Step 1
Send this to parents
This is the full version to email to families.
Subject
The pre-run snack is the habit most athletes skip
Dear [Team Name] Families, The most common fueling problem we see in summer is not a bad dinner or a bad breakfast. It is the long gap between lunch and practice where athletes eat nothing, then try to run hard like that is normal. Most athletes do not need a full meal before practice. They do need something. A small snack 30-60 minutes before training is often enough to change the whole session. - banana and pretzels - applesauce and a granola bar - crackers and a peanut butter packet - toast, cereal bar, or half a sandwich if timing allows The point is not nutrition perfection. The point is ending the habit of showing up empty. Once athletes repeatedly train that way, they often start thinking the flat workout, bad mood, or weak finish is just who they are on that day. Families can help most by deciding where the snack lives. Backpack, car, kitchen counter, or practice bag are all fine. The key is making the snack visible before the athlete gets busy and forgets. If your athlete says they are "not hungry," start smaller. Hunger is not the best pre-practice alarm system. A few bites before the session are still better than nothing. This week, we are pairing the email with a snack handoff so the athlete has easy examples instead of one more vague reminder. If you want the free starting point first, join Aspire Runner Fueling Lab here: https://aspireperformancerd.com/runner-fueling-lab?source=coach-curriculum-email Best, Coach [Your Name]