Fitness tips from Fitness 2J2: Dragon Boat nutrition tips
- Joel Pedersen | August 24, 2017
This summer has been active for a number of our readers with NAIG in Toronto, Sask First Nations Games in Regina, Canada Games in Winnipeg, and the World Indigenous Games in Edmonton.
We had a three-day youth soccer camp in Ile allaCrosse in July, and youth hockey dry land camp in Saskatoon at our new Functional Fitness Gym at Neechie Gear HQ this August.
Always looking for new challenges: have you thought of Dragon Boat races? For a few years now I have been watching the practicing of the teams, and the races in Saskatoon. This year I had the opportunity to row with the SIGA team; it was great to learn a new sport and the cultural teaching of Dragon Boat.
Here is a short outline and nutritional suggestions for the Dragon Boat Crew that I put together that are transferable to most of our health and positive lifestyles.
In our Indigenous culture we have similar types of boats from the Pacific Northwest Coast Large Dugout Canoes; to the East Coast Large Birch Canoes; to the design of the York Boat, that many First Nation and Metis people paddled in the early years of exploration of Canada. Some of us have canoed or kayaked on our own or maybe with two.
Dragon Boat is more than just one person: it’s a team, working together as one. Here are a few points that may assist. In preparation to rowing, we should go into each race with fluid and fuel stores topped up, feeling comfortable after the last meal. The challenge is to recover between each day's sessions and to prepare for the next race. If possible, a meal with carbohydrates should be consumed 2-3 hours before a race. Suitable foods include breakfast cereal, toast, muffins, sandwiches, yogurt, fruit, pasta with tomato sauce, and rice. A good meal of pasta the night before is also an effective carb-load option. Some rowers need to take special care with pre-race eating, we don’t want you feeling uncomfortable to race with a full stomach.
Being organized to have nutritious food supplies at close by will be to your benefit. Take along a supply of cereal bars, sports bars, fruit bars, dried fruit, sandwiches, yogurt, juice, etc. Start your recovery after each race by consuming some of these snack foods. Becoming dehydrated from your rowing, practices, or from sitting in the sun watching the competition may occur, so paying attention to your fluid intake is important. Carbohydrate-containing fluids such as sports drinks in combination with waterare useful for topping up both fluid and carbohydrate stores. On race day and training days, limit the amount of caffeinated drinks and no alcohol.
So when the commands of “Paddels Up”…. “Take it Away!” you will be ready.
The fall is a busy time, make sure you make some time for yourself. Come check out our No Cost Functional Fitness and Learn to Run 5km Programs.
Fitness 2J2 is a socially responsible community based health and wellness company. Contributing to the success and vitality of our communities, promoting healthy and positive lifestyles for Indigenous people of all ages and abilities. STRONG HEALTHY PROUD