Healthy Eating Secrets and Motivation Tips from Olympic Athletes

Nap and Nosh

That's how Olympic bronze medalist, 10,000-meter runner and marathoner Shalane Flanagan preps for a race. "When I'm heavy into training, I try to get eight to ten hours of sleep a night, which is quite a bit for most people. I also take a nap on top of that, which can vary from 30 minutes to two hours. With that nap I don't need any caffeine later in the day -- just getting off my feet for an hour does the trick."

Flanagan also credits her energy levels to always having a snack ready. "I munch on a piece of fruit, a banana or apple, or Gatorade G Series Pro Carb Energy Chews; they taste just like gummi worms."

Motivation Mantra
"I'm part of a training group, and it's nice to have accountability to help me get out the door. I've never come back from a run and said 'Gosh, I wish I didn't do that.' As soon as I get out there and commit to it, I always enjoy it. It's just those first few steps that feel like drudgery."