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2011-03-30 3:54 PM
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Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.

I haven't read all the responses...but I think serious weight discussion becomes more important for those who want to be very competitive in the sport.  In general, it's good to lose weight...but for most AGers...it's not important to get down to your ideal race weight for triathlons.  Other things are generally more important in the grand scheme of things.

I'm 5'6", 157 pounds.  My BMI is barely in the "normal" category, yet I consider myself to be in very good shape.  My body fat is somewhere around 13-14%.  I'm trying to lose about 5 more pounds...but that would still be about 15 pounds short of what my ideal triathlon race weight would be.  I imagine I would be fastest at about 135-140 pounds...which is still heavier than others my height.

The reason I'll never be 135-140 is because life would not be fun for me at that point.  I love to eat, I love to have a few beers now and then, and while I love to train, I don't want it to totally consume my life.  If I ever have $10k lying around, burning a hole in my pocket, I wouldn't hesitate to spend it on a bike with crazy wheels.  Because it would make me happy.  It would allow me to enjoy the sport. 

Losing 15-20 pounds would make me faster than a $10k bike/wheel setup, but I probably would not be having as much fun.  At a certain point I do want to be as fast as possible...but I still want to enjoy myself in the process.  My paycheck is not dependant on how fast I race.

Just my 2 cents.  YMMV



2011-03-30 4:24 PM
in reply to: #3421639

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

I used to race with a guy that spent TONS of money on weight savings for his bike. This was in the early '90s so carbon was still an infant. Titanium EVERYTHING. He spent $120 on a titanium seat binder bolt that save him probably 2 grams. I'd guess this guy spent $10K on stupid stuff like that.

Now, this guy was pretty fat. His belly done lopped over his belt as they say. I tried to convince him that if he only lost 5 lbs, he be better than any amount of money could buy bike parts. He seemed to think it was totally unrelated. A 15 lb bike is faster regardless of how much weight you put on it, was his line of thinking. I just chuckled and let him spend his money as he saw fit.

This is the off season for me. I continue to train, but not as hard as I do during Nordic season. That said, I'll gain a bit of weight over the summer. I'm 6' and ski at 160 lbs. I'll probably be at 165 by the end of the summer.

2011-03-30 4:30 PM
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Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.

I skipped a lot of the 6 pages of responces, but mine will be much of the line of many of the others.   Yes, weight is a major factor in tris and times, and joints, and so on. 

I am glad it has been mentioned as a reminder because I believe some people do get lost in what to get next that might make them faster, however, I think anyone serious enough about it to be concerned with AG results and so on, know about their weight and how it can effect the times.

I am 5'11" and 148 lbs.  Yes, as many tell me, too skinny.  However, I have a small frame, and exercise all day 6-7 days a week and burn crazy calories.  I hold my weight and I try not to get too bogged down in eating perfect and all the stress/focus/responsibility all of that takes.  I think many people are best off when they are making smart choices about food, making time for exercise, and not letting either dominate their lives. 

2011-03-30 4:32 PM
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Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.

spudone - 2011-03-30 3:12 PM

For me it's not goal based.  It's just where my body is comfortable.  I'm fortunate to have the body and metabolism that already suits me.  But let me tell you if I tried to get up to a strong 200 (not fat) it would be every bit as difficult as you getting to my weight.  I think it takes long-term effort and discipline to change our bodies after we're done growing.

Yeah, that makes total sense.  I felt like crap when I competed at 185, but just wanted to see if I could get down that low.  Of course TRI and MMA are 2 WAY differents forms of sport, I just wasn't comfortable there.  It's like my Coach, he is 6'3" 145lbs and he is the tallest 145er in MMA.  It's just where his body works the best and his build.  He's fought a couple times in UFC, so he's not too shabby.

Of course I don't have the "desire" to get to what would be considered "optimal weight" for my height in the realms of the norm, I am intested in the change from my transition to MMA to more competitive in Tri.  Last year was my first exp, this year I have 28 events planned.  I'm 225, bout 10 more lbs than where my normal weight is.  I'm not a meat-head though.  I hardly lift weights that much at all and it's all low weight/high-reps. I haven't been 200 since high school.  I'm curious to see where I end up.

2011-03-30 4:37 PM
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Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
Davisjl - 2011-03-30 2:41 PM
Fred Doucette - 2011-03-30 3:38 PM
Davisjl - 2011-03-30 3:35 PM
Fred Doucette - 2011-03-30 3:26 PM
Davisjl - BMI is a horrable indicator of "Healthy" and should be banished from ever being used again...

I realise you are 'joking' a bit, but BMI is still very useful for population study. It is not useful for individuals and notoriously inaccurate for folks with lots of muscle.

So in the context of a 'population' it is a useful metric.

 

BTW are you aware of the dose of radiation from a Dexa Scan?

Dexa... yes, very low but I subscribe to risk reward... I don't think the added accuracy of the Dexa scan (In my case) is worth it.  For others it maybe... I'm not knocking it at all, I think every tool has it's place along with the pinch method and the electro current scales... but they all need to be used as a guide line for each individual person and not as absolutes... one is not always better than the other.

 

Just starting to look through this thread,, and the fear of radiation always gets my attention.

really quickly

a dexa scan dose is at most 0.01mS   lets relate that to common things to put it in perspective

flight from LA to NY.. .040mS   40 times more

using a CRT monitor for a year -- 0.01mS -- equal

background dose for a day   -- 0.01mS -- equal

yearly dose from the natural potassium in the body - 0.39mSv  ( I wish I had my bannana conversion scale, it would tell you how many bannanna's you would have to eat to equal a dexa scan... and it's not many.

