In a message dated 12/4/99 2:14:08 AM Eastern Standard Time, n5nj@gte.net
writes:
<< Prior to a big contest I'm constantly churning through thoughts on what to
do, did I forget anything, what band to be on, etc. etc. etc. and cannot
relax.
How do you single-op experts do this ? >>
I don't claim to be a single op expert (well, maybe a qrp SOAB expert), but
over the YEARS (since I was a teenager...guess that makes it "over the
DECADES") I've always practiced forcing myself to fall asleep on command.
Now, it is trivial. I have the ability to recline anywhere and simply "shut
down." My wife HATES this! :-) You've all probably done the drill. Close
your eyes, slow, deep breaths, feel all your muscles relaxing from head to
toe (slowly), empty your mind and...so-long! I can do this within 60 seconds
and I'm alseep.
Having said that, I can say that I've never added in extra precontest sleep.
I usually have too much left to the last minute. Often I start the contest
panting and out of breath cuz I've just come running into the house after
doing "just one more thing" outside.
What keeps me awake is ACTION. I just love the excitement and thrill of it
all. Everytime I work a mult I get a real charge that gives me an extra
hour's worth of fortitude. Even when there is a flare, I'm all-geared-up
wondering when it will break or what weirdo propagation will occur. It's a
real adventure...even after (omagosh) 30 years of contesting. Guess I'm must
just a kid in candy shop when it comes to radio. The brain is in
control...not the body.
One last thing. When I go to work the next Monday...I've promised myself to
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER make an important decision. By then, the brain is just
so much goo.
de Doug KR2Q
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