In every lightweight rower or
coxswain's life there comes a time right before
spring sprint season, after a winter of
decadence and
eating, where one finds themself 5 pounds over the
minimum weight. For February, I have to get under 109--which is best done by careful and
gradual diet and exercise, but sometimes...
you gotta do what you gotta do.
48 hours until race - Stop eating
heavy foods.
Pickles and
celery are your friends-- no calories. Drink
water constantly to flush it all out of your system, just in case you pick up some inadvertent
protein or
vitamins.
24 hours until race - Stop eating. Keep on drinking water.
6 hours until race -
Stop drinking water. Whatever you do, don't drink anything-- resist peer pressure. This is the most essential step of the weight crash process.
1 hour until race - Run for 10-30 minutes wearing sweats and/or
plastic bags, depending on the heat and humidity. Always run supervised-- beware of
heatstroke. Take a
shower and make sure your hair is dry. I've lost as much as 4
pounds in 3 miles. Spit into a cup. I learned this from some
wrestler friends; it helps to chew gum to generate
saliva.
At launch - Breathe light.
Socks are extra weight and are for the weak.
After Race - All you can eat lunch
buffet $4.95 at Caliente Cab Co. near 8th St. and
University Place.
We have lived to row another day.
Disclaimer: Not responsible or liable for any injury or death, apart from my own, that will most likely result from reading this node.