Thursday, March 31, 2011

Are You a Sports Mom? (and a giveaway!)





Do you spend an unusual amount of time shuttling kids to and from various athletic practices, or sitting on stadium bleachers...or a folding chair along a sideline? How much time do you spend each week telling your young athlete things like, "Get a drink!" or "Be sure to put a drink in your bag."



If this describes you, then you might be a Sports Mom! In fact, According to a study conducted by Glass Box research in January 2011, 7/10 moms with kids in Middle school or High school have kids in sports.

Meet Wanda Pratt! She's a sports mom too.



As a fellow Sports Mom I understand how you prioritize your schedule each day, how you juggle getting your kids to all their different events, and how you worry about what your children are eating and drinking. (I also know you spend a lot of money on sporting equipment! Keep reading for your chance to win a $100 gift card to Dick's Sporting Goods!)

When we're getting ready for one of Angela's events, it starts days ahead! As Angela's mom, it's my job to make sure she's eating properly, and is staying hydrated. This is hard to do when she's at school, because I KNOW she's not drinking enough during her busy school day. I know her staff at school tries to make her take drink breaks throughout the day, but let's face it, a couple sips of the disgusting drinking fountain at school just is not enough!

A few months ago I started sending the small bottles of Gatorade to school with her. She does have a morning snack time, so I figured she's at least getting that little bit during the day. Since she likes Gatorade and can suck down a bottle in a few seconds, I knew she'd drink it! The four days a week she also had floor hockey practice I'd put an extra bottle in her backpack as well, always reminding her, "When the coach gives you a break for drinks, get your Gatorade out of your bag!"

Sports moms put a lot of thought into what our kids eat before a meet, game or tournament. How many of you think about what your child needs to consume AFTER and event?

Did you know 75% of Sports Moms don't know that in order to help promote muscle recovery, their athletes should consume protein within a 30-60 minute window post-exercise? How many of you just thought to yourself, "Ok, I am one of those 75%"

I have a confession to make. I was one of the 75%! I spend all this time making sure Angela is hydrated, and eating well, but what do we usually end up doing after a meet or practice? Let's see...about 1/2 the time we stop at McDonalds or something on the way home. So yeah, she's getting the carbs necessary for muscle recovery but 1) it's not soon enough and 2) it's crap! This is where you can throw in the "bad mom of the year" award to me! LOL.

Gatorade is now joining forces with Sports Moms to help you help your young athlete be the best that he or she can be.
Visit the Official site just for Sports Moms. This site is about promoting our kids and helping them BECOME anything they want. 



There you'll find articles and advice where you can learn more about how to help your young athlete BECOME anything she or he wants to be, including how to avoid common sports injuries, and workout nutrition. Also, visit their YouTube page to meet some very inspiring moms!

The only thing I don't like about their new site is the fact there is not ONE athlete with a disability pictured. This is the year of the Special Olympics World Games in Athens Greece. (remember Angela was in the running to go? (link to previous blog post) While what my child does may not look like a highly competitive event, she spends just as much time training, and expends just as much physical energy as her non-disabled peers, maybe even more considering the work involved for her to get from one end of the pool to the other! Go have a look at the site, and contact Gatorade if you'd like to see athletes with disabilities featured!

Now what about that $100 give away to Dicks Sporting Goods? If you're a Sports Mom, leave a comment and tell me what you do to help prepare your young athlete to be physically ready before events, and recover after events. I'll choose a comment to win a $100 Visa Gift card! This offer is good March 31st - April 30th, 2011.

Rules:

No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, Visit the Official Rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

You can also visit this Prizes and Promotions section for more chances to win!

126 comments:

  1. It wasn't until I started working out with a program that I discovered the protein recommendation...and I STILL hadn't thought about it in terms of my son....thanks for bringing it to my attention!!!

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  2. Kennedy is in ballet and tap, so her recital nights are HUGE. We too prepare days in advance! We pack a bag with snacks, drinks, and lots of tights because she ALWAYS rips them! We usually throw in a book or crayons or something too to keep her occupied between her numbers... it's a 2 hour recital after all. The day of, practice starts at 8am then we go home, get ready, do the hair bun and spray it until it's plastic lol, then head back to the auditorium where someone stands in line for an hour to get good seats while I help her get ready in the dressing room. It's exhausting, for everyone! We all sleep well that night! I love it though!

