Nutrition and Training are Key

Juwaan started playing football when he was only 6 years old so we basically learned the game together. However, he picked up the information and the plays much  faster than I did. We would do conditioning together like running and throwing the ball. I remember he would always have me running and going long to catch the ball.  In the beginning, I was clueless but as get the opportunity to share his journey, It was all worth it.

As Juwaan got older, at about 8 or 9 years old,  we built a sand box in the backyard so that he could do running drills in the sand box. I ran track in New Jersey so my track coach would have me run on the beach. I incorporated my track experience  to help Juwaan get faster on his feet. I also heard that soccer is a great sport for foot coordination and the running drills keep  you fit, so Juwaan took up soccer as well.

Juwaan has had several personal trainers to help him build up his speed agility and weight training as well. Driving Juwaan from Stone Mountain to Lawrenceville two nights a week and on Saturday mornings during the off season to keep him tip-top shape was important.  Providing him with balance meals and non-carbonated drinks took priority as well. I can’t even remember the last time that he had a soda other than a ginger ale  to settle his stomach from being sick. When you have athletes in the home, you try to change your eating habits as well to give them a healthy example to follow. Healthy breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner along with school work and training is the key.

Juwaan was always one to be out running and conditioning while others were sleeping; some Saturday mornings, we would run Stone Mountain together. For the most part,  when I tagalong I am probably slowing him down but I have enjoyed every opportunity that we get to share together, whether it's running up Stone Mountain, walking around the track, or throwing the ball around at the park. Sometimes I've had to be the alarm clock to make sure that he gets to workouts on time. but as a mother of a student athlete, you put on multiple hats to ensure that they are a successful at their school work, training and their sport. We do it all for the love of our heartbeats!