Help for Swimmer

[swimsweetie401]

My school swim season has started again, which means swimming pretty grueling workouts every morning except Sundays. Last year, I had no problem having something filling for breakfast to keep me going all morning, and drinking small amounts of water during the workout. But now, when I wake up in the morning, I don't really feel that well for some reason, and I have trouble even eating a whole bagel. And while I'm swimming, even the smallest amount of water makes me feel sick to my stomach. I'm not exactly sure what I should do. Any suggestions???

[chefster]

Sounds like pre race jitters, like you are under stress thinking about what is to come. Carbo load at night. Then top off the tank in the morning. Another thing is waking up earlier eating then going back to bed. Definetly do a protien bar or drink right after practice.:bobo:

[ICU]

Hi SwimSweetie,

I have been a Swimmom to my girls for over 12 years and my oldest could never eat breakfast right away (always "a little sick" too). We found that if we stocked her swim and school lockers/pack health snacks so she could "graze" her breakfast after morning practice and between classes she was ok. We used fruit, homemade granola, cereal, yoghurt, string cheese, hard boiled eggs, 1/2 a PBJ, Odewalla bars (sp?), etc. This worked for her all 4 HS seasons and 10 years competing in age group swimming. My youngest (freshman HS swimmer) also stocks her lockers even though she can eat before morning practice, it just doesn't hold her until lunch.

Make sure you drink enough water. Dehydration can make some people feel sick to their stomach. I am sure you know that you sweat while you are swimming, you just don't feel it in the water. Good luck this season.

[swimsweetie401]

Thanks so much! I had a chat with my coach today after hyperventilating at the meet yesterday...not a lot, but enough to make we want to talk to him. Its funny that I've been swimming for most of my life and just this year I am having these problems. I guess as I get older the stakes get higher. But I am definitley going to keep some different foods in my bag to snack on. Thanks! :D

[ICU]

My oldest would throw up before meets and even between events sometimes. She started competing when she was 8 (she is 20 now). My youngest started when she was 4 years old and will get a stomach ache once in a while before a meet. It seems strange to me that they would get that worked up, after all these years. They both competed in LCM & SCY state meets and even zones. I guess its different when it is a school rival. Again, good luck.