When to use this
Any meet that starts with a bus, a flight, or a hotel night — build the food plan before anyone packs.
- Overnight trips where the team eats three or more meals away from home.
- Flights where race fuel has to survive security in a carry-on.
- Trips that have historically ended at a gas station the night before racing.
Evidence sources
These references support the handout’s general education. Individual medical, supplement, laboratory, or injury questions should be handled by the appropriate qualified clinician.
- Thomas DT, Erdman KA, Burke LM.(2016) ACSM/AND/DC Joint Position Statement: Nutrition and Athletic Performance.
- Burke LM, Jeukendrup AE, Jones AM, Mooses M.(2019) Contemporary nutrition strategies to optimize performance in distance runners and race walkers.
Where to go next
ToolBuild the packing listTurn the cooler and carry-on rules into a checkable meet-day list.
PrintablePack the first 24 hoursThe companion sheet covers the bag itself — meals, snacks, and backups.
GuidePlan the full travel dayThe Travel Meet Day Guide sequences bus rules, hotel breakfast, and race windows.
