I'm a Sports Mom

I got an email a couple weeks ago asking if I was a Sports Mom. A Sports Mom - me? And then I thought about it. I've been hauling kids to soccer for over almost ten years, we went to Tae Kwon Do regularly twice a week for several years, right now I've got a son playing (well - we'll use that term loosely here) baseball, and a ten year old daughter who wants to try out every sport there is and is currently playing soccer and training for a 5K. So yeah, I responded, I guess indeed I am a Sports Mom. How 'bout that!

So by being a Sports Mom, I had the wonderful opportunity this past week to join in on a conference call with Gatorade along with Mia Hamm's mother, Stephanie Hamm.

One of the questions that I asked Stephanie during the call was a bit of what I mentioned above. I have this daughter of mine who wants to play everything - soccer, volleyball, basketball, running and has just recently mentioned softball as well. Because Stephanie mentioned that Mia was the same way as a young girl, I wanted to know what advice she had for reining it in. Do I eventually tell her to pick or does it all fall into place at some point??

Stephanie, a mother who raised six active children (and is herself the oldest of 11) said that she felt by trying more sports and participating in more things - these children become more well rounded and are able to make a better more informed decision on what they'd like to focus on later in life. She personally felt that this was better than one child playing one sport from a very young age and not having the opportunity to try any others.

I like that.

I also highlighted this quote in my scribbles on how she encouraged her children through the tougher spots:

"I know what you're doing, it's hard - but we're going to get through this together."

I love that.
It's not easy being a kid these days, and I think it's important to remind our kids that we know it's hard and we are here for them. Always.

During this call, we also had the chance to learn more about Gatorade and ask questions. We asked a lot of questions and I'd like to share just a bit of what I learned. But first - did you know that Gatorade has a site for the Sports Mom? I know, right? Me either! But they do - and I love this article about the protein packed breakfast....it comes just in time for when Wendy and I have to run our 5K. Better fuel = better output!

I scribbled pages and pages of notes during the call, but what I was most anxious to relate to my family when they got home that afternoon from school and work was the importance of electrolytes, specifically sodium before, during and after exercise. While we are very heavy water drinkers in this house, I had completely overlooked the importance of electrolytes like sodium, potassium and carbs when it comes to exercise.

They're important!

Gatorade shared the results of extensive studies between those who had just drank water before racing/competing...and those who had the proper carbs and electrolytes by way of Gatorade. The results were conistant straight across the board. Better fuel = better output.

I still believe in the importance of water, but I now know that the competitor and athlete need more.

A few other items that were brought up and shared before I wrap this up....

Several people asked if Gatorade would consider making a line without artificial dyes, and they responded that they already do. Their G Series Natural line is available exclusively at Whole Foods in select markets.

Another question that came up (let me flip my notes to the right page.....) was would they consider making their drinks without high fructose corn syrup, to which they responded that they have been making them without since the beginning of 2010.

I learned a lot.

As part of sharing what I learned, I also have the honor of being able to share with you a chance to win a $100 gift card to Dick's Sporting Goods!

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5. The official sweepstakes dates: 6/1/11 - 6/30/11

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