92: Developing A Champion’s Mind + Hydrating A Breakthrough!

In this episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition podcast, I talk with Team USA fencer Iman Blow. We start by hearing from Iman about her journey into fencing through a local sports foundation. Iman discusses the importance of both exposure to opportunities and the support of mentors, family and coaches. Iman explains her fierce mindset that has allowed her to thrive in spite of failures and setbacks like just missing out on making the postponed 2020 Olympic team, and instead being named as an alternate. Iman talks about always playing to win: if your goal isn’t to win, it means you’re accepting losing. We discuss goal setting and evaluating performances with both outcome- and process-oriented goals. We talk about handling challenges and setbacks at the highest level of sport, using examples like Simone Biles and Serena Williams to show that no one is immune to stress. Iman and I discuss internal and external stressors, things that are in your control and things that aren’t, and how your mindset determines your level of success and ability to handle obstacles.  We discuss representation in sports and the importance of diverse and relatable role models. Iman shares how other black female athletes have inspired her and the work she is doing to inspire others herself, and Iman explains her “aspire to inspire” motto. This episode covers the importance of hydration: understanding hydration and staying on top of her fluid needs led to a breakthrough in Iman’s performance. Iman explains her approach to nutrition during competitions where she is expected to perform at her best multiple times throughout a given day. We discuss strategies for sustained energy, and how the basics of sleep, nutrition and hydration have the biggest impact on performance, more than any expensive supplement. Not all elite athletes are sport obsessed and Iman is an example of someone who finds joy outside of her sport. We hear her passion for community and spending quality time with others  Follow Iman on Instagram @Inspiredwithiman  Find Iman online at https://www.imanblow.com/  Iman’s Official Bio: Iman Blow is a pre-medical Columbia University graduate and world-class athlete who is passionately involved in performance education and development. Over the past 10 years, Blow has functioned as a coach and athlete-educator while simultaneously managing an award-winning academic and athletic career. After ending the 2020 Olympic season as an alternate for Team USA, Blow continues with the goals of competing in the 2024 Olympic games in France and matriculating into medical school. Learn more about Lindsey's Services and the Team at Rise Up Nutrition: www.riseupnutritionrun.com Worried that you have RED-S? Curious to know how we could help or how you can recover fast?! Download the RED-S Recovery Race & see how you place for more support:www.riseupnutritionrun.com/reds