Get Ray Allen's Stamina
By Brandon Guarneri | photos by Brian Babineau
| Print Page | Email to Friend
On Game Day...
Ray Allen rarely forces a bad shot on the court, so it's no surprise that his discipline extends to pregame training rituals. Before tip-off, Allen sticks to a rigid schedule so he's always ready to rain his sweet jumper from anywhere on the floor.
8 A.M. Wakes up, reads the paper, eats Aunt Jemima pancakes made with blueberries, a super food rich in antioxidants. 10 A.M. Attends morning shoot around at training facility in nearby Waltham, Mass., just to get his blood flowing. NOON Eats lunch. Usually a lean turkey sandwich on whole-wheat bread.1:30 P.M. Takes a two-hour nap. "This is my time to relax and recharge," he says.
3:30 P.M. Eats pregame meal prepared by his fiancée—generally baked chicken and rice with broccoli. "I ate too many heavy starches when I was younger and it seemed like my legs were always heavy starting games," Allen says.
4 P.M. Arrives at TD Banknorth Garden three hours before tip-off. Runs through rigorous shooting drills, simulating every possible shot he could take in the game. He launches about 200 shots in an hour and on a good day will convert 170.
5 P.M. Stretches and replenishes with two peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwiches on wheat bread, plus 32 ounces of water.
7 P.M. Game time. Between his pregame work and his off-season workout regimen, Allen knows he's ready for almost anything. "When I'm on the floor, I'm not going to break down," he says. "I'm not going to be breathing heavy or panting. I'm either chasing somebody or they're chasing me. But I can outlast them. When that happens, I'm going to make my move and get my shot off before they can stop me."
10 P.M. Postgame cooldown with his feet in a tub of ice. "Just my feet for 15 minutes," he says.
11:30 P.M. Bedtime. There's another day of preparation on the horizon.
The Celtics staff makes sure Allen's hamstrings are loose before tip-off.
Allen gets focused (and a quick pump) on the sidelines.
[on Facebook, Digg, Reddit and more]
