What's Your "Y"
Parker Day, Rutgers Running Back
Give us a brief background of how your fitness/sport journey has evolved?
Over the past years of playing football at Rutgers University. I have learned that there is no such thing as a missed opportunity because someone else will take it. This mindset has allowed me to seize every opportunity to not only make me but my team better for the future.
What (or who) has been your main source of motivation over the years?
My family has been the main source of motivation over the years. They bring value into my life. Therefore, anything I do not want to do, I just know that there is a reason why I am doing it. They always have my back.
Where do you find more motivation: doubters or supporters?
As time went on, I have realized that no matter who or what it is, at the end of the day you are the only one that can do it. Only doubters or supporters can commentate your journey.
What is the biggest mental challenge you've had to face in your sport and how have you conquered that?
COVID took a heavy toll on my mental state when me and my team had to follow strict guidelines while performing at an elite level. This caused much stress and anxiety as this time was occurring.
I found a way to see things in a positive light, so I found every opportunity to connect with each teammate that was experiencing this feeling and guide them through it. This ultimately helped blossom new and healthy friendships.
What do you do to make sure you're physically and mentally prepared for competition?
For my physical, I create a routine that allows me to remain healthy for my high contact sport. For example, I will stretch before my workouts, do contrast of hot/cold tubs and roll out my lactic acid at night. As for my mind, I will review our team's culture which emphasizes on preparation.
Describe your recovery strategies. How do you know if those recovery strategies are working?
After any workout, I will talk with our team doctor and get an understanding of how many nutrients I need right now to fully recover from a workout. It varies but I always find myself needing more carbohydrates and protein.
What allows me to grow bigger muscle faster is YOLKED and it is easy to put into your shakes or straight up from the packet.
What's Your "Y"? What keeps you going and training as hard as you do?
My faith in God keeps me training as hard as I need to. Typically, when training, you are going through it by yourself but what my faith provides is a security that allows me to turn to God when things get hard.
Where do you see yourself as an athlete in 5 years?
I see myself getting involved into the family company to continue the family legacy. Also, I hope football has blessed me enough to play for another 5 years after I am done with college football.
Lastly, I would hope to become a guest pastor at my local church to talk about my testimony.
Favorite motivational quote.
“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him” -G.K Chesterton
YOLKED is an efficient and effective recovery product that allows me to recover and build more muscle. Plus, it's delicious tasting!