General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight. Rss Feed  
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2011-03-30 11:58 AM

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Elite
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Laguna Beach
Subject: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.

When I was a 13 I was so overweight I was in a Special Education Phys. Ed. class. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. The best.

In addition to learning cause and effect, the value of hard work, respect for a teacher and a host of other developmental values I did lose weight. About 80 pounds. Right after I graduated from High School I ran my first marathon.

I've wrestled with weight ever since. Most recreational athletes do, and most of us are overweight.

In my job I write mostly about equipment, stuff you can buy to "make you faster". The truth of the matter is that for most of us the singular thing we could do to improve our performance is to lose weight. It really is that simple.

I'm 5'9" and 178 pounds. When I raced at my best I was 140 pounds. I'm 38 pounds overweight. 38 pounds. Twice the weight of a bike. Still, if you put me in a room with 100 average Americans I am one of the "fittest".

One of the things I am focusing on over this next year is losing weight. Four years ago before I had a stroke I was 151 pounds and ran sub 7 minute miles in an Olympic distance race after averaging nearly 25 M.P.H. for 24.8 miles on a flat bike course. I was reasonably fast because  was light.  

We talk a lot about performance concerns on triathlon forums, be it here or at Slowtwitch.com, my other "beat" as a forum writer.

Should we be talking more about weight loss? It's a touchy subject.



2011-03-30 12:04 PM
in reply to: #3421639

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Member
229
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Central Oregon
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
My question would be how this differs for women vs. men and if it's fat loss or just weight in general that seems to be a factor.
2011-03-30 12:04 PM
in reply to: #3421639

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Champion
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Columbia, South Carolina
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.

Yep we should be.  (And I would add that there is in fact a good deal of discussion around here about it -- even a separate forum about it a few 'slots' below this one.)

I'm 5'7", and I weigh 140 on a bad day soaking wet right now.  I'm thinner than pretty much everybody else around me.  I still need to lose about 10 pounds to be at what I think will be an ideal race weight for me.  It's hard, including for social reasons.  I'm already told repeatedly that I look 'too thin'.

2011-03-30 12:08 PM
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2011-03-30 12:09 PM
in reply to: #3421639

Extreme Veteran
605
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Centennial, CO
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.

I would love to see more discussion about weight loss pertaining to speed and efficiency. There is plenty of discussion on this subject simply for the sake of weight loss. I am 6'0". I weighed 225 last June. Currently I'm at 190. I've been told by multiple people that I will probably drop to around 170-175 with upcoming IM training and that is really around where I should be, but that just seems awfully light to me. It's tough to find information about where we should be as triathletes to maximize our potential.

I am certainly faster now than I was then. I'm sure part of it is weight loss, but certainly part of it is fitness (I had none last year).

 



Edited by syscrash 2011-03-30 12:10 PM
2011-03-30 12:11 PM
in reply to: #3421639

Pro
4277
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Parker, CO
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
Interesting subject.  I also and currently about the same weight as you and was at my fastest racing weight at around 140 as well.  However, I'm 3 inches taller than you.  Anyway, I totally agree with you.  I know guys that spend lots of money with tri wheels and other gadgets to make themselves lighter and more aero.  When  what they really need to do is loos that pony keg they carry in the middle.  I have a goal to get donw to 165 by June.  Not my optimal race weight but at 50 it would be a good weight for me.  I'll never see 140 again...nor do I want to.


2011-03-30 12:12 PM
in reply to: #3421639

Champion
5312
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Calgary
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
yep.

But I mean, weight isn't the limiter, fat is right? for most people

And I get what you are saying Micheal. People all the time tell me that at 200 at 6 feet that I am looking a little skinny (and I am, for what I used to look like at 250. But I have seen people who are in good race shape and they look friggin SKINNY. But they aren't unhealthy skinny, although it looks that way if you you are in a culture where I am very often the skinniest guy in a room.

Societies perspective has been altered.
2011-03-30 12:15 PM
in reply to: #3421639

Master
1970
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Somewhere on the Tennessee River
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
Guns may be an easier topic for us to discuss.....
2011-03-30 12:15 PM
in reply to: #3421690

Champion
10018
50005000
, Minnesota
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
I think it's height to weight or power to weight that matters.  My number isn't that huge, but I am 5'6''.  For me, I definitely overweight. Not telling how much, though!  Anyway, in my little existence I am definitely running slower at about 18 lbs more than my weight when I really started racing.  But I am sure am swimming better  
2011-03-30 12:18 PM
in reply to: #3421639

Elite
3515
20001000500
Romeoville, Il
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
I'm 6' 169lbs. I was, at one point 6' 215lbs! I raced last season at 163, but I'm much leaner now even at 169. I think the reason I got into endurance sports resulted from the enjoyment I got out the excercising I did to lose weight. However, the question I always struggle with is when to focus on weight loss, and when to focus on improving my S/B/R? I've found it very difficult to do both at the same time. I either work very hard and get frustrated at not seeing any improvement in S/B/R while losing weight, or I have to put weight loss a side to improve S/B/R. Any insights into that would be helpful IMO.

