TLDR: 2023 has been an unusual year for me. I went from consistent high performances in 2022 to disappointing results in 2023 across 4 races. I’ve gained 15lbs over a short period of time and have noticed things like HR on easy runs much higher. I’m looking for guidance from the triathlon community for anyone who has ran into something similar or if any recommendations on where to go from here. My primary doctor has been relatively useless so far.
For content, I’m a 29 year old male. I’ve been racing 70.3s for 6 years. I started more casual, but have gotten much more competitive over the last couple years. My PR is 4:20 including an AG win last year. The last couple years I’ve averaged ~12-14hrs week. I’ve also always been a very light athlete and for the last 5 years or so have fluctuated between 130-135lbs. I still eat a lot and have felt very strong even at these lighter weights. These weight genetics just run in the family.
About a year ago my weight started to shift more quickly than it ever has before. I’ve had no diet changes and no changes in activity levels. In Dec 2022 I was 135lb. In Feb I moved to 138lb and then 140lb. March I stayed ~140lb. Then my next weigh in during July I was 148. Now since Sep I’ve been 150.
If it was just the weight I wouldn’t be particularly concerned, but I noticed a decrease in my performance around May timeframe. I’m not sure if the performance shift is coming from my body adapting to the extra weight, or whatever caused the extra weight gain is also impacting my performance. I have been coached during this period and for the past 3 years.
Across all my 70.3s this year, I noticed a shift in my ability to perform especially on the run which is usually my strength. In training since I’ve noticed my easy run HR from 8min/miles is now closer to 150bpm instead of 140bpm. I recently completed a marathon with a solid time of 2:52, however I can tell something has shifted in my body since last year I ran a 1:16 half marathon. If I ran the marathon last year, I feel comfortable I could have ran closer to 2:45 for example. Something has changed and struggling to know how to find it or what to do.
At the recommendation of my coach I have gotten some blood tests. A few potentially relevant ones to share, but doesn't seem like any major red flags:
-Iron: 168
-Thyroid: 0.8
-B12: 518
-Ferratin: 167
I hoping other triathletes might have experienced something similar or have recommendations on where to turn next. I’m stumped as I’m not sure if there is something wrong, or I just need to accept that this is the new normal. Appreciate any thoughts.
For content, I’m a 29 year old male. I’ve been racing 70.3s for 6 years. I started more casual, but have gotten much more competitive over the last couple years. My PR is 4:20 including an AG win last year. The last couple years I’ve averaged ~12-14hrs week. I’ve also always been a very light athlete and for the last 5 years or so have fluctuated between 130-135lbs. I still eat a lot and have felt very strong even at these lighter weights. These weight genetics just run in the family.
About a year ago my weight started to shift more quickly than it ever has before. I’ve had no diet changes and no changes in activity levels. In Dec 2022 I was 135lb. In Feb I moved to 138lb and then 140lb. March I stayed ~140lb. Then my next weigh in during July I was 148. Now since Sep I’ve been 150.
If it was just the weight I wouldn’t be particularly concerned, but I noticed a decrease in my performance around May timeframe. I’m not sure if the performance shift is coming from my body adapting to the extra weight, or whatever caused the extra weight gain is also impacting my performance. I have been coached during this period and for the past 3 years.
Across all my 70.3s this year, I noticed a shift in my ability to perform especially on the run which is usually my strength. In training since I’ve noticed my easy run HR from 8min/miles is now closer to 150bpm instead of 140bpm. I recently completed a marathon with a solid time of 2:52, however I can tell something has shifted in my body since last year I ran a 1:16 half marathon. If I ran the marathon last year, I feel comfortable I could have ran closer to 2:45 for example. Something has changed and struggling to know how to find it or what to do.
At the recommendation of my coach I have gotten some blood tests. A few potentially relevant ones to share, but doesn't seem like any major red flags:
-Iron: 168
-Thyroid: 0.8
-B12: 518
-Ferratin: 167
I hoping other triathletes might have experienced something similar or have recommendations on where to turn next. I’m stumped as I’m not sure if there is something wrong, or I just need to accept that this is the new normal. Appreciate any thoughts.