Coach and Athlete Education for the Upcoming Relay Performance Camp

This session provides athletes and coaches with a foundational understanding of nutrition and recovery, progressing to advanced strategies for how these principles can be applied in training camps, such as January’s Relay Camp.

Key topics include the importance of hydration, nutrition, and central nervous system (CNS) recovery. Practical strategies are outlined, such as tracking fluid loss through pre- and post-training weighing, prioritising recovery snacks and ice baths, and managing heat exposure during training in hot and humid conditions. Coaches and athletes are encouraged to prepare thoroughly by planning meals, packing essential items, and setting individual CNS recovery goals. The camp is seen as an opportunity to practise competition day routines, including nutrition, recovery, and heat adaptation, to enhance team performance and individual readiness for elite competitions. The session concludes with five actionable goals: camp preparation, session-specific nutrition, heat management, recovery optimisation, and competition plan refinement. ​

Key Messages from the Presentation

Key Questions to Ask Yourself

1. What specific recovery strategies (e.g., ice baths, rest, reduced mental load) am I implementing, and how can I improve these to better prepare for back-to-back training sessions or competitions?

2. Am I consistently prioritising hydration and appropriate nutrition before, during, and after training sessions to optimise performance and recovery?

3. How am I preparing myself or my athletes to perform in challenging conditions, such as high heat and humidity, by practising effective heat management and competition day routines?