SUP Race
Image: supracer.com
Professional chef Edwin Hammond Meredith of the Florida Keys spends much of his free time participating in stand up paddle boarding (SUP). Having completed long-distance water crossings with fellow enthusiasts, Edwin Hammond Meredith is currently training to compete in SUP races.
As with any other race, SUP races require a good deal of preparation. When you first start training, it can be extremely helpful to find a partner or group; having a partner keeps you from taking a break from your training. Even if you don’t feel motivated to go out on the water one day, your partner or group will help motivate you.
When you are training, try mimicking SUP races. If you live near a race area, you can practice on the race course. This gives you a good idea of how the winds, waves, and current might change during a SUP race. If you can train at the actual race course on which you will compete, then you will be even better prepared.
During your training sessions, give your body ample time to rest and rebuild muscle. Too much training can tire out the muscles and may lead to injury. Similarly, if you focus too much on working specific areas of the body, you are more likely to lose ability in the ignored areas.
Intervals are a great way of increasing performance and endurance levels by improving your lactic threshold. This threshold is what makes your muscles tired. By increasing it, you are able to use your muscles for a longer period of time before they start getting worn out. Staying hydrated is equally important. Always drink plenty of water during both training and the actual race, and maintain good nutrition.
Edwin Hammond Meredith 