HOW TO RETURN STRONG

We hear from an AG’er and pro who both returned to form after overtraining

AGE-GROUPER ADELAIDE GOODEVE

“I had three lots of four weeks off in 2017 due to overtraining. I was training for Challenge Barcelona – my first triathlon! I’d recover from overtraining and then the next weekend I’d be training for 7hrs. I think the volume got to me. Now I have a new coach and he’s given my training structure and improved my nutrition plan. Before I’d train a lot fasted because I didn’t like breakfast. Apparently, that suppressed my immune system. Now I have quinoa flakes for breakfast and ensure I eat enough calories. I’m now fit and healthy, and training for the Braveheart Triathlon.”

ELITE EMMA PALLANT

“I overtrained as a runner. In triathlon, I’ve learnt that training smart is far more important to success. I work closely with my coach, Michelle Dillon, and she knows me really well. I think a plateau in performance is also a key sign and she pulled me out of the Europeans to focus on the Worlds last year because I was in danger of over racing. It’s why having a coach is so important – it takes the big calls away from you as an athlete because you always want to push too hard.”