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Welcome
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Ask the Paddlers… Pat is our interviewee for May 2002. He usually paddles in the engine room (seats 3-9). Q: Why do you like to paddle? What magic does it hold for you? Pat: My Type A personality needs an energy release. Paddling provides this release. The stress of the day just flies away! I love being on the water, and the feel of the boat as it moves under the power of our paddles. There's nothing like it in the world. It's magic. Q: How do you mentally prepare for competition? Pat: I believe practice is where you win races. I put in 100% effort during drills. On race day, I try to relax and focus on the job at hand. I don't get too excited about who we race. I take each race as it comes. I feel having confidence in your crew is the biggest factor in being successful. Knowing we as a crew have worked hard to prepare to race gives me inspiration to do my best. Q: What do you eat before a workout or to refuel afterward? Pat: I try to stay with normal foods my body is used to, so my old body doesn't go into shock! I eat protein in the morning and carbs two hours before a workout, and lots of water before and after. I prefer fig bars before practice, because they don't upset my stomach. Q: What do you eat before and after competition? Pat: In the morning before a race I like oatmeal, eggs, dry toast, and fruit. Lots of water. Afterwards, a hot meal of steak, fish, or pasta, veggies, potatoes, and GUINNESS! Q: How do you control your weight without compromising your nutrition? Pat: I've never been a lightweight. My biggest control for weight is to cut back on food! Instead of three plates of pasta, I have only one. Hard workouts help also. During the season, I eat reasonably so I don't loose the competitive edge. Q: What kind of training do you do in the off season that helps your paddling? Pat: I love being outdoors so any indoor training is real hard for me. I ride my bike on a trainer in the house during the winter. I use a Torso Trac, do sit-ups, and power walking. The coach is teaching us some new training routines for the off-season. This will help with overall fitness. I do reverse pushups, pull-ups, and dips. I love the long distance paddling we do in the winter. Q: How to you balance an over-demanding schedule? Pat: This is a real battle. In my case, family time suffers. Because paddling is about timing and technique, it's important to invest the time as a crew member. Paddling is the true team sport: there are no superstars. Each crew has its own personality, therefore, the time investment is crucial. I think the balance comes with understanding, patience, and lots of grace. Saying no is hard for me, but family events have to come first. Q: Do you have any advice for new paddlers? Pat: Be prepared to have FUN, to get wet, and to work as a crew. Pay attention to your coaches, learn proper technique and timing. Do only what you can do. Don't compare yourself with more experienced paddlers. It'll come, trust me! Be prepared to change your lifestyle! As you get into paddling, paddling gets into you. See you on the water! |
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This page was last updated on 02/20/08. Contact Us Comments to Webmaster
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