Also, to add insult to injury. I dare say it was almost easy to lose the weight I did lose. But, from my perception, I have at least 10lbs I should lose still. I've been working at those 10 for over a year! They are the most stubborn 10lbs in the world!!

Edited by Meulen 2011-03-30 12:21 PM
2011-03-30 12:19 PM
in reply to: #3421639

Master
2083
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Houston, TX
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.

Funny, weight loss is the main focus of my goals this year. It's my #1 goal. Last year I figured it would just come with the work outs (and it did) but by the end of the season I could tell how much of a difference it made.  I'm taking a bit of a reverse approach.  Instead of focusing on training to get me faster and figuring "the weight will come off on it's own" I am focusing on taking the weight off and figuring "the speed will come on it's own".

 

So yes, I agree that should be most people's first concern, especially considering that most people will see a greater return from losing 20 lbs than from buying a $5k bike as opposed toe a $1.2k bike.  But talking about losing weight is generally less interesting than talking about gadgets and buying a cool bike that "has all the answers" is a lot easier than training or losing weight.

 

In all fairness, I think there is a large contingency on this site that started triathlons specifically to lose weight.  Me partially included.  (I started for general fitness also.)  So in a way that theme is sort of "ever-present".



2011-03-30 12:24 PM
in reply to: #3421639

Pro
6520
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Bellingham, WA
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
I'm about 170 lbs now and can get down to about 165 during the season if I really focus on it but as you say when I was at my best (i.e. 1:18 half marathon) I was about 135 lbs. Through swimming and cycling I have added muscle mass that accounts for some of my gain and that is what most will rationalize that the heavier weight is normal given the extra muscle mass but I think only to a point. I too have observed that compared to less fit social groups I am in they will say you are nuts to lose weight. My mother is the worst. What is it about mothers that think their children are starving themselves. Anyway, when I lose even a few lbs I notice my run does become easier. I would love to see how my performance would differ even at 160.
2011-03-30 12:29 PM
in reply to: #3421639

Extreme Veteran
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Maryland
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.

I am 5'9" and 145lbs, never had a problem with my weight. If anything i need to gain weight. have a really tough time doing that when i am training. guess i should not complain.Smile

2011-03-30 12:32 PM
in reply to: #3421639

Regular
126
10025
Southern Indiana
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.

I am 5'11" and 164 lb.  I really don't know what weight I should be to be in "race-shape".  Last summer I was down to 159 (same height though), but I am faster now.  Three years ago I was 215+ and thought my ideal weight would be/should be 175.  I guess right now I don't know what that number on the scale should be.  When I lifted more I was heavier, when I SBR more I lose more, so I'm trying not to get hung up on a number.

2011-03-30 12:33 PM
in reply to: #3421664

Elite
3498
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Laguna Beach
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.

Honestly for me, the more I focus on it, the more I focus on it if that makes any sense.

In other words, the more I talk about weight loss the more inclined I am to do something about it.

2011-03-30 12:36 PM
in reply to: #3421639

Regular
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Toronto, ON
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.

I find this issue so fascinating as it relates to triathlon.  I'm tall (5'9") and have a lean but muscular build.  In a room full of people I look tall, slim & in good shape but, like you Tom, that doesn't relate to triathlon very well.  I came across an online 'ideal race weight' calculator and it told me I needed to lose 41 pounds.  FORTY ONE!  That would be put me at a lower weight than I was in junior high school by over 10 pounds.  As in, before I hit puberty nevermind the 2 babies and age thing.  LOL!

My viewpoint is that yes, I could & probably should lose some weight especially since I have bad knees and struggle on the run.  And I'm sure once my training ramps up, my weight will go down.  I do make an effort to eat well but I also have yummy food and a glass or three of wine sometimes.  For *me* that's as important as training well and enjoying triathlon.  It's all about the parts that make the whole of my life and both eating and exercising, including triathlon, are part of that.  I won't entirely sacrifice one for the other even if it makes me run like the wind.  I'm a Libra, I need balance.  



2011-03-30 12:37 PM
in reply to: #3421639

Extreme Veteran
404
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Dallas, TX
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
I'm 5'8'', 150 lbs, 8-9% body fat. I feel fittest/fastest at <145, 4% body fat.
2011-03-30 12:38 PM
in reply to: #3421639

Champion
10668
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Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.