    My other kids have taken a break from sports right now, but they are looking forward to getting back into it after we move. Gotta love being a sports mom! :)

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  3. We eat protein and stock up on snacks and drinks for afterwards.

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

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  4. tweet:

    http://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/53605269724332032

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

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  5. I'm not a sports mom yet, but I did post to my FB page.

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  6. I make sure they stay hydrated and have balanced meals after sports.

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  7. http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/54057777831751680

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  8. I make sure my daughter is hydrated and that she gets plenty of protein too!
    bleatham*at*gmail.com

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  9. tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/sleatham1/status/54109177387302912
    bleatham*at*gmail.com

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  10. Hydration is important. We also play Queen's "We Will Rock You" before games!

    shannoncarman at yahoo dot com

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  11. well, HE EATS PROPERLY & DRINKS PLENTY OF WATER (ON MY DEMAND, OF COURSE) & GETS ENOUGH SLEEP THAT IT ENDS UP BEING A REALLY HEALTHY THING FOR HIM @ HIS AGE! PLUS HE LOVES MAKING FRIENDS! kytah00@yahoo.com

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  12. 2nd ENTRY TWEET @ http://twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/54402378253864960 kytah00@yahoo.com

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  13. I would make sure my son gets enough sleep, and keeps well hydrated before, during, and after the event.
    gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com

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  14. tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/CrazyItalian0/status/54525616728449025

    gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com

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  15. Make sure their well rested and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

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  16. tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/54751688388640768
    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

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  17. I am a sports auny- which means I do lots of cheering from the sidelines =)

    pestkaj(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  18. make sure that your child is well hydrated!

    debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com

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  19. tweeted here:

    http://twitter.com/bellows22/status/54855880897867776

    debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com

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  20. I tweeted at http://twitter.com/#!/anashct/status/55095756364857344
    email: anashct [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  21. To prepare my kids I give them green smoothies! They are the absolute best thing for my kids and it keeps them going all day..I advocate them for all kids because it has helped my fam tremendously!
    Thanks for this splendid giveaway
    anashct [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  22. I am a sports mom! It is so important to stay hydrated! I worry my kids will pass out, out there in the sun. My kids play tennis, so we make sure to keep them fueled up! Thanks!
    brownatural@gmaildotcom

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  23. Make sure she is well-rested and hydrated.
    MCantu1019 at aol dot com

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  24. I make sure my son gets enough sleep, a snack before he plays and stays hydrated while he is playing

    s2s2 at comcast dot net

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  25. http://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/56001556113403904

    s2s2 at comcast dot net

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  26. I am not a Sport's mom but I love to watch from the sidelines!

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  27. We made sure they were well rested and I don't recall what the benefit was but we gave them a banana before each game. We also made sure they were well hydrated and provided a snack and gatorade to replenish after the game.
    Dove056 at aol dot com

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  28. Tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/Dove056/status/56040220285612032
    Dove056 at aol dot com

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  29. We have our son use gatorade and high protein before events and make sure he warms down and up before and after events.

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  30. I encourage my kids to drink Gatorade and water and to eat a light meal before. Thanks so much

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  31. My daughter is heavily involved in soccer, my son in baseball. There is always a small meal before sports and plenty of fluids during. My daughter suffered a knee injury and after lots of PT, is back in the game. We keep her in strength training at the Y to keep those muscles strong so she does not suffer future injuries.

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  32. I try to prepare my daughter by getting her hydrated prior to her practices and games

    abfantom at yahoo dot com

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  33. I make sure they are well hydrated during the game and that they eat healthy meals

    teechbiz at gmail dot com

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  34. I don't have kids so I'm not a sports mom, but I do hydrate myself before and after exercising. And I try to eat protein within an hour of exercising to refuel my muscles.

