Hey how about a couple of beers? Don't laugh too hard I know some great flyers who have done this as a practice. One of them was famous for it ad he did really well at the WC's many times.
My secret is to rationalize the worst case senerio. Worst case is I fly terrible. After that the cost of coffee is $1.50 a cup. Best case is I fly great and win the contest in which case the cup of coffee now costs $1.50.
Prepare as much as time allows. Build and buy the best you can afford. Have fun doing it and don't worry about the outcome because it will screw you up.
--Mike