I am 25 yr old female, 5'5 a fairly muscular frame (130-135 lbs but quite lean), with thicker muscular legs than the average triathlete. I grew up a competitive swimmer and swam in college. When swimming, I always needed more taper than the other swimmers, and I would put on so much muscle in the weight room I had to alter my training program from the rest of the group. I never swam well in season, but would normally have good taper meets.
With triathlon, I struggle to get it right. I have an excellent coach who coaches an elite group that I train with. We do a series of sessions together per week (Saturday brick, Thursday track, Tuesday bike intervals...etc). While everyone else seems to be able to execute fairly well week after week, I am constantly managing muscle fatigue from the last session. Normally I have one or two of those just completely go down the drain because I am just too tired. I am insanely motivated but my body just seems to carry more fatigue than everyone else. Ive been racing for a few years now and have had some good results (sub 10 IM, Kona athlete, top AGer)...so I don't feel this is an issue of being a newbie. I train on avg about 15-18 hours per week.
In race recovery, it takes me much longer than my teammates. I eat extremely clean, I sleep well, and when I am on, I can perform at pretty high level.
Does anyone have similar experiences with having higher muscle density/ slow recovery/ excess fatigue? Its so exhausting mentally to ride the ups and downs, feel constantly disappointed, misunderstood, and performing with what feels like lactate filled legs.
Additionally, does anyone have any suggestions on ways to improve....testing, supplements, etc?
With triathlon, I struggle to get it right. I have an excellent coach who coaches an elite group that I train with. We do a series of sessions together per week (Saturday brick, Thursday track, Tuesday bike intervals...etc). While everyone else seems to be able to execute fairly well week after week, I am constantly managing muscle fatigue from the last session. Normally I have one or two of those just completely go down the drain because I am just too tired. I am insanely motivated but my body just seems to carry more fatigue than everyone else. Ive been racing for a few years now and have had some good results (sub 10 IM, Kona athlete, top AGer)...so I don't feel this is an issue of being a newbie. I train on avg about 15-18 hours per week.
In race recovery, it takes me much longer than my teammates. I eat extremely clean, I sleep well, and when I am on, I can perform at pretty high level.
Does anyone have similar experiences with having higher muscle density/ slow recovery/ excess fatigue? Its so exhausting mentally to ride the ups and downs, feel constantly disappointed, misunderstood, and performing with what feels like lactate filled legs.
Additionally, does anyone have any suggestions on ways to improve....testing, supplements, etc?