Maybe its Time?

Over the years competing in trampolining... I eventually decided that it was time to move on....

I loved learning new skills, competing, training, travelling with my club, attending the social events – everything. However, a mental block appeared. 

This is how it all began...while training for an international competition in Holland at age 15, I was training my voluntary routine. (In trampolining you perform 2 different routines, the first routine is called a "set" this is where there are compulsory skills you must complete in the desired order for your performance level. Then the second routine is called a "voluntary", this is where you have a points value you must complete throughout the routine by using more complex skills. During the routine I was completing a Rudi out skill (double front somersault with a 1½ twists in the second somersault) and lost my way. I came out too early and completed a 1¼ somersault with full twist, landing directly on my face from a high height. This resulted in me scraping my entire face, biting through my lip and breaking my nose......Ouch!!! ...I still made it to Holland ...4th place.. just saying

This did not stop me initially, I would push through the fear of ever doing that again. I pushed myself mentally and physically every training session since that incident, to ensure I was still doing my routines and making the requirements for each competition I was in. I  still entered all the competitions and kept winning..........

Then… the “mental block” happened again. This is apparently very common in all sports but particularly in trampolining. However, its how you react and push through that will build you as an athlete. It meant I was totally afraid of certain skills, then it continued to affect me as I couldn’t even train my routines (that I knew I could do easily do).

However, this made my training become very stressful and less enjoyable, as I knew I wanted to achieve more and practice to learn new skills. This didn’t stop me at first but eventually after another fall and breakage of my nose at age 17 (AGAIN… I know) the strangest thing happened.... I could only complete my routines in competition, not training sessions? It was as if my body would only do the skill with a particular external pressure, rather than me mentally attempting to force myself......and yes still I kept winning which began to totally confuse me ? I begin to get really frustrated at this point as I wanted to learn new moves. I think this was the when my heart began to accept that it was time to do something else. As much as the desire was there...This block was there.. I believe if I really wanted to be able to do a skill I would of done it no matter what?

I still loved the sport, the people, coaches, my friends, the competition vibe but I couldn’t deal with the immense mental struggle anymore. It was my time to do something else, my life was devoted to competing …now was the start of something new. Therefore, I started coaching the younger gymnasts in my club. I also studied for my coaching qualifications and over the years gaining my Level 1, 2 and 3 qualification (Assistant, Lead and Club coach certification). This brought out a particular spark in me, I loved going in to training again and motivating, training and hopefully  inspiring the younger gymnasts. I could share my passion for the sport and and my secret knowledge of hints and tips in trampolining skills and I could even demonstrate to aid their learning. This was now my new passion – sharing my knowledge. Happy Louise..... Happy Coach.......

Amanda (best friend and fellow coach)  Myself and my gymnasts at the Scottish Championships 2017. 

This is when my gymnast Jodie won sports
personality of the year and I was also nominated!! 

When I decided to “hang up my leotard “it was a strange moment, I felt so sad, so lost and excited, and inspired by the future.  From high school I was completely undecided what I wanted to do… why is there so much pressure to decide straight away? but I knew I had my coaching qualifications. I applied for a job coaching gymnastics and trampolining with South Lanarkshire Culture, where I began coaching a few times a week within their recreational programme. I really enjoyed coaching beginners trampolining the children loved it and I enjoyed the fun and non-competition aspect. I would also coach within East Kilbride Trampoline Club, where my professional gymnasts are - Jodie, Emily, and Jenna. I then applied for a job working with Glasgow Life, as they also have a large and highly invested gymnastics programme, where I also teach preschool and adults. I absolutely love my job and being around the relaxed sporting environment however also still being involved within my professional club to teach my superstars! who are absolutely smashing it BTW!! #ProudCoach

Initially, I felt heartbroken when I stopped training, it is hard for my body to adapt from immense training 24/7 to nothing. I didn’t deal well with putting weight on (but it was inevitable from such intensive training to nothing). Therefore, I began running, not professionally or with a club but I would regularly do 5K runs, within my own time with my phone APP. Then progress to 7K, 8K,10K and more. This year I have actually signed up for a half marathon!!  It is so important no matter who you are or what your background is to set goals for yourself!... Be Your Own Inspiration.

PS... did I mention I joined the CIRCUS .... ok that is a story for next time! Stay tuned! 

#ByourownU

Chat Soon! xoxo