Triathlon Nutrition | Paleo Diet for Athletes
Triathlon Nutrition – Paleo Diet for Athletes
This week I decided to focus on my triathlon nutrition. I figured, If I’m really going for this, I better go all out. Everything in my life already existed around my quest to finish the Ironman, so why wouldn’t I incorporate my diet into it also.
This past week was week #1 of the Paleo diet. The diet is designed to eat like our ancestors did over 100,000 years ago. The reasoning behind this is evolution. The typical American diet that we know today was actually only originated 10,000 years ago. The theory of evolution says that 10,000 years isn’t a long enough time to change species. Therefore, by eating like we did 100,000 years ago, our bodies will be functioning how they were meant to be and producing better results.
The Paleo Diet is designed to eat like our ancestors did over 100,000 years ago.
Foods that are cut out on this diet are all dairy products, all grains, pastas, breads, and legumes. Basically, this product has you eating lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. My version of the diet is slightly different in that I do incorporate carbs 30 min before, during, and 30 min after exercise. Besides that though, I followed the diet very strictly for the first full week. It’s results so far are amazing! My strength sessions saw an increase in production. My long ride went amazing, I’ve felt no pain in my knee, and my sleep has been very deep and refreshing! I’m happy to say that I’ll be sticking with this for the foreseeable future and expect my body to really lean out and become very muscular. One of the great benefits of this diet for me is that it allows for faster recovery which in turn allows for 20% greater volume per week. For anyone looking to lose weight, this diet will really benefit you. I’ve read stories of people dropping massive weight on this diet. While that isn’t my intent, I wont say that I didn’t see fat burning off me. I only lost 1 pound on the scale (which is fine, I don’t need to lose much), but I noticed a drastic change in fat lost. My body feels very in tune right now and light. I highly suggest this diet so far after only 1 week.
Training Totals
2/27/12-3/4/12
Running: 21.31
Biking: 73.94
Swimming 0.00km (pool still closed)
Spinning: 0:30 hours
Strength: 1
Time: 09:01:00
Running- My runs are feeling great. I have no pain in my knee lately and I have to say that I am very relieved. I was getting nervous that it was going to be a chronic syndrome. However, it looks like with stretching, ice, and pain pills, the problem has gone away. I upped my running by 3 miles this week. I’ll aim for 24 next week as I continue to build back up
Biking- The long ride this week (and only ride of the week) was amazing! I nailed my “on bike” nutrition and my legs felt great! I maintained 18.3 mph over 4 hours and felt like I had a ton left in the tank. I’m really anticipating the sunset starting later and later so I can start getting in some mid week rides. I love my bike and need to start developing some speed work with it.
Swimming- pool still closed. This is no good.
Overall, this was more of a recovery week with no high intensity work outs. My first triathlon is 2 weeks away now and I’m going to have one more week of intensity followed by the taper week. I’m really looking forward to this year. Until next week. Just keep livin
“do what you love. love what you do”
For more from Derek, check out his personal blog at ironmanlivin.blogspot.com.