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  35. Im not a sports mom yet, my son is only 3 yrs old but I look forward to it.

    nickieisis3atgmaildotcom

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  36. Gatorade and healthy snacks before the game and during the game and after the game.

    rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

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  37. Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/rhoneygee/status/56288249446010880

    rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

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  38. i try to have them eat healthy to keep their bodies ready for their athletics

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  39. We make sure they eat a healthy breakfast with protein and drink alot before they go out.

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  40. tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/buzz8/status/56422476917383169

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  41. I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/eyzofblu63/status/56455186255839232

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  42. hydration before, during and after games - then a healthy meal an hour after playing
    tvollowitz at aol dot com

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  43. When my boys were young, I always made sure they had plenty of rest and good nutrition so they could do their best in school and in sports.

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  44. Tweet
    http://twitter.com/intent/tweet/complete?text=Product+Reviews+by+Leah%3A+Are+You+a+Sports+Mom%3F+%28and+a+giveaway!%29&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgardenofeagan2.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fare-you-sports-mom-and-giveaway.html%3Fspref%3Dtw

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  45. My boys play baseball and I always make sure they eat a good meal with lots of carbs and protein before they play and they love to take Gatorade with them to keep hydrated.

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  46. tweeted
    http://twitter.com/#!/fairydancer35/status/56772328473903104

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  47. hydrate them and fuel them up with nutritious foods

    carolmuth2002 at yahoo dot com

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  48. I'm not a sports mom, but I do get my son ready for baseball games by letting him know to have fun and to play the game :) Sounds basic, but it is what it is

    Please feel free to contact me at:

    sales4545 at gmail dot com

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  49. I will make sure they eat healthy meal and drink a lot of water
    merleandtina@yahoo.com

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  50. http://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/56927525032570880
    merleandtina@yahoo.com

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  51. i'm not a sports mom, but am a workout fiend myself. spin class, hiking, you name it!
    kolpin4680 at gmail dot com

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  52. Not a sports mom YET! But sure plan on being one in the future and am glad to be learning these facts :)

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  53. When I'm a sports mom I will make sure that they are well fed and hydrated. msmith572@yahoo.com

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  54. Tweet: http://twitter.com/flowergirl523/status/57929395276488706

    msmith572@yahoo.com

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  55. Blogged: http://insanityisforthelame.blogspot.com/2011/04/product-reviews-by-leah-are-you-sports.html

    msmith572@yahoo.com

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  56. My kids aren't in any organized sports. We spend weekends hiking and geocaching. I make sure my kids get enough sleep before we go and also take along plenty of water and good snacks for along the way.
    chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  57. Tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/chipdip2010/status/57983905374019584
    chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  58. I make sure that my child has healthy snacks for practice and a good meal that will give him energy before a game.

    mmburdette22 AT yahoo DOT com

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  59. My kids are grown now, but I used to be a Sports Mom. I made sure my kids had plenty of fluids to drink before, during, and after a game, especially in hot weather.
    marcia.goss@gmail.com

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  60. Tweet.
    http://twitter.com/#!/mgoss123/status/58321224224354305
    marcia.goss@gmail.com

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  61. I make sure they are well fed and hydrated and afterwards I shower them with praise for their performance!

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  62. As a sports gram I like to emphasize the fun and learning and personal growth that takes place rather than the aspects of winning or losing.

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  63. I just make sure they eat a healthy meal and drink enough water that day.
    lazybones344 at gmail dot com

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  64. http://twitter.com/bikeohio/status/59453166181298176 tweet

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  65. It's always important to warm up and stretch!

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  66. It's always important to warm up and stretch.

