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Welcome
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Ask the Paddlers… Q: Why do you like to paddle? What magic does it hold for you? Rives: Paddling is a great stress reducer for me. It forces me out of my chair, where I've been working on the computer all day, and outside. Knowing that I'm supporting a boat load of crew buddies encourages me to leave my work, which I don't usually do if I'm planning to swim, bike, or weight train. I have to get out the door and on the road for paddling. Also, I look forward to getting out on the Puget Sound. I find the the sky, mountains, water, and trees spiritually uplifting. Otters and seals are bonuses. Q: How do you mentally prepare for competition? Rives: I really focus on technique, strength, and endurance during training sessions, so that I can focus on stretching and being in the moment on race day. I try to disconnect from administrative issues, but because I'm a coach, that is sometimes difficult. I like to walk out to the course and watch the first races, then lounge in the tent area with the crew. We make a habit of getting ready early, which helps me because feeling rushed blows my composure. Q: What do you eat before a workout or to refuel afterward? Rives: Our training is strenuous, so I make sure not to eat less than three hours beforehand, and then something that won't come back on me, like half a bagel or part of an apple, and a cup or two of water. No milk or caffeine drinks. I drink water during the practice. Afterwards I try to get plenty of water, 5 or 6 cups, and some carbs and protein as soon as I can. Q: What do you eat before and after competition? Rives: I eat extra portions of carbohydrates, like spaghetti or rice the two nights before the first race day, a breakfast with minimal fats and no milk products on each race day, and then make sure I eat small amounts of carbos throughout the race day, like five grapes at a time, or a PowerBar at least an hour before each race. Subway sandwiches (three to six inches) with no mayo or cheese work great too. I drink plenty of fluids (no caffeine or carbonation) between races to stay hydrated. At the end of each race day, I drink diet tonic water, which contains quinine--a muscle relaxer, mixed with lemon juice to prevent soreness and cramping. Q: How do you control your weight without compromising your nutrition? Rives: I tend toward chubbiness, and am always monitoring my weight. I find that Weight Watchers guidelines work for me. I find it odd that the more anaerobic my workouts, the less likely I am to lose weight. My physical therapist said that if you need to lose weight, it's best to do so in the off season when training is less intense and can be more aerobic. Q: What kind of training do you do in the off season that helps your paddling? Rives: I do sport specific movements with weights and swim using large hand paddles. I also like to bicycle, run, and power walk, which are not sport specific but I just enjoy them. We paddle year around on the weekend, so that training helped me on paddle days. This past winter I also took a class at the YMCA that included a mix of lots of repetitions of light weights, running, squats, pushups, and sit-ups. I find that my stroke is stronger because of that mix--maybe because I'm stronger in the chest and midsection. Q: How to you balance an over-demanding schedule? Rives: I do a pretty good job during race season, but a miserable job during the off season. I over-commit routinely. Paddling helps me retain my sanity and health. I did learn, however, that I need more than five hours of sleep each night. I sustained a string of injuries (none paddling) in a short period which I believe resulted from sleep deprivation. I guess my body had to remind me that there are limits. Q: Do you have any advice for new paddlers? Rives: Get into the boat and have fun. Listen to your coach, and focus on developing timing and technique. Stay hydrated. Rest if you have to--don't be a hero, but build up your endurance day by day. That way you can enjoy this wonderful sport for years without injury or burnout. |
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This page was last updated on 02/20/08. Contact Us Comments to Webmaster
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Rives is our interviewee for February 2002. She
usually paddles second seat, is assistant coach, and has also been a stroker and
steersman.