the Excuse

Day three in and I'm already rediscovering one of the wonderful aspects of prep: the Excuse.  The Excuse is a gem of a mental comfort and if used in the right way, can be a lifesaver.  An "excuse" has a negative connotation (and usually for good reason) but this is a bit different.  Many people get frustrated with themselves in prep: memory can be impaired, emotions run wild, and the energy in which they used to frolick is running low.

The Excuse is a MENTALITY and takes these frustrating components of prep and turns them into silly shenanigans.  A few examples:

1.Chicken has been in the oven for a half hour when you realize you never turned it on.
Of course you didn't, you're in prep!

2.Can't believe you're crying at the Hunger Games (Katniss NEEDS to realize she loves Peeta).
That's ok, you're in prep!

3.Is it "we're" "where" or "were"...HOW am I getting confused?
Because you're in prep!

4.Omg I forgot pants AGAIN today?!
Well heck, you're in prep, of course you did! 

See instead of getting frustrated and sad, turn it into something a little silly and use that excuse to cover anything that may get you down.
Note: you can NOT use this to excuse yourself from getting angry at others, putting others down, or skimping on things like training/diet.  The Excuse is a great tool to help YOU with YOUR frustrations but be careful with how you use it. 

I encourage all competitors to give it a whirl.  And to others: don't be too alarmed by pantless people giggling in confusion-they may be in prep.