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  67. I stress plenty of rest and good nuitrition. We drink loads of water here.
    dawns_horizen@yahoo.com

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  68. Yes I am a sports mom. My kids are in soccer, competitive cheerleading, wrestling and cross country. So just like you most of my weekends are spent camping out in a chair or on a bleacher rooting my kids on. I wouldn't change a thing though. I love watching them do what they do best. I am always so proud of them win or loose. I have never missed a game or match. They are only young once and I plan on cherishing every moment!
    shelleymikey at gmail dot com

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  69. My sports mom days are long past (although grandma days are probably just about upon me, but the main thing I had to do for my daughter was to give emotional support. She loved gymnastics, but was not in the top group of contenders and had to keep in mind that doing it for fun was also worthwhile.

    cgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com

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  70. My son is now grown and doing his own thing but when he was little and at home, sports were very important in his life. He played hockey, his favorite. Making sure he ate well was extremely important. Hockey took a lot of energy and he needed good fuel in his body to maintain a busy schedule. I also did a lot of cheering and screaming. Had to keep up with so much energy.

    gmissycat at yahoo dot com

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  71. Tweeted here too.
    http://twitter.com/#!/gmissycat/status/60993163292188672

    gmissycat at yahoo dot com

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  72. I make sure they stay fully hydrated and get enough protein.

    hebert024 at aoldot com

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  73. lots of gatorade and usually a healthy snack (banana and peanut butter is a popular choice for us)
    addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com

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  74. i make sure they have a good healthy meal and stay hydrated

    ReplyDelete
  75. Eat well, drink lots of fluids and get a good nights sleep.

    jas8929 at gmail dot com

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  76. I am a sports grandma so I help supply the drinks and moral support

    rugerpuppies at hotmail dot com

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  77. I always make sure my daughter eats a good meal before her soccer games and we pack fruit and plenty of water for after. I confess we've been guilty of the fast food drive thru after games too!
    nrdunningATgmailDOTcom

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  78. tweet
    http://twitter.com/ohstac/status/63226810829250562
    nrdunningATgmailDOTcom

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  79. Nolan loves him some G2! "The red one mom"! He is not playing sports this year, but we will be sure to pack up some G2 when he does play! I buy it by the case. The little bottles are perfect to put anywhere!

    Kcnolan21@aol.com...I also FB!

    Coleen Rispo

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  80. I try to make sure there is a lot of healthy food in the house and not much junk food---and I always have lots of gatorade in the fridge.

    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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  81. I'm not a sports mom yet but i'd want to know the best foods to eat before and after
    Thanks for the entry!
    Janna Johnson
    jannajanna@hotmail.com
    www.feedyourpigblog.com

    ReplyDelete
  82. I'm a Marine Mom now, and I tell you what I was a sports Mom before and they are not much different. Believe it or not it was my son who taught me the protein portion!! He would eat 6 meals a day (small but full of protein), hydrate constantly and that included Gatorade. He is now a US Marine deployed in the Middle East and I have been sending him G2 drink packets, and tuna to keep hydrated and protein in while service our great Country!!

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  83. High protein filling snacks and lots of water and Gatorade!

    wolverina401 at gmail dot com

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  84. I help them prepare by making sure they eat well and stay hydrated before and after.honeypie411 at yahoo dot com

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  85. We try to have a really good meal the day before a big game, but I didn't know so much about the importance of protein after playing!

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  86. I make sure my kids get plenty of sleep the night before the big sporting event and that they eat a good breakfast the morning of the event.
    nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

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  87. tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/KerryBishop/status/63799413214158850
    nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

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  88. I make sure she eats well beforehand and has plenty to drink during practice/games!
    Thanks - Sarah Z
    believedreamcourage (at) gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  89. Good meals before and after the game and plenty to drink to stay hydrated. trinitygsd at yahoo dot com

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  90. this year I am a baseball mom,..not sure if its going to be his thing,...will know by the end of the season

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  91. I was not a sports mom but I was a sports Grandma and my grandson did drink Gatorade when he was little. He always had that Blue Gatorade in his little hand and loved it.

    marybug2@yahoo.com

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  92. Tweeted too

    http://twitter.com/#!/marybug2/status/64126313799221248

    marybug2 @ yahoo . com

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  93. IM not a sports mom but it would be hydrating and energy bars all the way

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  94. I always make sure my daughter is hydrated before a game

    itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

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  95. tweet

    http://twitter.com/MistySunrise/status/64163267865608193

    itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

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  96. I make sure my children get a good nights sleep and eat a healthy breakfast on game day. It helps keep their energy up.
    lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

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  97. I Tweeted this giveaway. http://twitter.com/#!/lisalmg/status/64201521830690816
    lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  98. I'm a sport's Mom--my kids and husband and I are all super active--and someone has a game or a meet or something almost every day.
    kakihararocks@gmail.com

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  99. When I was a sports mom, I made the same fast food mistake after practice or games. I wish I hadn't. If I had it to do over again, I would have been more prepared with healthy protein snacks afterwards.

    llexine at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  100. I make sure she's had a good snack right before the game and has lots of gatorade during the game. The warmer it gets the more gatorade she goes through. thank you!
    crystalfaulkner2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  101. I feed them a hearty meal before games and give them a drink and snack afterwards!

