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Ask the Paddlers…

Q: Why do you like to paddle? What magic does it hold for you?

Cel: I’m in my element when I’m paddling. It gives me the full license to exceed my limit and I like that! The end results are just the fun stuff.

Q: How do you mentally prepare for competition?

Cel: I try to use mental imagery of what I expect to in the competition, and focus on performance rather than the finish. When I get into the boat, it’s like a transformation: that mental image becomes me, and I’m ready to start the race.

Q: Do you have any superstitions or lucky charms?

Cel: On race day, I like having a moment to step aside and watch the people around me. It helps me calm my nerves.

Q: What do you eat for a jolt of quick energy before a work out or to refuel afterward?

Cel: As a rule of thumb, I eat smaller meal the closer I am to working out but I make sure I get a lot of everything, including fat and protein. A lot of sports diets center around carbohydrates, but I find you have to balance it just like everything else. Ideal post-workout snack? Hmm…a stop at the Quick Pick for a large black berry milkshake is always a hit for refueling.

Q: What do you eat before and after competition?

Cel: I eat almost the same thing before every competition – fruit and toast without anything in it or waffle and yogurt. I don’t know why but it seems to work. After a competition, I usually resort to "see food" diet and cave in to what my heart desires.

Q: How do you loose weight without compromising your nutrition?

Cel: Loosing weight and counting calories is not something I do. That is too much pressure. However, I pay attention to where I feel my body performs its best and I stay with it.

Q: What kind of non-paddling training do you do off-season that helps your paddling?

Cel: All kinds of sports activity require prep work and off-season is usually when I work the hardest. I do cardio/endurance work out every other day and strength training in between alternating chest and triceps; back and shoulders; biceps and legs. Core strength training is a must to get strong abs and back, so I have crunch times reserved with my regular work out plus lower back exercises.

Q: What training do you do that’s very different from paddling?

Cel: I alternate kick box, step and spin class every other day three times week. It’s a lot of fun because you have a big group of people all doing the same thing. On a nice day, I like to do laps on the longest steep stairs I could find if I’m not hiking. It is a terrific way to strengthen the leg muscles. Yoga I try hard to keep my balance and flexibility because I’m not the most flexible straw in the box.

Q: How do you keep your lats and shoulders from getting tired while you’re paddling?

Cel: Focusing on doing the proper technique is a must but you have to keep them strong too. Push-ups are a great way to strengthen upper back as well as arms and shoulders. Surely you get tired too but not killer tired.

Q: Any motivational advice for novice paddlers?

Cel: Three rules: Have fun, always set goals and never set limit BUT listen to your body. If you’re hurt, take it easy. Rest is the biggest component of recovery.

Q: Are good paddlers born or made? What do you do to improve/gain an edge in each practice?

Cel: I actually often wondered if there is a sport or activity I’m natural at. Growing up I was not nearly as active. However, there is always that part of me that would try anything and everything at least once. I took Phys. Ed. classes that involved running and jumping and I did o.k., but clearly, I’m not Olympic material in them (I’ll get to what I am later) so, I took dancing instead. Voila, I found my passion. One may ask what’s that got to do with it? Well, I think whatever the genetic drawback, the key to being good at a sport is that you have to enjoy it. I’m a firm believer that practice makes perfect and it is not scientifically proven that you can’t be good in any sport if you don’t have the right genes. Some people just have to work harder to get there. As for my genetic potential, being 5 foot 1, Martina Hingis can kick my rear at tennis, but I think I can nail her in paddling (my words)! J .

Q: How do you balance an overly demanding schedule?

Cel: I give myself permission to say no. It’s great. I think everybody should try it.

Q: There are a number of substances in the saltwater Thea Foss Waterway, where you practice. How do you get the Au de Thea Foss scent off after practice?

Cel: Everything I wore during a practice goes in the shower with me, and then it all gets thrown in the washer. I make sure that the shoes dry thoroughly.

This page was last updated on 02/20/08.

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