A long time ago, my sister was addicted to Triathlon. I tried to join her in this crazy sport for a while but it was not for me at all!
Triathlon, as you know, is a sport discipline composed of 3 endurance events: swimming, cycling and running. Yes, all this, without interruption, one after the other. The events have different formats ranging from the sprint, the shortest (750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run) to the Ironman (3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42km run), the longest which lasts one day.
But why talk about triathlon in an article about the Q grader?
Because in my opinion the Q grader is a kind of Ironman of coffee, an exercise in endurance. It is the most recognized certification for coffee professionals in the world. This certification lasts 6 days from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm where we talk, smell and taste coffee. The first three days are a foretaste of what awaits us in the last three days, like a movie premiere that makes you want to discover the film. We taste more than 420 cups, some of which are salty, sweet, acidic and we finish with an olfactory exam composed of more than 36 different aromas, separation of defective beans and a written exam of 100 questions about coffee. Believe me, it is tiring... enduring.
What do the Q Grader and the Triathlon have in common?
These are individual tests. You are the only one in control of the situation! No one can help you, you can only count on yourself. In both cases, you have to train and know the course, but in the event, you have to concentrate on the moment.
For each step, you have to focus on one thing at a time, as they say. And the most important thing is to control your mind, keep in mind that you have to be able to stay calm and focused on what is happening in the present moment.
If you think about all the things you have to do, you get distracted and your self-confidence can be tested when in doubt. Like a triathlete who has trained his muscles and breathing well, we have also trained our nose and palate well. You have to be confident in each event and stay focused.
If I can give one piece of advice during your Q Grader certification week, it is to stay focused during the 6 days. This means getting plenty of sleep, being well hydrated and having a well-rested head. Away from worries, work and concerns.
At the end of the 6 days of events, like an athlete who has finished his or her event, we are happy to have finished. We are also proud of ourselves for having been able to finish. What counts is not to have been the best Q grader, there is no winner. In the end, whether you are first or last, everyone is on the same list of certified Q graders. And to be on this list is much more than being the winner, Ah!!! it feels good, professionally and personally too!
Written by Daniela, one of the first certified Q Grader in France.
You want more informations about the next october session of Q Grader certification and retakes? Please find all details in this page and in the blog.
