bathroom/hydration

Question
it seems almost once a week when practice starts i end up needing to use the bathroom on the water, but will always need to hold it in. how can i stay hydrated but not need the bathroom while on the water

Answer
Hi Tom: This one's a real pisser.  Most people simply can shut down those urges in those type of situations (I can fly cross-country without leaving my seat).

But when you gotta go, you gotta go.  I would consider not drinking anything 2-4 hours before practice.  You probably don't want to over-hydrate just before practice anyway because of stomach cramps.

You might want to try either these new Gatorade G1 packets whichd you take 15 minutes before a workout or a prouct called quench gum which are in a foil pouch.  Or maybe the coxswain can carry a squirt bottle of gatorade.

One thing you should never do if you are thirsty on the water -- Never drink water out of the river.  I did it once and got quite sick.

Good Luck/AP