Diet for Triathletes

porfirio · 11-07-2009, 08:52 AM

So as I understand it, after about 30-45 minutes of cardio, the body goes into self-cannibalism, eating away at precious muscle, to continue pushing forward (the first 30-45 being fueled by the body's fat reserves). This being the case (maybe it's not?), what should an endurance athlete's diet look like? That is, an endurance athlete who weight trains regularly but nonetheless ends up skins in bones in mid August--the peak of triathlon training.

I've been told by a body-builder that I should consume protein right before a long-distance workout as it both drives the protein deeper into the muscle & it helps shield the muscle. Hmmm. Any truth to that? Since my triathalon season's over & I'm now weight training on a more frequent basis. The goal isn't to bulk-up, but rather get some "curvature" & keep it... which never happens once the triathlon training is is full gear.

**P-funk** · 11-07-2009, 02:12 PM

a) You need to learn more about physiology because you are incorrect about energy metabolism. Everything you said was incorrect.

b) Don't listen to bodybuilders because most of them know nothing about preparing for sprots.

c) Some protein is fine....but, depending on the length of your event or training for that day, you are going to want to fuel up with some carbohydrates and fluid. I typically tell the endurance athletes to try and get a whole food meal about 1.5-2hrs prior to the event and then 30-45min. before the event get some liquid carbs/electolytes (gatorade or whatever you like to use). The food is going to be a real trial and error type of thing as some will do better with certain foods and others will get horrible stomach aches. So, you need to experiment a little bit during your training to see what works for you. Some do well with a bagel w/peanut butter and a banana for their whole food meal. It is a real individual thing. But, don't try and jam a whole bunch of protein down your throat, or you will get a stomach ache from hell.

patrick

firemaf96 · 11-09-2009, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-funk

a) You need to learn more about physiology because you are incorrect about energy metabolism. Everything you said was incorrect.

b) Don't listen to bodybuilders because most of them know nothing about preparing for sprots.

c) Some protein is fine....but, depending on the length of your event or training for that day, you are going to want to fuel up with some carbohydrates and fluid. I typically tell the endurance athletes to try and get a whole food meal about 1.5-2hrs prior to the event and then 30-45min. before the event get some liquid carbs/electolytes (gatorade or whatever you like to use). The food is going to be a real trial and error type of thing as some will do better with certain foods and others will get horrible stomach aches. So, you need to experiment a little bit during your training to see what works for you. Some do well with a bagel w/peanut butter and a banana for their whole food meal. It is a real individual thing. But, don't try and jam a whole bunch of protein down your throat, or you will get a stomach ache from hell.

patrick

follow what pfunk said you'll be fine

11-07-2009, 08:52 AM	#1
porfirio Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: DC Posts: 6	Diet for Triathletes So as I understand it, after about 30-45 minutes of cardio, the body goes into self-cannibalism, eating away at precious muscle, to continue pushing forward (the first 30-45 being fueled by the body's fat reserves). This being the case (maybe it's not?), what should an endurance athlete's diet look like? That is, an endurance athlete who weight trains regularly but nonetheless ends up skins in bones in mid August--the peak of triathlon training. I've been told by a body-builder that I should consume protein right before a long-distance workout as it both drives the protein deeper into the muscle & it helps shield the muscle. Hmmm. Any truth to that? Since my triathalon season's over & I'm now weight training on a more frequent basis. The goal isn't to bulk-up, but rather get some "curvature" & keep it... which never happens once the triathlon training is is full gear.

11-07-2009, 02:12 PM	#2
P-funk Patrick Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: AZ Posts: 31,700	a) You need to learn more about physiology because you are incorrect about energy metabolism. Everything you said was incorrect. b) Don't listen to bodybuilders because most of them know nothing about preparing for sprots. c) Some protein is fine....but, depending on the length of your event or training for that day, you are going to want to fuel up with some carbohydrates and fluid. I typically tell the endurance athletes to try and get a whole food meal about 1.5-2hrs prior to the event and then 30-45min. before the event get some liquid carbs/electolytes (gatorade or whatever you like to use). The food is going to be a real trial and error type of thing as some will do better with certain foods and others will get horrible stomach aches. So, you need to experiment a little bit during your training to see what works for you. Some do well with a bagel w/peanut butter and a banana for their whole food meal. It is a real individual thing. But, don't try and jam a whole bunch of protein down your throat, or you will get a stomach ache from hell. patrick E-Book: Take Charge! Everything You Need To Know To Write Your Own Training Programs Online Consulting/Program Design Reality Based Fitness Podcast Check me out on Twitter! Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter! "In the beginners mind there are many possibilities, in the experts there are few." -Buddha's Little Instruction Book

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