Anikah Woodrow is a Team Canada ITF Taekwondo athlete and University of Alberta kinesiology student. Our discussion will cover various aspects of her life, including her experiences and strategies in Taekwondo, particularly with weight cutting and competitive training, as well as her approaches to balancing school, work, training, and personal life. We will also delve into her passion for traveling and how it fits into her busy schedule.

Anikah Woodrow is a 23-year-old competitive athlete who is entering her final year of a kinesiology undergraduate program. With nearly 15 years of experience in Taekwondo, she has competed in two World Championships for Team Canada, earning a bronze medal in Team Patterns. Her ultimate goal is to become a World Champion in sparring. Besides her dedication to Taekwondo and her studies, Anikah enjoys new adventures like traveling and hiking, often taking her dog Benji along for mountain escapes.

Weight cutting for competitions is a significant challenge for Anikah, who has been refining her approach over the past seven years. She begins considering weight cuts about two months before a competition, with a more intensive focus starting one month out. Her strategy includes a gradual reduction of carbs and a focus on high-fiber and high-protein foods, coupled with a rigorous training schedule that includes weight training, Taekwondo practices, and additional cardio workouts. Maintaining health and performance during this period involves careful meal timing, hydration, and post-weigh-in refueling. Her training regimen typically includes weight and plyometric training, multiple Taekwondo sessions, and cardio workouts, with a tapering phase close to competition to manage injuries and ensure peak performance.

Balancing her academic responsibilities with training and competition requires meticulous scheduling. Anikah often studies between her teaching and training sessions and prioritizes her schedule around her commitments. She acknowledges the challenge of finding downtime but strives for active rest days when possible. Travel, particularly for competitions, has been a memorable and influential part of her life. Her first World Championships in Germany provided a unique experience in a quaint town, and despite the focus on competition, she cherishes moments of cultural immersion. Traveling has taught her to appreciate the present and has enhanced her organizational skills, both personally and professionally.

LONG TERM PODCAST #58

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