performance + weight loss...
I am starting to feel like it's not possible to actually drop a few pounds while trying to increase your performance /distance on the bike:(.
:)Hoping someone can help me out here on this one;)...
I am increasing my miles gradually training for my first century. I feel like I have reached a point that my body is needing more 'something' to be able to perform. However, at the same time, I would like to loose a few pounds to be lighter on hills etc.
My weight has held steady, and even flexed up a few pounds now, since eating more to perform. I think part of my bonking episode a couple weeks ago was attributed to trying to eat less. Well, that was no fun--not repeating (so, back to eating etc.). But, I'd really like these pounds to come off too.
Bought some self-help reading on distance cycling that talks about carb-loading for performance. But, no info yet on the weight reduction part.
How I lost a lot of weight before was by following principles in the South Beach Diet. Which restricts carbs. That's fine for winter spin classes only... but distance outside, it's not working. Thus, more carbs for me... but maybe TOO many = my weight issue?:confused: What's the balance???
Btw: Just looking to lose 3-5#s. Current mileage: 41mi furthest ride, weekly avg. 120-ish mi. Event's in Sept. Plus, for work I teach Spinning at my gym. Weight train couple times a week.
"The Smallest Loser" Bicycling Mag 8-09 (blue text)
First of all... :eek:WOW:cool: ...you guys are awesome w/replies here. Was away from the pc, one place of which was to local bookstore (no luck on my titles), and picked up the current issue of Bici mag.
HA! Of all things after posting this thread this AM... on the cover it says "more energy, eat your way faster". I bite and buy. The article is the title above in this post. Sheesh, here's the first few lines....
"How to shed those last, stubborn five pounds--without hindering performance"...
"If you're like many cyclists, you eat healthy--yet still can't shed those pesky pounds that keep you from your goal weight. The final five are typically the toughest because you've already adopted lean-eating habits. And because your workouts demand adequate fuel, slashing calories can sabotage your performance."
Uuumm, HEEELLLO Bici mag... did you read my mind through cyberspace, or what? lol
The article is only one page unfortunately, but gives some of the same tips we are discussing here.
Hmm... Cover story on Bici mag sounds like a common cycling epidemic, doesn't it?
One tip is to get lean in the winter. Like when we are not putting in the miles outside and need our performance calories. I just hit my goal weight and then got an injury. During that no-workout time I packed these stupid pounds on right as the season was starting. Bleah!
Those additional food brands etc. are really helpful. And the book title. Every maker of sports nutrient stuff claims to be the best. But it sure helps to have 1st hand feedback on it:).
Oh... on stuff making me sick /puke... I honestly think it's the sugar itself.
Orange juice does, any sweet fruit, etc. I've been told w/other fm members having a hx of diabetes that I had a 50/50 chance. Been tested before. Nothing to make the doc think I'm positive.
But, too much spike of high G.I. foods makes me feel like puking, sweaty /faint. Bad. It's the rapid spike in blood sugar I guess. Or if I go without eating too long... I'm just as sick. I try to keep food with me all the time. Eating small things all day long works good when not exercising.
The South Beach Diet was an absolutly eye opening and life changing book for me (the G.I. concept). Figuring out the extra carbs is a whole diff mindset to perform cycling. PLUS... if I wanted to just lose the weight alone (South Beach way), I'd scale back my carbs... but +the bike needs = the current post.
Short, round, slow gal chimes in
When I started cycling again I wore size 20 LL relaxed fit jeans with the elastic waist band. The elastic waist band was because really I fit in a 22. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
I'm 5'nuthin.
To make a long story short after several seasons training for ALC, a return to bike commuting, getting back in the dojo right now I think I wear 14's but they are falling off.
The debate is whether to buy a bunch of 12's or sit tight knowing that probably those could fit better soon.
I weigh about the same as I did at 20/22. :rolleyes: My body Seems to get more compact, the weight stays about the same.
I could stand to drop 35-40 lbs. I will achieve that goal. I'd love to drop the weight if only because it would take the weight off my poor decrepit deteriorating knees. But I rarely look at the scale, instead I concentrate on how my clothes fit and how I feel and perform on the bike or in a workout.
My greatest loss of inches was on a great training routine written by Spazzdog that included interval and wind sprint training with longer workouts either in the dojo or on a long ride. Weight training would really help. As for food I try to eat food that's made from food day to day.
On a long ride or organized event I eat anything they put in front of me :rolleyes: