Q. I quite often 'refuel' with a coffee after a long run or ride. Is this doing me more harm than good, or is it an acceptable recovery drink?A. Restoring water and electrolyte balance is an essential part of the recovery process after any exercise
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
to generate heat and you come home shivering.This is when a hot drink works wonders: it banishes the chill and can be an excellent post-ride recovery potion, delivering exactly what you need to recharge after a workout. Some choices are better than others
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
. "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
and try to build up the quantity over time. If you tolerate liquids better after exercise, try a specially designed recovery drink - with a balance of carbohydrates, protein and essential nutrients - straight after exercise, followed by something like a
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
Lynn Clay from Maxifuel is a sports scientist, nutrition consultant and freelance journalist with eight years' experience in the nutrition industry. She’s a former AAA gold medallist runner, a keen cyclist and she’s competing in Ironman Austria
but your tanks are empty. Your training was spot-on and your race was going well so what happened? Your nutrition strategy was wrong, that’s what, and now your body is making you pay. It has happened to the best, but the best learn from their mistakes. It
.Routine ChangesTriathletes often become creatures of habit to help them balance training, work and life away from triathlon. "Transitioning into off-season eating does require a bit of mental concentration," says US professional triathlete and coach Paul Fritzsche
