This past weekend, I ‘raced’ an aquathon – 1000 m swim followed by a 5k run. Last year I was ‘a sponsor/vendor’ with a table set up for the event. I saw a change in interaction between me and the racers this year compared to last. People interacted with me as I was now one of them racing and participating, rather than just someone ‘selling’ stuff. I was gaining credibility in their eyes. I was like them!
For years, I did race expos at events where I was also competing in the next day. Once my hip injury continued and deteriorated my hip, my ability to race disappeared. I would not have been too happy just participating rather than racing (see last blog post). Often, I would place overall or at least in my Age Group. People would see me gaining credibility as an athlete and nutritionist. I played the part in real life (not just on tv) . I was walking the walk, talking the talk. I was fit, healthy, competitive, placing. People wanted to do what I was doing with nutrition, and work with me as their coach!
Last year, even though I was at several events with a table, athletes just saw me being just a 
vendor. I was not someone they wanted to engage with as they did not see me as someone who would understand them. Even though the table cloth and my tee says ‘sports nutrition coach’ they could not relate with me even though I have raced for 20+ years! I also have 11 years or more in the sports nutrition field with my own nutrition practice. How could I not know what I was doing? I could write a book on sports nutrition for the endurance athlete! (Maybe I will soon!)
This year, I was talking to an athlete even after the event still in my racing suit, and she wanted to engage and talk with me! ‘Oh, that was your table! I want to work with a nutritionist who 
understands endurance athletes!’ And so the conversation continued as she told me why she wanted to work with me! I actually didn’t have to say anything or sell myself to her. She already knew she wanted to work with me as she knew now that I was an athlete, I really did understand as I was competing just like she was! I had gained credibility just by participating in the event!
I had to be away for a few years to realize that even though my resume – athletic and business – indicate I and an expert in sports nutrition, sometimes the message gets lost until you join the participants in the activities they do. For me, it was nice to gain the credibility, but I also enjoyed being back in the camaraderie I so missed by not racing the past 4 years. This stuff is fun! Even if you don’t really train for it the way you should (well, how I know I should to be competing at my best…)
If you would like to schedule a Race Day Nutrition session (s), need help with GI issues or sports nutrition, please visit www.nutrition-in-motion.net/services and choose the program or session that is right for you. Don’t know which to choose? Fill out the contact form and I will help you by understanding your needs and suggesting options that fit best.
And sign up for the newsletter or blog updates here on the right —->>>