Feeling overwhelmed

[Hozman]

First comp ever is this weekend. I have my list of things I need and have started packing. The more I pack the more overwhelmed I feel going into this weekend. Still have to buy a few odds and ends. Go buy meat tomorrow.....Do the veterans still get this feeling? Looking forward to meeting new people and starting my "career" in competition BBQ.

[Podge]

YUP, 49 contests down, and still feel overwhelmed, since I have to get everything togehter myself. I always ask myself why I still do this. Lots to do. Just make a list. I spread my stuff out.. go to the grocery for odds-ends on monday, tuesday get meats, wednesday trim chicken, thursday leave.

[va92bronco]

I'm on my 3rd comp in late June, but it does get alittle easier after the 1st because you know alittle of what to bring and expect. Make a list. Have a blast. Remember. You are doing it to have fun.

[Brew-B-Q]

YUP, 49 contests down, and still feel overwhelmed, since I have to get everything togehter myself. I always ask myself why I still do this. Lots to do. Just make a list. I spread my stuff out.. go to the grocery for odds-ends on monday, tuesday get meats, wednesday trim chicken, thursday leave.

Completely agree with everything here. Every week I'm getting ready for a comp I swear I'm quitting next year because I don't have time. The hardest part for me is getting quality meat. Lately I've been trimming most of my meat on-site because I get it on the way to the competition. Not a good strategy, but the most efficient and only option at times.

[Balls Casten]

just have fun, if something goes wrong it goes wrong. Enjoy what you are doing and dont be afraid to let people know this is your first contest. Attend the cooks meeting!

[K-Train]

Keep track of things you brought that you didn't really need. Will make packing for the next one easier.

[fnbish]

Lists are great. Also if you haven't make sure you check out how close the local grocery and hardware stores are in case you forget anything. Let those ease some of the nerves that life will end if you forget something. I've never had a store far from the competition. Plus teams always have extra stuff. I always forget a hammer to nail in canopy ties, but someone always has one and paper towels I always forget, but have had many teams share.

So really I have 2 lists. One has all the basic necessities I could get at any grocery/hardware store like apple juice, paper towels, water, honey, etc. Then my 2nd list is the "don't forget these ingredients as you can't get them at any grocery store" list and that has some stuff I get online or specialty stores. The 2nd list is checked the night before and also triple checked before I leave.

I have my 4th comp of the year this weekend and while I would say I don't really get nervous/overwhelmed anymore, but I do get just as excited each time. Have fun!

[jcpetro97]

I agree with K-Train. Use a checklist. I did my first comp, albeit it was only a rib only cook off, but still, my teammate and I treated it like we were goign to be doing a full comp, and did everything by the KCBS book, instead of the things they told us we could do since it was unsanctioned. I wanted to have it feel as close to a KCBS cook as possible. The checklist helped, as did the timeline! I was much less nervous... Also, I had asked something similar about two weeks ago, and someone reminded me that you are just cooking, and to focus on that.

Take deep breaths, and remember to enjoy yourself. That is why you are there!! oh, and don't forget to post pictures after the fact, so we can all drool over the results!

[Podge]

Have Fun ?!?!?.. I can do a lot more funner things for $800-$1,000 than BBQ competitions ! :).. I do it because I enjoy it, and I love competition and see how I can improve. It ain't fun to me.

[Cast Iron Chef]

Just finished my second one. Checklists are very important. You work so hard all week to prepare no way your sharp enough to remember everything. I still go back for stuff 5 times even with a list.

[Pigs on Fire]

Don't bring the entire kitchen.

Here's some main items-

Knives- 1 large chef's knife, 1 smaller trim/boning type knife
Scissors
Tongs
Spatula(s)
Basting brush
Brown Jersey gloves
Nitrile/Latex Gloves
Dish Soap & Handwash soap
Cutting boards - 2 or 3
Alum Foil, Foil pans
Zip lock bags
Paper towels
Q-tips

Use the latex gloves over the brown gloves for hot meat handling.

That list is compact and should get you through 95% of your prep, cooking and boxing.

Rubs, Sauces, Juices, Charcoal, smoke wood, meat and personal food and drinks should compile the other major part of your stuff.

Don't worry about everything. Make a list, check it off and if you forget something, don't be afraid of asking teams to borrow. We've borrowed and loaned and gave away stuff.

[Scottie]

I used to cook over 25 contests a year, now down to 15. I do everything solo. I also work full time, run a foundation and also raising 2 young girls on my own. Is it overwhelming sometimes? Yeah, I guess if i allow it to get me, then I am screwed. Stay focused and your eye on the prize. That's what wake the rewards so much better.

[Market Hunter]

I used to cook over 25 contests a year, now down to 15. I do everything solo. I also work full time, run a foundation and also raising 2 young girls on my own.

You may have already heard this...but..."Awesome work Scottie!" :clap:

[didisea]

Here is the link to the PNWBA's checklist. I still use this to make sure that I have everything loaded.
Just remember that everyone else at the competition puts on their underwear just like you do, and they all have jobs, lives, and stress just like you do.
Something WILL come up during the competition, and the people who remain calm and solve the problem will do well in the end. Ask for help of your fellow brothers and sisters in Q, and they usually gladly help you with anything you need.

[Bourbon Barrel BBQ]

First comp ever is this weekend. I have my list of things I need and have started packing. The more I pack the more overwhelmed I feel going into this weekend. Still have to buy a few odds and ends. Go buy meat tomorrow.....Do the veterans still get this feeling? Looking forward to meeting new people and starting my "career" in competition BBQ.

Things can get easier over time as you refine your method of madness. However, worrying about forgetting things and running out of time to get things prepped never goes away.

[Jaskew82]

I just did my first comp in Lexington, MA a few weeks ago. I was a part of an already established cook (Boogiesnap). It was overwhelming to think about everything but doing it didn't seem as insane as it sounds.

Give yourself plenty of time to set up, prep as much as you can at home (brines, injections, chicken, etc). Go to the cook's meeting. Introduce yourself to your neighbors. Everyone at the comp I did was super friendly - maybe a little too friendly!

I don't think I would want to do comp's on my own, but with a good team mate it really is a blast.

[Stoke&Smoke]

Completely agree with everything here. Every week I'm getting ready for a comp I swear I'm quitting next year because I don't have time. The hardest part for me is getting quality meat. Lately I've been trimming most of my meat on-site because I get it on the way to the competition. Not a good strategy, but the most efficient and only option at times.

That's how ya end up with stinky butts Pat!;)

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[Outnumbered]

Go get Hozman. You'll do great.

Remember you're using the same cookers you use in the backyard and they should cook the same. In my vast two contest experience that's been the most difficult thing for me. I love my Q at home, but I want to make it be better at the comps. But ya got pretty good Q at home, so why the need to push it?

Relax, have fun, drink a few, but don't get drunk. It's hard to care about much like how your box looks when you're hung over.:becky:

[Crash]

I used to cook over 25 contests a year, now down to 15. I do everything solo. I also work full time, run a foundation and also raising 2 young girls on my own. Is it overwhelming sometimes? Yeah, I guess if i allow it to get me, then I am screwed. Stay focused and your eye on the prize. That's what wake the rewards so much better.

There's a state you haven't added to your list.....just saying.

[Scottie]

I expect boogie board lessons...