I am a 26 year old female triathlete, in my second season. I have completed 3 olympic distance and 2 half ironman distance triathlons and through calorie restriction and hard training last season, I lost weight. I was trying to lose weight to make running and cycling easier and 50 pounds later, boy - is it easier.
However, as a half-ironman distance triathlete and knowing the importance of nutrition for training - I still limit myself to 1700-1800 calories per day (sometimes 1400-1500) - even on hard training days (3-6 hour workouts). I gain weight very easily (at least I tell myself that) and am stuck between wanting to be a better athlete and not wanting to be fat again. Will I gain my weight back with the level of training that I am doing? How do I get out of this mindset?
I feel that I could be so much more effective if I fuel properly, but I am so scared to gain weight. I know that if I don't figure it out soon, I won't be able to participate in the sport very much longer. I understand that this is a common problem with athletes - so how do you cope?
I am 5'9, weigh 145 pounds and I have 8% body fat. My period has ceased.
I would love any advice about adequate pre-race/post-race nutrition as well as tips for dealing with my mental block when it comes to fueling.
Any advice would help. Thanks.
However, as a half-ironman distance triathlete and knowing the importance of nutrition for training - I still limit myself to 1700-1800 calories per day (sometimes 1400-1500) - even on hard training days (3-6 hour workouts). I gain weight very easily (at least I tell myself that) and am stuck between wanting to be a better athlete and not wanting to be fat again. Will I gain my weight back with the level of training that I am doing? How do I get out of this mindset?
I feel that I could be so much more effective if I fuel properly, but I am so scared to gain weight. I know that if I don't figure it out soon, I won't be able to participate in the sport very much longer. I understand that this is a common problem with athletes - so how do you cope?
I am 5'9, weigh 145 pounds and I have 8% body fat. My period has ceased.
I would love any advice about adequate pre-race/post-race nutrition as well as tips for dealing with my mental block when it comes to fueling.
Any advice would help. Thanks.