Fasting prior to competition

[TomN]

A questions for competitors and coaches out there: How long do you (or your shooters) abstain from food prior to a competition? Do you maintain a normal meal schedule or eat a smaller meal and suppliment with small snacks (granola, crackers, etc.)?

[jrmcdaniel]

I don't recommend this myself, but the guy who does this is a fantastic shooter:

Steve Schultz -- who won the Field Target Nationals in 2003 -- breakfasts the day of the match by eating a large cheeseburger. His thinking is that the protein loading (and fat?) will carry him through the day (FT matches usually take about 4 or more hours). He does not snack during the match.

Personally, I like to maintain the normal ritual and snack and drink lots of water during a match (but I have only beat Steve once that I remember).

Fasting is undoubtedly not a good practice -- hypoglycemia from lack of food will give one lots of the "shakes."

Best,

Joe

[TWP]

I agree with Joe,

I don't recomend to my shooters to fast before a match. You shouldn't shoot after eating a large heavy meal either.

Pretty much eat what you normally eat, stay away from sugary foods (huge pancake breakfast with lots of syrup would not be on my list) or things you know will give you gas or indigestion.

[holson]

Eating a normal amount of healthy food is what has always worked for me. I stay away from candy, junk food, and stuff that will upset my stomach. Not eating before a match has made me pretty uncomfortable, so I generally keep crackers or something with me.