| Preparation & Training |
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Taking on The Advertiser Colliers International Trailblazer Challenge, whatever the distance you choose, can be just that - a real challenge. Having said that, it is a goal that can be achieved with the right preparation. Planning for success in the Trailblazer Challenge is crucial. The first step is to set your goal – 18, 34, 50 or the ultimate 100 km. How much are you prepared to challenge yourself? In setting a challenging but achievable goal, we then need a plan and a method that will see us strive for, and achieve this goal. Get training!Start with a basic fitness program and get some experience walking. Walking for 3 or 4 times a week for 30-45 minutes will quickly build a basic level of fitness. At the weekends, test yourself with some longer walks that include some hills. It is important to have walked the trail (of your event) before the event. This will enable you to become familiar with the route, and minimise time lost by searching for the track. When tired or walking at night it is easy to take a wrong turn. Being familiar with the trail is a big advantage.
Acclimatize It is extremely important that you prepare your body for all possible weather conditions. Extreme heat or cold weather WILL influence your ability during your event and can seriously affect you if you are unaware of your physical limits. You should prepare yourself by training sensibly on the trail in various conditions and learn to become aware of what your body can and cannot achieve. It is extremly important that you keep your fluids up and rest or retire the moment you begin to feel unwell or stressed. It is good practice to train with at least one other person and to let someone know your plans when you are training on the trail. Clear parameters have been set for Trailblazer and the event will be cancelled should the conditions be deemed dangerous by Event Managment and/or the Emergency Services.
Set a Timetable It is important to develop a basic plan, but more importantly, to stick to it. Set out your approximate arrival time at each checkpoint (this can be calculated by walking sections of the trail beforehand). Consider where and when you might like to have a longer break. A word of warning, many teams find it harder to get going again after long breaks. Short and sharp rests are preferred. Gaining an understanding of your walking times will provide assistance to your team and support crew.
Your practise walks will give you an indication of your speed. Keep sectional times for future reference. It will help your timing for support crews to provide additional water and food. Regular contact with support crews will enable you to have changes of clothing and additional warm/wet weather gear should the need arise, without having to carry it yourself.
Night Navigation Navigation at night can be a little daunting. A night walk must be completed at least once in your preparation. It will prove valuable if at least one member of your team has completed a night section before the event.
Teamwork The team that stays together, finishes together and achieves together. There is no greater satisfaction in knowing that you have helped other team members complete your goal together. The Advertiser Colliers International Trailblazer Challenge is not a race - all teams who finish together are winners. These notes are designed to encourage and assist people in their preparation for The Advertiser Colliers International Trailblazer Challenge. Above all, remember…..have fun, use common sense, and the safety of all teams is the number one priority.
Drink to Revive You will need to re-hydrate regularly. As mentioned, weather conditions can be very hot. Your practise walks will give you the opportunity to carry your water and give you an idea of how much you will need in given conditions. It is important to take hydration seriously over the weekend. Water is best for beating dehydration, but occasionally a sweeter, energy-type drink makes all the difference to lagging spirits and tired legs.
Food and Fluids (pre-event) Begin preparing the food you will take on course in the days prior to Trailblazer. Foods such as cereal bars, dry biscuits and tinned fruit can be organized several days ahead. Fresh foods such as sandwiches can be prepared the night before. Avoid additional stress by ensuring you have got the foods that you need well in advance of the night before competition though! Don’t forget your drink bottles!!
Food The term “carbohydrate loading” is used to describe the practices of endurance athletes to consume large amounts of carbohydrate in the days prior to an endurance event such as Trailblazer, with the aim of maximising muscle carbohydrate stores and improving performance. Classical carbohydrate loading practices required 2-3 days consumption of large amounts of carbohydrate-rich foods. Recent research, however suggests that an intake of ~10g Carbohydrate per kg body weight in the 24-36 prior to an endurance event, combined with tapering training will maximise muscle carbohydrate stores. A Sports Dietician can help you design an individual carbohydrate loading plan. Tips for carbohydrate loading:
Fluids Before you start a long training session or an event such as Trailblazer ensure you are fully hydrated. If you are well hydrated you should be producing regular amounts of clear or lightly coloured urine in the hours prior to exercise. You can achieve this by drinking 400-500ml per hour of fluids in the 1-2 hours leading into exercise. For individual advice on eventpreparation contact a Sports Dietician. Food and Fluids (during event) Food Replenishing your energy levels during the event is important. That’s where your support team earns their keep. Breads, jams, fruit and soup will be available at Checkpoints; however it is recommended your support team provide additional food. Pasta, rice, rolls and breads are a great source of slow burning carbohydrates, and will help you tackle the latter part of the trail with more energy. A hot cup of soup at Mt. Lofty or Mylor can be a welcome respite, particularly in cold temperatures. Carrying glucose based sweets and energy/nutritional bars will supplement the food available at checkpoints and from your support team. Go easy on the salts and electrolytes, as your major issue is keeping fluids up. Lightweight, high-energy bars or pieces of fruit cake can also prove helpful. When considering your food requirements for Trailblazer, the rule of thumb is take with you what you want and need, especially if you have an individual “palate” or special requirements. In general you should aim to consume 60-80g carbohydrate per hour during Trailblazer. This can be achieved through regular intake of carbohydrate containing fluids and food. For individual advice on meeting carbohydrate requirements contact a Sports Dietician. Remember familiarise yourself with the foods and fluids you are going to consume during Trailblazer so you won’t have to worry about it during your race! Some examples of foods to choose during extended training sessions and Trailblazer include:
Fluids During Trailblazer it is time to put all the practice during training into action. There will be plenty of fluids (including Sports Drink, water, tea and coffee) available at the checkpoints, so refill those bottles. Aim to drink to your estimated fluid requirements or at least 150-250ml every 10-15 minutes. Thirst is a poor indicator of hydration status so remember to “Drink Early, Drink Long, Drink Smart”.
Are there any nutrition supplements that may improve performance in Trailblazer? The answer is yes in some situations, but any race supplement strategy should be practiced in training first and individualised advice is recommended. In Summary
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