Australian Triathlete — December 2017

92 | AustrAliAn triAthlete

nutRition

Training TOOLBOX

Another key point is to find out what

utensils are in the room/apartment. When

travelling with groups, I would usually

bring one good sharp knife, a cutting

board and a cheese grater (mainly for veg

prep), just because I know it will speed up

food prep and reduce the chance of

cooking frustration. Furthermore, a small

container with olive oil, and salt and

pepper shakers make life that much

simpler. Taking these items from home or

keeping a set for travelling will save you

money if travelling frequently. Also,

having a few Tupperware containers for

your leftovers is super helpful, and they

also serve a dual purpose as bowls. Have

you ever had the issue of trying to eat

the shops for a food shop. Making a list

before you go shopping will take a few

minutes but will save you 10-fold when

reaching the store. Again, planning,

planning, planning is the key. Starting to get

the idea? Knowing where your closest

sports nutrition shop is (if need be) and

supermarket (which is pretty easy these

days with any map App) will also make life

easier. Using your shopping list, grab the

things you will need for the next few days if

possible, with particular consideration to

the meals around race day. That way you

can just do ‘top up shops’ (or TUS as I like

to call it) if need be.

AMenITIes

You’ve arrived at your

destination; your bike has made

it, you have all your favourite

foods, you have gone food shopping and,

you’ve just realised that you don’t have

any cooking facilities at your

accommodation. This is one that I always

ask my athletes about before writing up a

race plan. You need to check what is

available. Having a microwave and a kettle

is a major bonus. I once catered for a week

by myself with only a toaster, fridge and

kettle - some have done it for much longer.

I understand it adds cost to your trip, but

cooking facilities can pay back in spades if

you are away for a few days. Travelling

with a buddy is a great help in this respect.

PRePARATIon: stocking your fridge full of food, getting a place

to stay that has adequate cooking amenities and all those small

things, that when properly planned, make for a more pleasant

upon arriving found there is nothing open stay and lead up to race day.

or nothing suitable? Packing a small esky

with drinks and snacks is a great option for

those road trips, so you don’t have to go

without. Alternatively, do some research

• check the internet to see what there is or
  ask some training buddies where they
  have stopped previously, so you know
  what to expect.
  That old modified, race day adage also
  applies to road travel - don’t change
  anything on the day before the race.
  This goes for eating on the road as well.
  Now, the last thing I want you to do is to
  become paranoid about food, and if you
  like to experience other foods while
  travelling then go for it. That said - the
  best advice would always be to match
  your intake and food choices to what you
  would normally eat, to minimise any
  potential issues.
  Driving also has the added benefit of
  allowing you to take a few favourites with
  you. Take your favourite bread or cereal,
  for example. Pack some favourite snacks
  and fruit to have on the journey, and
  please make sure you have enough water
  to provide adequate hydration for your trip.
  That way you aren’t relying on finding a
  tap or buying bottled water. I’ve also
  known a few athletes that throw in their
  own coffee machine in, to boot.

d esTInATIon

You’ve arrived at your

destination - your bike has

made it, you have all your

favourite foods - or have you? If you’ve

flown and luggage space was at a

premium, then you may have to head to