As a swimmer of the highest level, with success at all levels, now aiming for the 2012 Olympic Swimming team, are there things you are doing differently to prepare for this games/trials? What kind of things have brought you the best results in the pool (training, nutrition, lifestyle - any area you want to share)?
What is your favorite workout or training set?
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images
Natalie Coughlin:
My favorite training set in the weight room is a combination of metabolic work as well as strength work. So not only am I working myself aerobically but anaerobically also. I love using the sleds and ropes, which make my heart rate to skyrocket.
Anything you do not look forward to, but know they have positive benefits?
Al Bello/Getty Images
Natalie Coughlin:
I have no problem doing sets that are uncomfortable or difficult if I believe they are helping me towards my goals. Even though I might be in physical pain, I know that that set is getting me closer to my ultimate goal.
What do you most like about swimming?
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Natalie Coughlin:
I love being an athlete and swimming happens to be the sport that I am the best at. I have been competing for 20 plus years and the training is what I love the most. I love being outdoors and in shape and having a reason to train five plus hours a day.
What is the greatest benefit you have gained from swimming?
Natalie Coughlin:
I never knew that I would still be competing at this level at this time in my life. I have traveled all over the world and have had the opportunity to represent my college and my country at the highest level of competition.
How big a role does nutrition play in your life?
Natalie Coughlin:
Being that I am a professional athlete, taking care of my body is hugely important. I don't take any supplements so I need to make sure that I'm meeting all of my nutritional needs through the foods that I eat.
How do you use your talents in the kitchen to help you in the swimming pool?
Natalie Coughlin
Natalie Coughlin:
One of the most rewarding partnerships that I have had over the years has been my partnership with the California Dried Plum Board. I get to develop many healthy recipes with dried plums from sweet to savory. One of my favorite recipes (that would make a great post-workout snack) is the gluten-free snack bar.
What is your favorite recipe?
Natalie Coughlin
Natalie Coughlin:
One of my favorite recipes is for lumpia with dried plum puree. Since my mother's side of the family is from the Philippines, I grew up loving my grandmother's recipe for lumpia. With her permission I changed the recipe a tiny bit to sneak in some extra fiber, potassium and antioxidants by adding in the dried plum puree.
To finish things off... what is a favorite dessert - how do you make it?
Natalie Coughlin
Natalie Coughlin:
Even though I usually don't have a sweet tooth, I absolutely love chocolate. My chocolate brownie recipe uses dried plum puree to replace some of the fats and add in some extra nutrition. They are surprisingly rich and moist while being a healthier brownie.
