Blog Takeover: Meet Paige.
I grew up with both my parents as coaches, so snacks and fueling the body were always emphasized. We were allowed to have sweets and soda in moderation. We had our fair share of Happy Meals and ice cream cones, but because things were never “off limits” I actually was less likely to reach for them. When I started trying to restrict myself as I got older I realized I would crave it more. Here is a look into my journey.
I grew up as a cross country and track athlete, a ballerina, and a soccer player- with my main focus being running when I got to high school. I grew up with some of the fastest girls in the state on my team- and they were half my size. I figured I needed to be like them. This became an issue when I went through puberty and suddenly my performance dropped. I didn’t know any better, but because I equated running fast with being skinny, that’s what I focused on. This idea was only further ingrained in my brain when in health class the teacher said my lunch of a turkey sandwich, grapes, carrots and dip, and crackers was “pretty big” which of course made me more self-conscious, so I restricted even more. As an impressionable young female athlete this was a turning point in my life- note for all those influential adults out there, be very careful how you present nutritional information to aspiring athletes, it stays with us. What I didn’t realize is that this severe food restriction was hindering my performance even more, leading to all sorts of injuries, and putting me in a challenging emotional and mental state--it is all connected.
Even with all these setbacks, I worked hard to show coaches that I still had what it took to be a member of a collegiate track team, and earned a spot on the Boise State University Track Team. It was here that I was introduced to heavy lifting sessions. These sessions were then followed by a tough track workout. Initially, I would be laying on the ground with zero energy halfway through the lifting workout, with nothing left in the tank. I had to learn how to better fuel before and during workouts (hello gu, gummies, and chocolate milk) to allow me to maintain intensity and actually see benefits from the lifts. I struggled with this, as I was also seeing the team dietitian who had me on a specific calorie diet--so how did I fuel well to support my workouts, but not go over my calories for the day? I didn’t. I wouldn’t eat, or if I did, I would try and make up for it somewhere else. Often my stomach was in knots, not only from being hungry, but because I was so stressed about my calorie intake. Fortunately, I got some help, but even then it took a year or two before everything started to click. My nutrition and fueling was much improved, I started seeing food as my friend, not my enemy, I was in a better head space, had a great group of friends around me, and I had a kitchen to cook in, which was a game changer. My performance was drastically improved, earning all conference honors and running the best I ever had.
Currently, I am an amateur triathlete aspiring to make the pro circuit. I have made multiple world championship appearances and am eager to get back out competing. A typical day for me is a swim workout at 5:30am, work from 7:30-4, run or bike workout 4:15-6:30 then cook dinner, eat, shower, pack for the next day, do rehab, PT or yoga and collapse in bed. No way could I do all this if I didn’t fuel my body properly and take care of it the best I can. I plan ahead and meal prep on Sunday’s keeping things quick and convenient., and I’m also constantly eating. I make sure to have good filling snacks in all my bags and desks so that I have something to reach for (fig bars, trail mix, sun-butter pretzels, “superhero muffins”) and I stay hydrated throughout the day.
Never would I have thought that after my rough journey with athletics and nutrition, would I be where I am today, but I am so grateful. It just goes to show how powerful nutrition is not only for your physical health, but mental and emotional health as well. We are living in an age of evolving science and nutrition so I encourage you to use that to your advantage, and with the RIGHT guidance and support, you really can achieve your dreams.
-Paige