Namrita O'Dea

Namrita, tell us about yourself and your education.
 
After earning a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1998, I worked in software consulting for 8 years before deciding to change my career. Always interested in physical activity, I started adventure bicycle racing in 2001 and endurance mountain bike racing in 2004.  While I raced primarily for fun, I knew I wanted to become better. I also knew that something missing was holding me back from performing better and, to a large extent, it was nutrition. I became more interested in nutrition for athletes and loved every minute I was able to spend with athletes. Eventually I realized that I could make my passion my career. I applied to Georgia State University because of its strong Nutrition Master’s program. Highly recommended, Dan Benardot, PhD, RD, FACSM, and Christine Rosenbloom, PhD, RD, CSSD, are sports nutrition experts and faculty at Georgia State. I have a high level of respect for each of them and the knowledge and experience they offer.  
 

How has your nutrition knowledge benefited you as an athlete?
 
I think that nutrition is the foundation of being a healthy and successful athlete. The knowledge I have gained in courses, work, and athletic experience has helped bring my athletic abilities to a higher level. I have seen first-hand the positive effects of nutrition on training and performance. I apply the knowledge I gain from textbooks and from working with experts to my training and racing. I have become more focused on maintaining energy balance and sound daily nutrition and using optimal methods of fueling during training, racing, and recovery. Despite the many dietary supplements that are marketing to athletes, there is no substitute for good nutrition if you want to excel in endurance sports. 

Have you used your education in sports nutrition to benefit other athletes?
 
I have participated in several public speaking events for athletes and clubs. I talk about the importance of nutrition, not only in training and racing, but also in daily living.  I continue to serve as a resource for nutrition information for fellow athletes and always share my experiences with others.
 
Please discuss your research experiences.
 
Research for my Master’s thesis is focused on the prevalence of exercise-induced food allergies in power, endurance, and ultra-endurance athletes. Additionally, I work with Dr. Dan Benardot in the Laboratory for Elite Athlete Performance where we are currently researching hydration and hyponatremia in marathon runners.  In 2007, Georgia State University's departments of Nutrition, Public Health, and Respiratory Therapy conducted a joint research study with the participants of the inaugural Georgia Marathon and Half-marathon. There were 15,000 participants for the event which allowed us to obtain excellent data from our online survey and on-site surveys. It is fascinating to be involved with research, especially this type, and I'm looking forward to continuing this project with the Georgia Marathon over the next year. 
 
Please discuss your experience with media.
 
Currently I am interning with Carolyn O'Neil, MS, RD, author of The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous! Her media work includes The Food Network and writing for magazines and the Atlanta Journal and Constitution newspaper. I assist her with research and writing for her "Healthy Eating Out" column in the Atlanta Journal and Constitution.
 
What do you want to do when you graduate?
 
My husband and I started our own business in 2006 focused on coaching and proper bike fit for cyclists. Once I graduate with my MS and become an RD I will offer sports nutrition services.  I'm also interested in sports nutrition product development because there is always room in the market for good products.
 
What goals do you have for your mountain cycling?

My goals are to win the largest national 24-hour solo mountain bike race series and to place well at the Singlespeed World Championship Mountain Bike Race in 2008. One of my longer term goals is to be the US National Champion in the 24-hour solo mountain bike racing and the Singlespeed World Champion. 

Are you interested in obtaining the Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) credential when you are eligible? How do you envision that the CSSD credential could assist in advancing your career?
 

Yes, I am definitely interested in obtaining the CSSD credential. I see the CSSD as a great benefit. in advancing my career in sports nutrition. I want to open as many doors as possible for the future. 
 
Is there anything else that you would like to share with other students?
 
I believe that it is possible to integrate your passion with your career. Don't be afraid of hard work because it will all pay off.  Then again, when you love what you are doing, it doesn't always seem like hard work! 

11/26/07