Physical Challenges

Perfect preparation for major events is critical. Our extensive background in clinical, exercise and environmental physiology allows us to play a role in this preparation. Our evidence based approach means people have an opportunity to optimise their performance during their challenge.

Ride for Youth

The challenge is a 700 km charity bike ride from Albany to Perth in Western Australia. It is completed with up to 40 riders, over 4 days. Preparation for the ride takes months and the Budget Team have used our services as part of their preparation. The Team completed base line; physiological, biochemical and metabolic profiles with us. These individual profiles allowed a tailored approach to food and fluid intake and we could point out their physiological strengths and weaknesses. The data showed the riders how their bodies used carbohydrate and fat and how this utilization pattern impacts on their ride. Our approach meant they could all ride to their strengths, fuel up to suit their metabolic profile and enjoy the challenge... as well as raise a significant amount of money for kids at risk!

www.rideforyouth.com.au

Italian Bike Ride

Increasingly cycling groups are heading to Europe from Perth – to have some fun and tackle the mountains. We got involved with a select group of cappuccino riders. The group headed into the North West of Italy in the Piermonte region. Their challenge was to ride the surrounding hills and Alps... with increased comfort. Preparation was on several levels – getting kilometres in the legs, tackling a few hills (as best one can in Perth), planning fluid and food intake for the rides, and getting the bodies to a point where the whole trip would be great fun, enjoyable and memorable – for all the right reasons. Once in Italy – many kilometres were covered, many metres climbed, many food stops completed, many litres of water consumed and everyone returned without incidence. There is more on this ride in our newsletters.

Gibb River Road Ride

The challenge was a 700 km relay mountain bike ride along the Gibb River Road in central Australia accompanied by a support van. We developed strategies to help minimise the impact of; the environmental, harsh terrain and heat on the riders. We worked with the riders to create a pattern of; water intake, food consumption, recovery procedure and “how to get ready to ride again” over the ride. Due to the nature of the ride and terrain, normal bike riding drinking routines were impractical as both hands were needed to ride. Camel Packs (water containers fitted to your back) were tried and did the trick. Hydration, rehydration and keeping the body cool were critical issues throughout the ride and when resting in the support van. Core and skin temperature needed to be well managed. Some of the team were seasoned endurance, multi day riders, others had to get used to eating often, eating a particular mix of calories and getting over the fact that potato chips were part of the process. It all came together very well and the group are lining up next year with the wisdom of their successfully preparation with us.

Gascoyne Dash

The Gascoyne Dash is an off road race for dirt bikes... big dirt bikes! The challenge was with two riders competing in their first Dash. The 537k race is across some of the most remote and harshest country in Australia. There is 187km covered on day one, and 350km day two. The two competitors needed a plan for; overall preparation, food and water requirements, alternatives for rehydration and strategies to recuperate successfully. Specific training and stretching routines for muscles not often used in normal activities was also incorporated. It also meant creating ways to cope with fluid loss, heat and dust without compromising the need for protective gear. The riders survived the Dash with one rider surviving a crash.

www.gasdash.com

The Iceman

Walking to the North Pole, unaided, solo and aiming to complete the task within 70 days... what a challenge! Our involvement was from the start of the quest. Newsletters at www.optimumhms.com.au cover some of this involvement. We mapped The Iceman’s physiological profile from rest to maximum. This was matched to the energy required during the walk. We collaborated with Simone Allen - a sports dietitian, to see how the required energy (calories) would be presented in “meals”. Andrew Budge at Trysports was responsible for the training load of the Iceman. One of our great challenges was to increase his body weight and body fat levels across the 10 months of preparation. We believed this would help him cope with the cold and the predicted weight loss. It was an amazing project. We were honoured to be involved and given such a rare opportunity. More information is at www.onemanepic.com.au

Three Dams Challenge (150km)

This is a unique bicycle ride challenge through the hills of Perth. It is the shorter of the Dam Challenges... the other is the 5 Dams ride (250km). We helped a group of cappuccino and novice cyclists get into shape. They were attempting the ride for the first time. The challenge was to; get the body into better shape, manage the training load, balance the fluid and food intake and improve comfort levels on the bike. Completing physiological and metabolic profiles on the riders gave us a clear starting point. We gradually built the riding load to 250-300 km per week. Increasing activity levels and distances as well as doing back to back rides meant; muscle and saddle soreness, hydration challenges and selecting and replacing fuel all became part of the management plan. The program was conducted over several months so the adaptation was gradual and the results tremendous.

Avon Decent

This is an iconic Western Australian event. The challenge was to complete the longest white water paddling race in the world... again... but feel that the performance and recovery was significantly better than it had been in the past. The paddler who sought our input had completed several Avon Descents and was primarily concerned about managing his body temperature better – The Descent is done during Winter. The paddler was in great physical shape. This excellent base combined with the data we obtained from his physiological and metabolic profile made our task easier. Our recommendations revolved around; fluid levels, sweat rates, fuel to consume during and at the completion of each paddling leg as well as strategies to maintain body temperature.

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