Preparing for a big game - installment #2

Big game Prep - 2nd installment
Time Frame: a week minus a day

Well, you've registered for the event, you've figured out how your going to get there, you've figured out that you don't have to sleep under the stars. But now what?

In this installment, we're going to look at a couple things that as a team you should take into consideration ... this doesn't really apply if you're going solo, but these are still things to take into consideration.

1. How much money should I bring? Well, registration and paint are key ... if not you traveled for nothing. Begin to make sure your budget includes a little extra in case you need to buy more paint. But in addition to the price to pay to play, we also have to look at gas money, food, possible camping or hotel fees. These are all things that players that travel have to consider. Make sure that if you're carpooling that you get the driver (or car owner) gas money prior to leaving, this individual was nice enough to offer their vehicle and driving time, make sure they are compensated for it. Also make sure that everyone in the vehicle or that is using it to transport gear has chipped in their fair share, it really sucks to be short changed because someone else didn't chip in.

2. The weather ... remember that I said in installment #1 that you would be doing this every day ... well ... this is day 2. Has anything changed? If so, do you have a contingency plan?

3. Start getting your gear together, figure out what kit bag you're going to use, remember to take into consideration that you may end up having to share room in vehicles with other players, everyone should do the same thing. Pick a bag small enough that it can be packed easily, but large enough that all your gear is in the bag. Nothing worse then loosing something cause it was loose in the back of the car. We'll talk more about essential kit tomorrow ...

4. Start looking at your meals and hydration needs, is there something you can buy today on sale that you can have with you when you go? This may end up saving you a little in the future ... nothing wrong with that, it could mean more paint! Also, you want to take into consideration if you are going to be sharing meals as a team ... who's bringing what? Try to keep the meals easy to make and transport, don't start looking at steak unless you have a cooking facility or the room to carry a BBQ and propane ...

well, that's it for today, we'll talk about kit tomorrow ...

Remember, start getting pumped! Nothing like a big game to get the blood flowing!

Mitch