Field Guide 23 — First Competition

Prep, nerves, and not throwing up on the platform.

Your first competition, powerlifting, weightlifting, strongman, CrossFit, HYROX, a running race, a triathlon, is not where you chase a personal record. You are there to experience it, compete with what you actually have, and take conservative openers. The records come from competitions two, three, and four. Logistics matter as much as training here: weigh-in protocols, warm-up timing, attempt selection, and what you eat on the day. The mental side dominates, so the guide leans on the sport-psychology framework and treats pre-competition nerves as normal, managed with breath and routine. Brad has registered for nine first competitions and shown up to three. Susan registered for two, competed in both, and placed mid-pack.

Includes the complete audiobook (MP3, AI-narrated).

Nelson Sequeira is a certified fitness professional with 15+ years of experience across Portugal, Bahrain, and the UAE. He is not a licensed nutritionist, physician, physiotherapist, or psychologist. Nothing here replaces qualified medical or clinical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before starting any new training, nutrition, or recovery program.