catch up with family when ever possible. I train my hardest and enjoy it more in groups where we motivate each other while having fun! I enjoy both 1-1 and group coaching sessions, ensuring I refer to my daily goals prior to the session every time. I appreciate reliable, trustworthy, committed and motivated people in my support team who have a positive attitude! I needed an outlet, a group of friends outside of squash and an extra income so I began working casually in hospitality. I will also be starting University in 3 weeks!

Again, this is all my own experience- I only hope you can take something from it. Thanks for reading, please leave any feedback or questions you may have.

I wish you all the best in your own sporting endeavours!

happy squashing,

chris