Wellness/Nutrition
You've all recently plunked down $7.75 (or more) for a membership to USRowing.org and may be wondering what you get for this. Among other things, there is actually some very useful information on the USRowing website. (Yes, the website is free, but without our contributions, it wouldn't exist.)
http://www.usrowing.org/nutrition/
As an athlete or parent, you will do yourself an enormous and long-lasting service by browsing through these articles. Parents are encouraged to take a look and then to discuss some of the main topics with their athlete(s).
As you are all by now aware, rowing is a very physically demanding activity. Layering it on top of a fully-loaded day at BLS presents an additional challenge. Athletes that eat right, sleep enough AND ARE PROPERLY HYDRATED will feel good and be able to perform well during the crew season. Athletes that don't will struggle to balance the day and will not perform up to their potential on the water.
A few articles of particular interest:
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Hydrating for Training and Peak Performance: Although we all are aware of the importance of hydration, we also know that, between rushing out the door in the morning, focusing on classes, etc., it can be overlooked. This needs to become a iron-clad ritual. For BLS rowers, the "1 ounce of water for every two lbs of body weight" PRIOR to practice seems like great rule.
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The Magic {Nutrition} Bullet for Summer Rowing: Discusses the added importance of hydration during Spring/ Summer.
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Five Nutrition Rules to Kick Off a Great Season: Five solid suggestions (including hydration!)
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10 Fridge-Free, Portable Snacks for Rowers: There is a big gap between lunch time and practice. Athletes will absolutely need to bridge this gap with snacks. 7-11 on the way to practice is not a good strategy.
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The Best Nutrition Strategies for Race Day: Could make the difference!
BLS Coaches are a great resource when it comes to nutrition and will emphasize these concepts frequently during the season. Re-enforcing them and helping to implement them at home will make a big difference.