As a sports nutritionist I am often asked, "What should I eat to compete at my best?" The answer to this is complicated and depends upon several factors, including: 1. Type of training activity (i.e. endurance vs. power) 2. Duration of activity 3. Stage of training and/or intensity of training (i.e. off or in-season, rest or competition) 4. Personal food preferences

Podiatrist Rob Dallimore writes: Blisters are considered to be one of the most common sporting injuries. No one seems immune to them and they can often strike when least expected - at times putting an end to what could be a good race.

A former US National Team lightweight rower once proclaimed that he converted to cycling largely because the sport favored feed-zones rather than weigh-ins. He was onto something. Fueling on the bike is not only a perk of the discipline, it is also a key factor in strong training and racing, especially during events or training sessions over 90 minutes.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Nothing will slow you down or stop you like heat and humidity. As the temperatures rise in June and July, so does the number of heat-related problems experienced by triathletes. Most experts agree that your body will acclimatize to heat and humidity - mostly in the first two to three weeks of exposure, and maximally after about two months.

Reviewed by First Endurance Research Board Member: Bob Seebohar MS, RD, CSCS- Director of Sports Nutrition, University of Florida Athletic Association

With warm weather on the way, fluid intake should be on the minds of most triathletes. How much fluid should you drink to prevent dehydration and optimize athletic performance? How much fluid should you drink to avoid dehydration while not putting yourself at risk of hyponatremia?

Ilana Katz writes: A typical problem for athletes is that they lack the stored energy required for quality training. A contributor to this problem is the common misconception that protein is a good primary fuel source for strength training, muscle building, and intense exercise.

During each triathlon season there is always one nutrition topic that really grips me. This year has been no exception and it hit me early: Fat loading. Yes, that's right, fat loading. A couple of weeks ago, a client of mine was getting ready for a very long cycling session and he asked me to develop a pre-race nutrition plan for him to trial.

Coach Wendy writes: It's common practice to be blase about it! Yet the vast majority of active people like ourselves, love the feel of it? And most people like the look of it! YIP it's that... sun tanned look!

You may have finished your workout, but you are not done training! Recovery is crucial to maximize the benefits of an intense workout. Without proper recovery, athletes are more prone to injury, chronic fatigue, soreness and illness. Optimal recovery includes rest, stretching, sleep and good nutrition and hydration - this discussion will focus on the nutritional aspects.