For those of you with experience in endurance training (2+ hr training sessions), I have a question about your nutrition the day before long workouts, the day after and the day of, together with a pretty intense training schedule as well. I have done a full marathon, a couple of halfs, sprint triathlons and one olympic distance tri and I always have difficulty getting the nutrition right because of needing to lose weight at the same time. There is no doubt that I am getting more nutrition in my diet than I had before I started the Challenge, however, I am having problems recovering as fast as I need to in order to keep up with my triathlon training schedule. I am a 43 year old female and very overweight. I believe in myself and that I can do the Nation's Triathlon in mid-September which I am fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Denver Half which I will fundraise for Make a Wish. Saturdays and Sundays are my hardest workout days and Friday is my "rest" day and Saturday, my "free" day. Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Trying to lose weight while training for endurance events is challenging. It's challenging enough that you will note most folks do not suggest training for endurance events as a way to lose weight.

It can be done, but it requires an incredible level of anal attention to your intake.

What does your current eating program look like? When you say you are having trouble with recovery, can you be a bit more specific? What are you noticing?

I am following efl for my eating plan. The problems I am having with recovery are mostly a feeling of zero strength following a couple days of training -- like somebody has sucked all of the energy and strength out of my bones, veins and muscles - make sense? The other is soreness not completely going away from say an UBWO followed by swim training days or vice versa. I have never lost weight training for an endurance event, (in fact, I have gained in the past by overcompensating my caloric intake by not being careful), however, I just thought that if I was careful with my intake that I could do it because for some reason, endurance training makes me feel "alive" and happier than not. I know a slow base build would be the most prudent way to accomplish what I am doing, but I committed to doing the Nation's Triathlon in September and I really do want to do it. I am not concerned about time, particularly because of the shape I am in (as in not), however, I do want to finish. I was laid off about 6 weeks ago so I have so much time to train but my body cannot handle it - sucks, heh? I want to take advantage of having this time. Most training programs that engage in many hours of training per week are for "intermediate" or "competitive" athletes. I know that does have something to do with recovery, however, I cannot help but think that I can do some pretty cool work during this time. I just need to be able to recovery quicker to be able to take advantage of the time I have available. I could probably find a trainer to create a plan for me for this purpose, but I cannot spend that kind of money with no income coming in.

Ashley, I think it would be helpful if you wrote down a day or two of your typical eating schedule. Maybe you are not getting enough calories for all the training you are doing. Also, check your fuid intake, are you drinking enough water? Are you getting a GOOD 8 hours of sleep?? Also, are you taking any kind of supplements??

Is it possible to lose weight while training for an endurance event and have correct recovery? Yes.

It's going to require an insane level of micromanaging in order to do that. It's not something you can do with portion control and instinctive eating. You have to actively monitor calories, weigh and measure food, and really watch what goes in and out. If you are willing to put that level of micromanaging into things, I think it's possible to achieve that goal.

If not, that's FINE. It's really not for everyone. We can refocus on correct recovery so you are able to complete the multiple events you are working on .

Your call. Once we have ground rules in place, we can go from there.