I have a 24-48 hour (depending on race distance) no-sex rule when it comes to races. The reason is that I’ve had the problem before of my testicles still being a little tensed-up/contracted (which can be a little painful when running/biking/kicking) while doing exercise somewhat soon after sex a few to 24 hours after. It can even be as bad as feeling like a cramp that develops into feeling like a small kick in the nuts.
The other part of it is that depending on how I’m doing it (positions), certain muscles can certainly get quite the workout. It’s bad when your Glute’s and Quad’s are extremely sore before doing a race.
Now for the disclaimer: I’m not saying that everyone is going to have the same Ironman-distance sex that I have, or that they’re going to go as long either (yeah, I’m bragging, I know), and I’m not saying that everyone will have the same problems either (obviously the women won’t), but these are just things I’ve experienced. Heck, if it gets you a good night of sleep before a race, then go right ahead… just make sure you take it easy and normal.
This is an interesting thread to some degree, more so than its apparent sensation may suggest. I break this issue into two components with regard to influence on your performance:
Physical and Mental/emotional.
Physical.
Sexual activity (it seems to me) probably does not exert profound physical benefits for an athlete within 24 hours of an event with the possible exception of the hormones released following intercourse/orgasm that aid in sleep. If an athlete has difficulty sleeping these hormones may help induce sleep prior to the event when it is otherwise difficult. Additionally, it may serve as a constructive, positive “distraction” to pre-race anxiety which brings to the second part:
Mental/emotional. At its basis, in the best of circumstances, sexual union represents a mutually rewarding emotional connection/interaction between two people that affirms positive feelings for ones’ self and partner. Acknowledging the very significant mental role in performance of endurance sports, it is likely this union and resultant positive feeling could improve an athlet’s mindset prior to endurance sports. If sexual activity affirms an athlete’s self-worth, acceptance, ability and desireablitiy it stands to reasons these positive affirmations will spill into the athletic arena.
Maybe it is like anything else: When it is good, it is an effective tool to enhance performance. When its bad it steals your soul and makes you weaker.
Coach for the New York Yankees once said that it wasn’t the sex, but the players going around all night finding it that bothered him. I agree with Casey, with a qualifier that I got married the night before Ironman 86 and did fullfill my husbandly duty and finishes 113th overrall the next day. Then “retired” from triathlons. G-man
Post note… The marriage is still strong, the triathlete is not so strong.
I think sex before a race is a great idea. Clears the mind and helps with a better, but still not great, night sleep.
I wouldn’t suggest a “dawn breaker” before an IM (unless I thought my wife would actually go for it) but the night before is a great idea.
Speaking of sex. One of the many reasons I race? so poorly is because I live by the theory that you should always save enough energy for sex, just in case. For example, you just finish an IM and there’s a real hot volunteer handing out the finishers medals. She suggests a group of 2 shower and you have to say no cause you’re too tired from the race? Not me boys and girls! I always have 60 seconds of anaerobic capacity left! Just in case. I’ve never had to call on those 107 calories but I have them ready just the same. Ya never know.