Vomiting

[[old] Cassiopeia]

It seems that I'm developing a nasty habit of throwing up after a 2k. The first time it happened I had eaten plenty before the 2k and it wasn't too bad, it was a quick recovery. The second, at CRASH-B's, I hadn't eaten and it took much longer to recover afterwards, so I know that eating beforehand will help the recovery time.<br /><br />But, is there anything that will prevent it? That, or make the recovery time even shorter.<br /><br />I'm racing this Saturday so replies would be really appreciated!

[[old] george nz]

The only thing I could suggest is that you always upchuck 'downwind' and take solace in the fact that you at least have your pacing right for a maximal performance.<br /><br />Do you ever have the problem in training when at these intesities?<br /><br />George

[[old] stupefaction]

You're not getting much nutritional benefit if you expel the meal from your stomach before it has passed into the upper intestine. To solve your vomiting problem, I suggest you either eat an hour or two earlier, or eat immediately after racing. Better yet, do both, and you will enjoy an uninterrupted stream of nutrition during the time span surrounding the race. Go heavy on carbohydrates before the race to fuel your effort, and get plenty of protein afterward to aid in healing the muscles.

[[old] jbell]

Make sure you chew everything fully. I've thrown up once after a 2k, and I think it was because I took like a bite of a sandwich, twos chews, then swallowed. Now I make sure everything is nice and chewed thouroughly.

[[old] ljwagner]

My exercise physiology texts tell me three hours before an event for a light meal. 30 minutes before an event for up to a pint of water if you might be thirsty. Stomach clearing takes about 4 hours in the average person. Know thyself.<br /><br />If your digestive tract is slower than average, have a longer delay. If you eat regularly, just be sure to be hydrated. You could be tossing your cookies because you push yourself so hard you push harder, and the only response is to shut down digestion. If you have digestion going on, then the food in your stomach may be evacuated.<br /><br />Wear a bib, and put your own mat under the C2. Bring a roll of paper towels to clean up afterwards. A bucket would be a nice touch.

[[old] pduck]

Avoid dairy products in the hours before your race.<br /><br />Back when I was running in road races, I would just have some toast with honey on it about three hours before (and water). That would hold me until after the race. Rowing a 2K isn't like a marathon, you won't need a lot of fuel in your body before the race. Still, I think it's good to have a little something in your stomach.