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  102. Make sure they are rested, eat well,and I encourage them -and i am there!
    spencer1953 at gmail dot com-carol.

    ReplyDelete
  103. tweet http://twitter.com/#!/dresdenrain/status/64346266020220928



    spencer1953 at gmail dot com-carol.

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  104. I makes sure he gets enough sleep and is hydrated

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  105. I try to ensure proper rest, nutrition and hydration.

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  106. http://twitter.com/kittycardero/status/64366192382586881

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  107. I'll admit, Gatorade has been a staple for years in my house. Because we are on a budget, my kids know these are for "game day" only. However, I wasn't aware of the protein recommendation after games. This is definately something I'll be trying to improve on!
    pauline15_01 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  108. I'm not a sports mom. But I bet if my kids were into sports, I would be!
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  109. tweet: http://twitter.com/js22222222/status/64374059349188608
    email in blogger profile.

    ReplyDelete
  110. I don't actually have any kids, but if I did, I would find it most helpful to know exactly what nutrients they loose during play so that I could better give them just those nutrients at home and not give them things they don't need or should not get! That way they would always be at their best!
    Angie
    14earth at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  111. I tweeted here: http://twitter.com/#!/FotoMacro/status/64380058390904832
    Angie
    14earth at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  112. I am not a sports mom or dad! LOL I'm not really into sports and never have been...more of a nature person here. BUT if I had kids, I would definitely research proper nutrition for athletes so that they would always be at their best!
    Scott
    nynekats at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  113. tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/RePurrPussed/status/64390952000827392
    Scott
    nynekats at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  114. I give my son a light snack before activities so he isn't running around with a full stomach. I make sure he's hydrated, and rarely feed him anything sugay.

    runningmatey at hotmail dot com

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  115. http://twitter.com/LuckyDuckyToo/status/64406761540567040

    runningmatey at hotmail dot com

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  116. Water is so important to athletes!
    louiseb130@aol.com

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  117. My children and grandchildren are all adults now and the great grandkids aren't quite old enough to start participating. But I was a sports mom and grandma for a long time. Besides the nutrition and hydration aspects I think the most important thing you can do for your child is provide positive support. It's especially important when they have a bad day, they need to know that you can't always be a winner but you can always enjoy the game.

    ReplyDelete
  118. They get hydrated, but we really have to work on the protein thing...especially since they aren't big protein fans.
    Diane Baum
    esldiane@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  119. Lots of rest and hydration are at the top of this list!

    nesta 67 {at} live dot com

    ReplyDelete
  120. tweet https://twitter.com/#!/LuckyJinxy/status/64457987187671040

    ReplyDelete
  121. AS A sports dad, the kids get plenty of hydration because they drink gatorade

    ardy22 at earthlink dot net

    ReplyDelete
  122. tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/Ardy22/status/64464271257501696
    ardy22 at earthlink dot net

    ReplyDelete
  123. I'm not a mom, but I could use the GC from Dicks to get a new swim suit.
    Thanks for the contest.

    ReplyDelete
  124. blogged: http://slehan.blogspot.com/2011/04/win-100-from-dicks-sporting-goods.html

    ReplyDelete
  125. The kids are old enough now that they do their own thing to get ready, but back in the day my husband would go out with them and throw balls to help warm them up.

    msurosey@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  126. Stop the effects of aging. Log in to our site and learn how to achieve stoping aging. Forget the fatigue and lack of energy. Retard up the natural process of aging.
    Get all the benefits of a natural revitalizer that one you are needing

    ReplyDelete

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