World Championship Triathletes

Aussie Bodies-sponsored triathlete Tameka Day has made a come back from the challenging World Cups in Canada enjoying wins at the MAT International Le Mans, the Calais French Duathlon and the Eguzon Triathlon in central France. Eguzon is known to be hilly with poor roads, demanding Olympic distances from participants. Yet in her own words Tameka still won "comfortably" and enjoyed the beauty of the surrounds while giving it her best.

 

More recently Tameka has also won the Plouescat Triathlon, a very technical course with slippery roads, causing her first crash. Fortunately, with a lead of about 6 minutes she was able to get back on and limp through the run to win comfortably. Only days after, Tameka hit the L'Alpe D'Huez Trithlon, one of the world's toughest courses set in the French Alps adding altitude issues to the challenge. She won with 3 minutes to spare, totally stoked with her performance and well on track for further success.

 

Currently ranked 7th in Australia Tameka is proving she's one of the top runners in the sport. Her training is now geared towards finishing off these international wins with the Monaco 70.3 race and the final race of the European Grand Prix Series.

 

One of several talents to emerge from the powerhouse Geelong-based Tri Alliance Team, Tameka is coached by Jarrod Evans. The team members are big users of Aussie Bodies protein, an integral part of their training and preparation.

 

Jarrod is determined for his troops to live out the dream that ended for him when he was struck down with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome six years ago. Rather than dwell on lost opportunities, Jarrod set up a triathlon-specific coaching system which is now a major force with over 50 triathletes ranging from elite competitors, Australian team members to age groupers and beginners.

 

"I'm managing my own CFS and in training to get back into elite racing," Jarrod says. "My condition is what initially drew my attention to protein foods and supplements for recovery. By shortening recovery, Aussie Bodies products have vastly improved my ability to get up and train each day which is important when managing CFS. "I was so impressed with the results that I have insisted on incorporating protein recovery foods for all my athletes."

 

Triathletes have a rigorous training schedule which involves three to four phases of training: weight training, time trials for endurance, strength and threshold training. To keep up with these demands, proper nutrition is critical, especially around recovery time. "We don't have a standard recipe for endurance. Each competitor has their own special nutritional requirements, two are lactose intolerant and some have specific food allergies so we have to tailor a solution," Jarrod says.

 

"Basically it's all about kilojoule intake in relation to their individual energy requirements. In the months prior to the triathlon season, they will watch what they eat more in terms of protein, carbohydrate and fat, but generally, because they are using up so much energy, they can really afford to eat whatever they like.

 

"What I'm fairly strict on is recovery foods - the ability to back up session after session is critical. They already understand the importance of eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, but protein is also important for recovery. If you're putting good oil in the car it will run better. I'm not a great exponent of electrolyte drinks. Some research suggests that flat cola mixed with water is just as effective as most electrolyte drinks on the market. It's really just the high sugar effect that benefits halfway through the bike leg."

 

Learn more about triathlon preparation at the Tri Alliance website.