Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Rebeccah Wassner:
I don’t follow a specific diet, but I eat a very healthy and balanced diet. I actually started a blog called www.athletefood.com because so many people asked me this very question! On the blog we share many of the recipes we eat to sustain our training days. I strive to eat healthy meals that taste good and always try to add as many nutrients to a meal as possible. I eat a lot!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding girl triathlete who all are your fans, they shall like to know from you, what they should do for their climb to ladder of success in the field of women try athletics ?
Ms. Rebeccah Wassner:
Go for it and don’t let an ything get in your way. Remind yourself that you are talented and you deserve whatever it is you want – whether that’s a college scholarship or a spot on the podium at a race.
When I first decided to turn pro, a person very involved in the triathlon world laughed in my face. Maybe he thought I was too small or not talented enough. So I set out to prove him wrong. I was angry with this guy at first, but now I’m thankful for the motivation he provided!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
How did you feel on your memorable winning the honor of 2009 USA Triathlon Athlete of the Year ?
Ms. Rebeccah Wassner:
I am very honored to be the 2009 USAT Triathlete of the Year. I worked extremely hard and got the best out of myself that year. I was finally able to prove that I belonged on the world stage.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: You were named in the year 2004, USA Triathlon Rookie of the Year. In 2009, you were named USA Triathlon Athlete of the Year. You were also honored to be inducted into the Mount St. Mary’s College Sports Hall of Fame in February 2010. What additional responsibilities these honors bestow upon you towards the community and the sports of ‘triathlon’ you competed in?
Ms. Rebeccah Wassner:
Being a decorated athlete means being an ambassador for the sport of triathlon. I’m now a role model for the community both on and off the racecourse.
I hope that through my racing and community involvement, I can inspire college students, aspiring triathletes or people trying to live a healthy lifestyle.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
While competing in the women triathletics you do swimming, cycling and running. Which out of the three discipline you enjoy the most and why?
Ms. Rebeccah Wassner:
I enjoy running the most of the three triathlon disciplines. Running was the first sport I was actually good at. It comes naturally to me more than the other two. Over the years, I’ve had to take lots of time away from running (due to injuries and having a baby), so I really cherish the days when I am able to run. Running also doesn’t require any special gear or location. You can go for a run pretty much anywhere!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You had a pelvic stress fracture in 2005 while training and was benched for the next year. How you were able to overcome such a physical injury/setback and what advice you can give to fellow sports person in a similar situation?
Ms. Rebeccah Wassner:
I suffered a serious injury just after one year of competing. It was a tough blow, but the year off gave me time to regroup and when I came back to the sport, I had one of my best seasons ever. I had to respect the injury though. I wasn’t able to run a step for 9 months and when I started running again, I only ran for 10 minutes at a time. I eventually built back to running a 10k, but it took almost a year.
The advice I would give to athletes in a similar situation is to be patient! Recognize the problem and try to solve it. Also realize that it will get better and you can come back stronger. Sometimes the body needs a little break to recharge.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have been associated with Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults “Fight” Award and a number of charities, which are all dear to your heart, tell us how you have been able to achieve and quench your thirst of giving back to the society through this endeavor of your?
Ms. Rebeccah Wassner:
Laurel and I feel passionate about raising awareness for cancer care and research. As professional athletes, who race on a large stage, we are in the position to do that. We could just go out and race, but we want to do more. Laurel’s story of overcoming cancer and going on to win an ironman is truly remarkable. It inspires me daily and I know it inspires anyone who sees her compete.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Who has been your biggest influence and motivation in your path to success ?
Ms. Rebeccah Wassner:
My sister Laurel has been my biggest influence. I would not nearly be successful without her constant support, motivation and inspiration. Knowing what she has been through and then seeing what she has achieved is something that keeps my competitive spirit fueled. She’s also my biggest supporter. She’s always there to pump me up if I’m feeling down about a workout or a race and is always the first one to congratulate me after a successful day.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What you wish to say about the website Womenfitness.net and message for its visitors?
Ms. Rebeccah Wassner:
The Womenfitness website is a place to find everything you need to know about being healthy and fit. For all the readers out there, you can do anything on this website! Just keep at it, stay focused and most of all have fun!
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