Share with Your Community! February Community Brainstorm
From the runway to the track – helping athletes travel well and compete at their best!
With the 2025 National Championships in Perth less than two months away, many coaches and athletes—especially younger ones—will be traveling long distances for the first time to compete in a major championship. The transition from home comforts to a new environment, adjusting to time zone changes, and managing travel fatigue can all impact performance on the big day.
As coaches, we know that preparation goes beyond training sessions. Ensuring athletes arrive physically and mentally ready to perform at their best is just as important as fine-tuning their technique. So, this month, we’re asking:
💡 What strategies can coaches use to help athletes adapt to long travel, time zone changes, and the challenges of competing away from home?
Key Considerations for Discussion
Travel Fatigue & Recovery – What are the best ways to minimize the impact of long-haul travel on athletes' bodies? How should training loads be adjusted leading up to and after travel?
Time Zone Adjustments – When should athletes begin adapting their sleep and wake times? Are there effective strategies for dealing with jet lag?
Nutrition & Hydration on the Road – How can athletes maintain proper nutrition when traveling? What foods and hydration strategies help counteract travel fatigue?
Mental Preparation & Routine – How can coaches help athletes stay mentally focused and comfortable in a new environment? What pre-competition routines work best when athletes are away from home?
Competition Week Planning – How should training be structured in the days leading up to race day? What’s the ideal balance between rest, acclimatization, and event preparation?
This is an exciting opportunity for athletes, but a well-planned approach to travel and competition preparation can make all the difference when it comes to delivering their best performance on the national stage.
We’d love to hear from you—what’s worked well in your experience? Share your insights in the comments and help fellow coaches prepare their athletes for success in Perth!
As always your responses can be in whatever format is most convenient for you.
A quick tip or bullet point.
A story of what’s worked (or not worked!) for you.
Links to helpful resources.
Follow-up questions to keep the conversation going!
Your insights will help other coaches navigate the challenge of traveling to a major competition.
💬 Ready to share your thoughts? Jump into the discussion below and help raise the standard of coaching.
