SUP Mag UK lo-res free to readers July 2014 lo-res - free to read | Page 59

Energised again
At the beginning of the week before a race, I
normally feel tired after the previous week’s
hard training so my primary aim is to get
energised again. I still paddle, but a reduced
amount. I practice board skills and turns
and stretch out my muscles. Normally two
days before the race I don’t paddle and the
day before, I have an easy recovery session.
Hopefully, I begin to feel my energy come
back and although I want to train more this
week, I have to save myself for the race. Try
not to fall in the trap, when feeling strong, of
training for the race at the last minute, as all

you will achieve is to get tired for the
competition. I also spend some time
checking the weather and the conditions for
the race and prepare my food and hydration.
It is also useful to make sure your kit is
ready (board, paddle, fin, leash, clothes for
different weather conditions) and if
anything’s missing you can still get it
before the race. Nutrition wise, I want to
make sure I eat enough and be recharged
for the competition, but I wouldn't change
anything in the diet at this point as the
body might find it difficult to adjust.

I have to save myself
for the race. Try not to
fall in the trap, when
feeling strong, of
training for the race at
the last minute,

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