Food for athletes!

Food is an essential part of an athletes' life: with all the training acquiring a lot of energy, as well as the need to maintain good health. Therefore, we really need to watch what we eat.

Carbohydrates are the most important energy sources; they fuel our muscles very quickly, they're also stored in the body for later use - this means they are long-term energy providers. For these reasons, it is important to eat plenty carbohydrates everyday. It is even more important and necessary to eat a lot of carbs the night before a competition.

However, it is best to eat something healthy and sweet the morning of the event. This is because sugar will give you short-term energy, supplying the fuel you need much quicker but not for a long period of time. A good choice would be fruits or yogurt. An example of a fruit containing high-amounts of energy is the Peach Palm. Examples of carbohydrates include: BREAD, RICE, POTATOES, PASTA and BREAK-FAST CEREALS ( whole grain is much healthier).

Keeping a balanced diet provides your body with the right amounts of all the food groups. Proteins do not really provide a major amount of energy, but they are needed in the body forthe making of tissues such as muscle, haemoglobin in the blood, hormones and enzymes.

Haemoglobin is found in the red blood cells, and is used to transfer oxygen around the body. This is important for athletes because our muscles need oxygen to work, and because we use them more than ordinary people, we need more oxygen to keep our muscles going. Although, too much protein is not good, for the excess protein will be broken down and stored as fat. Foods containing protein include: MEAT, FISH, CHICKEN, EGGS, CHEESE, MILK (from animals), LEGUMES, BEANS, LENTILS and PEAS (from plants).

By the way, eating large quantities of protein-containing foods will not help build huge muscles; to do this, you need normal amounts of proteins as well as a high-carbohydrate diet and the right amount and type of training.

 

By Johanna Bangala

CEAS to tour UK in August 2015!

Chengelo Elite Athletics Squad to make trip to UK in August 2015.

The Chengelo Elite Athletics Squad have been given the go-ahead for their once-in-a-lifetime Sports and Cultural Trip to the UK in August 2015. Plans are progressing and exciting events are being arranged for the squad.

5th August - Woking A.C. Open Meeting

The athletes have been kindly invited to Sheerwater Track for the Woking Athletic Club Open Meeting for their first taste of competition in the UK. This meeting will be a good opportunity for the squad to settle at the beginning of their trip.


10th August - Blackheath and Bromley Open Meeting

The squad will head to Norman Park Track for the Blackheath and Bromley Open Meeting 5 days later. These first two meetings will be a good chance for the athletes to test themselves before some bigger competitions.

12th August and 26th August - Watford Open Meeting

All of the athletes will be looking to record personal bests at the Watford Open Graded Meeting. Competitions take place every other Wednesday during the summer and athletes are placed in ability groups, helping them to run in very competitive races. The electronic timings and photo finish will be a first for the athletes too!

15th - 16th August - SEAA u15 and u17 Championships

Crystal Palace will be the venue for the South of England Athletics Association under-15 and under-17 Championships. The squad will take part as foreign athletes on a track on which Usain Bolt has demonstrated his talent in the past. This should prove to be one of the more challenging competitions in which the athletes will participate.

19th August - Lee Valley Sprints

Lee Valley Sprints happen every other Wednesday, and as Watford Open Meetings and Lee Valley Sprints take place on alternate weeks, Lee Valley Leisure Complex will be the venue for this meeting. The squad can look forward to some stiff competition on this track.

Trip to London

London is full of opportunity and the squad will definitely spend some time in the capital city. Buckingham Palace, London Eye, Big Ben and London Museums will be on the must-see list of the squad. This will be an excellent experience and a way for the squad to relax on a rest day!

St Mary's Stadium

The home of Southampton Football Club will hopefully be the venue for a special day out for the squad. August will be full of pre-season friendlies and some league matches, so what better time to visit the beautiful St Mary's Stadium!

European Hockey Championships

The Sports and Cultural Trip will coincide with the European Hockey Championships so the squad should have the chance to watch some top level hockey action. As hockey is a popular sport at Chengelo, the athletes will surely enjoy this experience.

Hillsong, London

A visit to the world-famous Hillsong Church in London is a must and will be a special experience for the squad. Hopefully, on other Sundays, they can visit a variety of churches and enjoy fellowship with many other believers.

Loughborough University

The older members of the squad will be planning their further education for when they leave Chengelo, so a visit to Loughborough University and its world-class sports facilities will be vital. The university offers tours and workshops that will surely help the athletes in their athletic development.

If you think you could help the squad in any way, please contact me. We are looking for help with transport especially. Thank you.