70% of triathletes (and I am just estimating here) can lose 10-15 lbs, and would probably be better for it. Endurance training is not for FAT LOSS. You think just because you went out and rode for 5 hours at a 17mph pace, having at least 5 GUs along the way (high sugar)...probably some Gatorade (high sugar), that you can go home and have a 1000-1500 calorie meal? If you are eating clean (i.e. non-processed foods, low sugars/low GI foods, including NO alcohol), then it is hard to get in that many calories. And, you will probably stay at a deficit and lose some weight- and be leaner. You should not be 20%+ Body Fat as a woman and call yourself an elite triathlete. Don't get me wrong, just because you have low body fat does not make you fast- but, it does help to get you faster if that could be what is holding you back from getting to the next level. If your goal is just to "finish"- then, eat all you want, get fat and enjoy your long 6 hour rides at 15 mph and your 2500 calorie dinners. I, myself, am 5'6", 137 lbs, and 14% BF (as of last wee). I work hard at that, and, I do fairly well at races. I keep getting better each year, and also, a bit leaner.

Just don't call yourself a triathlete if you are going to let yourself get FAT just because you want to say you do this endurance sport- true reality is, if your FAT, say it. You are a FAT TRIATHLETE- and there is a book out there that describes what that is. Eat a bit cleaner, don't put so much in your mouth, cut back on those "sports" drinks/gels during your training, and you might surprise yourself. Running 15+ miles, or riding 5 hours might feel a bit easier.

Train Hard- Eat Smart.

erikalilley.blogspot.com

I have been avoiding this thread like the plague....

I Like Big Butts and I can not lie, you other brothers can't deny, that when a girl walks in with a little bitty waste and a round thing in your face you get sprung!...There is nothing better than a meaty, fit BUTT on a woman!

Did she pee on herself?

Did she pee on herself?