Prioritising Athlete Wellbeing in Extreme Heat

FAST Running’s Commitment to Recovery at the Australian All Schools Championships

At FAST Running, we understand that performance is not just about pushing harder in training or racing faster on the track—it’s about ensuring that every athlete is physically and mentally prepared to perform at their best, especially when conditions are less than ideal. This was put to the test at the Australian All Schools Track and Field Championships in Brisbane, where the temperature soared to an intense 37°C.

In such extreme heat, it’s easy for the pressures of competition and the intensity of the event to overshadow the critical importance of recovery and preparation. But at FAST Running, we are committed to creating a safe space for our athletes to ensure they stay hydrated, rested, and ready for every race. Through thoughtful planning, strategic recovery practices, and a supportive team dynamic, we made sure our athletes had the best possible environment to excel.

Creating a Safe Space Away from the Intensity of Competition

One of the key factors that set our approach apart was the proactive, hands-on leadership of our Head Coach, Steve Dodt. Understanding the unique challenges posed by the extreme heat, our coach identified early on the best locations for our athletes to rest, recharge, and prepare—places that offered shade and cool indoor areas for dynamic warm-ups and recovery activities.

It wasn’t just about finding physical shade—it was about providing a mental refuge away from the high-energy intensity of the competition. By establishing a mobile, dedicated recovery space, we created a calm, supportive environment where athletes could focus on their wellbeing. This space wasn’t just reserved for our elite athletes but was open to all who needed it, promoting a team-first mentality that emphasized holistic care for every member of the group.

Strategic Pre-Race and Post-Race Preparation

In such hot conditions, maintaining proper hydration and fueling the body for peak performance are essential. We made sure our athletes were always equipped with the right nutrients and hydration. Using Hydralyte Sport Mix, we kept everyone well-hydrated with a carefully balanced electrolyte solution that helped maintain stamina throughout the day. Additionally, we prioritised carbohydrate intake and quick-access food options, ensuring that athletes could refuel after races to replenish lost energy stores and maintain performance levels throughout the meet.

Pre-race routines were also adjusted to the heat, with an emphasis on dynamic warm-ups in cooler indoor environments, allowing athletes to prepare their muscles and joints without overexposing themselves to the sun. Similarly, post-race recovery involved thoughtful strategies to cool the body down, reduce muscle soreness, and promote faster recovery.

The FAST Recovery Centre: Tools for Excellence

Recovery doesn’t end with hydration and food—it’s about using the right tools to ensure that every athlete is physically ready for their next challenge. That’s where the FAST Recovery Centre came into play, offering a range of cutting-edge recovery tools to keep our athletes in peak condition.

We had a full range of THERAGUN devices available for targeted muscle relief, recovery bands for mobility, and rollers for muscle release. Athletes also had access to the THERABODY RECOVERYTHERM CUBE, which helped reduce inflammation and promote circulation, ensuring that muscles recovered quickly and efficiently between events.

This comprehensive recovery toolkit helped our athletes bounce back from the physical demands of competition and stay at their best. By integrating these tools into our overall recovery strategy, we created a multi-layered approach that addressed every aspect of performance—from muscle tension and joint mobility to hydration and mental recovery.

A Team Dynamic of Care and Attention

At FAST Running, we believe in the power of the team, and this event was no exception. The atmosphere we fostered was one of mutual support, where every athlete knew they had access to the resources and care they needed. Whether it was a quick recovery session with a Theragun, a moment of rest in the shade, or just a friendly word of encouragement, we ensured that each athlete felt valued and supported.

Our Head Coach played a pivotal role, staying present and attentive to each athlete’s individual needs. From last-minute race advice to personalised recovery plans, the coach’s hands-on approach ensured that every member of the team was set up for success—both mentally and physically.

A Legacy of Holistic Preparation

The FAST Running philosophy extends beyond just race day—it’s about cultivating an environment that nurtures every aspect of an athlete’s performance. By prioritising recovery, pre-race and post-race preparation, and overall athlete wellbeing, we ensured that each member of our team had the tools, guidance, and support they needed to compete at their best, even in the most challenging conditions.

In the extreme heat of Brisbane, we didn’t just focus on the physical elements of competition; we also focused on creating an atmosphere of calm, preparation, and recovery. In doing so, we helped our athletes not only perform at their highest level but also leave the championships with the confidence that they were prepared to handle whatever challenges came their way—on and off the track.

FAST Recovery Tent