How do you avoid this happening to you? Read Below:
Want to feel better in practices and competitions? This is an easy one!
Did you know that you might be feeling sluggish on that distance run or during those mile repeats because you do not have enough water in your system? Not drinking enough water every day will cause a runner lots of problems. You should be drinking about 4 or 5 bottles of water per day.
By not drinking enough water every day - here is what you are doing to yourself: Dehydration strains the cardiovascular system by reducing blood volume. For every liter of fluid lost during prolonged exercise, body temperature rises by 0.3°C, heart rate elevates by about eight beats per minute, and cardiac output (the volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute) declines by 1 liter/min” -
(Gatorade sports science institute).
How much water do you drink each day? ANSWER:_______
You should be carrying a water bottle with you in your backpack. Refill it throughout the day! Even when the weather turns cooler, you still need to stay hydrated. This is an easy way to be proactive and take care of your body!
And while we're on the subject of bodies, the following article may help lessen some of those aches and pains you are feeling after running:
Here are a few suggestions to recover your legs:
1. Get into a swimming pool from waist down as many days a week as possible. Have fun, move around in the water for about 25 minutes. Stretch in the shallow end.
2. Schedule a massage for your legs (contact Coach Flanagan for reference). Ask mom or dad to work on your legs.
3. Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy balanced diet (See Below for food suggestions)
4. Jog gently on softer surfaces for a day or two. Even take a day off.
5. Stretch gently after a warm-up period.
6. Take an anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen, advil, etc) - but please get parents permission first!
7. See the trainer before practice!
Are there foods that can help my muscles recover faster and feel less sore?
By Stephanie Nunes, RD
YES! Eating well-balanced meals daily and a variety of foods from every food group can help.
1. Carbohydrates- Important for glycogen repletion, preventing muscle soreness, and keeping the immune system boosted. Goal is 8-15 servings/day* Power sources: Cereal, whole grain breads, oatmeal, beans, lentils, corn, rice cakes, whole grain pasta/rice, pretzels, humus, potatoes (with the skin!), etc.
2. Protein- Important to promote muscle repair. Athlete's needs may vary. Goal is approximately 75- 100 grams daily* Power sources: Eggs, lean meat, nonfat milk, tuna, tofu, yogurt, peanut butter, fish, nonfat cottage cheese, etc.
3. Fats- Important to decrease muscle soreness, decrease inflammation, and spare glycogen stores.* Power sources: Olive oil, fish (omega-3 fatty acids) 3-4 times/week, avocado, nuts, almonds, etc.
4. Fruits and Vegetables- Important to reduce damage to your muscle cells, keeps your immune system boosted, decrease soreness after workouts, vitamin C can help repair injuries, etc. Goal is 4-6 servings of vegetables and 3-5 servings of fruit DAILY!* Power sources: Broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, strawberries, tomatoes, oranges, kiwi, carrots, pineapple, peas, red peppers, bananas, blueberries/raspberries, squash, cabbage, spinach, dried apricots, tangerines, vegetable juice, mangoes, raisins, etc.
*TIP: Eat a carbohydrate source and protein source within 30 minutes after workouts to promote muscle recovery and glycogen repletion. Ideas: Bagel with non-fat cream cheese, peanut butter sandwich on whole wheat bread/fruit, left over pizza, cereal with milk/nuts/fruit, tuna sandwich/juice, sports bar, trail mix/yogurt, cottage cheese/fruit, bean burrito/cheese/tomatoes, etc.
As always, there will be some prizes for those who can answer questions about Today's Blog!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend! Don't forget to run easy on Sunday!
Coach Flanagan :)
Mambu Baddu
