I have a meet coming up next weekend. It's only around a 10 lb cut so it's nothing to really worry about. However, I still have to plan meals for it, get my distilled water, think about timing, etc. These are all better known to me as distractions.
With competing for over 35 years, I know what to do on the platform. Quite frankly, this is the least worried I have ever been about numbers which is refreshing. However, in the past, that might not have always been the case. I have competed on some high level meets where nerves can get the best of you. Hell, I guess in any meet nerves can get the best of you.
Now I'm not saying everyone should be out there cutting weight. Cutting is not as easy as most people think. I have seen lots of people try to cut and not make it. Definitely not good for the psyche. It's also not great to miss the cut and be light in your weight class.
There's also your actual lifting you have to consider. I have also seen my fair share of lifters who have cut and have horrible performances. Don't plan on crushing your meet after your first cut. It's a learning process.
Having said all that, an easy cut of 2-3% of your bodyweight the week of the meet can be a nice way to keep your mind occupied. So if nerves get the best of you on meet week, give a small cut a try.