I'm just replying here and haven't read the other input...

Remember, Tom, that ST is much more concerned with the pointy end of the tri field that BT -- this is a BEGINNER'S forum, after all.

And I think it would be more healthy to talk about getting the work done over the long haul, finding the joy in the activity so that it becomes a long-term life partner, and letting weight fall where it may based on that.

2011-03-30 12:38 PM
in reply to: #3421639

Veteran
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Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.

I think we should be talking about weight loss in relation to performance.  I think it often goes overlooked. 

 

It's probably one of the easier things to control assuming no medical issues.  Sites like myfitnesspal are amazing.  The tools are out there to allow us to succeed in weight management but it takes a little work and self control.

Some people just eat too much for their needs.

I also think a lot of people trying to lose weight may not actually eat enough.   Before I started counting calories in and calories out I was in fact not eating enough and this stalled my weight loss.  Once I started counting every single item I ate, I realized my total calories out were usually in the 3500-4000 range.  After examining my food, I was only taking in 2-2.5k a day.  I had no idea how much I was burning or taking in.

 

Once I upped my calories and stayed at a 300-500 calorie deficit while eating a ton of food, 8 lbs fell off in no time.  I'm just trying to maintain now and I get to eat an awful lot of food and stay the same weight.

I think anyone training as much as most of us here should pay more attention to calories in vs calories out.  It doesn't really take a lot of time in the grand scheme of things.  It's really important to make sure you're giving your body the right amount of fuel.

 

If you are trying to lose weight and you don't make the effort to do a good job of counting calories in vs calories out then you're just guessing.  You can end up doing something to counteract your weight loss by simply trying to eat less.

 

Also, how is your performance affected if you are not eating close the amount of calories you're burning in training?



Edited by mrpetey 2011-03-30 12:42 PM
2011-03-30 12:40 PM
in reply to: #3421639

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2011-03-30 12:41 PM
in reply to: #3421639

Extreme Veteran
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Rockville, MD
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.

Its a touchy and taboo subject.

A person wont hesitate to tell a smoker how bad it is for them and what their lungs might look like, but we havent reached a point yet where its acceptable to tell someone how overweight they are and what their arteries might look.

I dont know what the tipping point will be before its acceptable to talk about weight. Hopefully it happens long before we start seeing our kids having heart attacks. 



2011-03-30 12:43 PM
in reply to: #3421639

Expert
758
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Port Colborne, Ontario
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
The way I see it, I'm in it to make a living at it, so I will NEVER go down lower than 180 lbs on my 5'10" frame...that would put me in the 11-12% body fat.  For me, losing muscle mass in order to be a few seconds faster in a triathlon is asinine and not work it.
2011-03-30 12:44 PM
in reply to: #3421639

over a barrier
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
It really boils down to your weight being a priority. Its very unlikely you won't drop a few pounds doing S,B,R on a regular basis. Its a life style choice.

I let myself "go" this fall. Still raced CX but several beers post race + eating out a ton = weight went from 148 to 160. I felt fat.

Starting tracking my calories (even weighing food) and using conservative estimates of calorie burned during exercise when a Power tap wasn't available etc.

12 lbs off in about 10 weeks. Stopped tracking food and went up to 152 in a few weeks. Started again and quickly down to 148 again. When I don't monitor my food (top priority) I will gain weight. I have to make it a priority. I don't do well with estimating intake. I've been through a culinary program and numerous coaching programs and I'm not great at it. Think of the uninformed joe public. No chance.

Ithink about average Joe American and it doesn't surprise me at all that America is overweight. Its not fun to reduce calories. Most don't even know where or hot to start. Everything media related is 'extreme' shakes or special diets that can't be maintained.
2011-03-30 12:45 PM
in reply to: #3421639

Expert
1322
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Savannah
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.

I'm 6' 170lbs.  I've never focused on weight but maybe it's because I have never had to.  At 38, I've never weighed over 180lbs.  I usually drop down to 165 for A races and it's relatively easy to do.  My weight has been fairly constant/consistent since high school.

Luckily for me, weight is something that I don't have to think twice about.

2011-03-30 12:46 PM
in reply to: #3421765

Expert
758
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Port Colborne, Ontario
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.

Aspiring - 2011-03-30 1:37 PM I'm 5'8'', 150 lbs, 8-9% body fat. I feel fittest/fastest at <145, 4% body fat.

Just an FYI - Bodybuilders in  full blown competition are around 3-4% and can only sustain that for a few days.  There's no way you're doing endurance races at 4% and living to tell about it.  You're measuring incorrectly.

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