1. Always carry appropriate recovery snacks and drinks with you. Being prepared is an essential part of your training.2. Start eating and drinking immediately after exercise if you are training again within eight hours.3. Take 1-1.2g of carbohydrate

Q. I want to practise my nutrition for race day but my trainer says I should wait until a few weeks before the race so I get the maximum benefit - is he right?A. It's imperative that you experiment during training to find out what will work best

number of variables that will affect what your body needs for training and recovery and it may take some time to figure them out. The 2008 Sprint Triathlon Age Group (50-54) World Champion Jane Bell says her nutrition plan for her first year of triathlon

bones more quickly. So in addition to sound medical advice, choose the right combinations of foods to speed recovery and get back on track. Follow our slideshow to find out where to aim your trolley when you shop.Picture credit: Sue Tallon

depends on how much contact you choose to have with your coach.If you can't afford a coach, have a look online or in specialist triathlon books for a programme that will give you a structure to follow in preparation for a race. Another option is to go

placed on it during the Olympic-distance triathlon. "To avoid burning out use race nutrition during training," says Fiona Hoare, who has competed in the World Championships. "If you're hungry or thirsty it's too late, so drink every 20 minutes, up to a

. "Training rides are prime opportunities to practise race-time eating and drinking strategies," says Eberle. Once you discover a winning formula, you'll approach your next triathlon with a foolproof plan.Change it: Test new foods on shorter rides before

At this moment, the chances are you have a dietary deficiency that's harming your health, hindering your recovery and holding you back in training. Even if you pop a multivitamin and get the recommended daily amount of vitamins and minerals, you

to the bowl of pasta you were planning for lunch. You don't need a nutritionist to tell you that refined, processed foods such as cakes, biscuits and pastries have little nutritional value, but many complex carbohydrates are also refined, which complicates

1. Sleep well"In reality, trying to sleep well the night before a race never works," says triathlon coach Rick Kiddle (www.rickkiddle.com). "The best sleep will be the night before the night before. Many athletes can survive with little sleep