 

so unless you are aviod things like flying, and CRT monitors, and basically living,   you not subscribing to the less radiation model

2011-03-30 4:50 PM
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Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
Tom, thanks for starting the dicussion on this somewhat sensitive subject.

I'm 5'6", 57 years old, & built like a fireplug:  46" chest and wide shoulders, but with a 29" inseam.  Prior to my open heart surgery 10 years ago I was an avid weightlifter/body builder, bench pressing 320lb.  In those days my weight held pretty steady at about 185lb, and I felt and looked fit even though my BMI was off the scale.

After my heart surgery (valve replacement) my doctor put me on an aerobic exercise regimen, which is what led me to do my first triathlon seven years ago. 

Due to whatever combination of factors, age, overeating, injury, etc., I've watched my weight steadily creep up to over 210lb.

Ironically, when I got to the 190's, people were actually encouraging me to gain a few more pounds so I could race as a Clyde - something my pride and ego wouldn't let me do.  I saw it as an embarassment and admission of failure.

Had a long talk with my doc during my annual physcal last year.  His biggest concern was my triglycerides which have risen with my weight.  My doc basically gave me year to see if I could control them by losing weight before putting my on any medication.  Ironically, he suggested that I add more weightlifting back into my regimen again, since that seems to help me control my weight as much as anything.

Based on my physique, we agreed that I was never going to get down into the 'normal' chart ranges, but that 175lb would be a good target for me.

I got serious about things last fall.  I hurt my Achilles in late August, was in a boot until Thanksgiving, and was afraid my weight would balloon while I was laid up, so I decided to sign up for the Weight Watchers online program.  I'm not losing as fast as I'd like, but have averaged about 0.5 per week loss since November. I can tell it more in my clothes than on the scale, down a pants size and in a notch or two on my belts.

While I assume that my athletic performance will improve by losing weight, my prime motivation is my general health (triglycerides) and reducing the risk of injury to my bones and joints.  If losing weight means I can ride and run faster & longer, then that's just a bonus.

Mark 
    



2011-03-30 5:47 PM
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Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.

Very interesting discussion and in reading the thread is appears more men have chimed in than women. I do think women have a lot more emotional issues talking about weight than men do.

I started gaining weight when I stopped figure skating competitively at about 14. I remember being 130 and 13 and being put on weight probation on my figure skating precision team. Over time I gained a bit each year until I was over 250. In '03 I started losing weight and lost 62 pounds first year and by the time I did my first IM in '08 I was down 97 pounds. I maintain my weight within a 12 pounds window. I tend to gain weight after my season is over and then lose it in late winter/spring and a bit over big training. I like doing IM races in part as training volume allows me to maintain my weight easily. I eat much better than I did before I started losing weight but I still struggle.

It puzzles me why I was able to lose most of the weight and struggle with the last 20 pounds. Is it mental? is it physical? combination?  I don't drink and for me part of my weight issue is it is how I deal with stress....in part we learn that as kids at least in my family. Celebrations were always centered around food...not healthy food.

I have gone 8-12 weeks weighing and measuring all my food and based on the program I used should have lost xxx amount of weight but haven't lost half of that. I do think that everyone has a different insulin response to food that is higher glycemic and that effects how we handle food...burn it or store it as fat.

I've done different methods of determining my body fat % including dunking. Some charts say I should weigh 128 but based on testing my lean body mass is in the 126-128 range so I don't see that possible.

I do know for me weighing less I'd be faster. I'm not fast and even being at a very lean race weight I wouldn't be competitive. I can see getting into the high 140s but think it would be a bit of torture.

Tom's comments about different parts of the world having no weight issues...look at what they eat, food available, and compare it to what we have. I see as some countries become more like us they have more issues with obesity. Having been to China a number of times over a 10 year period of time, I saw many more heavy Chinese as the introduction of American food...KFC, McDonalds, and some of our crappy food was introduced.

2011-03-30 6:13 PM
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Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
I was kind of surprised that so many men chimed in on this too. Interesting. I am female and amoung my non-tri friends, weight and dieting is a very much discussed topic. I work with women who starve themselves in a daily basis. The goal to be as thin as possible. I am like a freak to them because I eat so much, esp the year I trained for an IM. It seems like less of an issue with my tri friends, we kind of have body types all across the board, often more related to the single sport background that some of us came from. We rarely seem to discuss weight or body fat.

In any case, I am about 10lbs heavier than when I towed the line at IMAZ in 2009 but it actually doesnt bother me too much. I am not dramatically slower but I do feel that I would probably be faster if I dropped a few lbs. That said, my life is too crazy busy just now to deal with it.

To the OP: I see tons of posts abotu how to get faster using the latest gear and gagets but maybe dropping weight is "free speed"? It is just actually easier for most people to drop $ on something to get faster than put in the effort to drop weight. 
2011-03-30 6:15 PM
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Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.

Scanned the 6 pages of this thread and could not find a dominate theme or trajectory so I'll jump in with some random thoughts.

1.  For many of us, weight is our biggest limiter.  We spend $$ to get a lighter bikes and faster components when we could make huge gains (relatively speaking) if we could drop 20 lbs of body weight.

2.  I think the s/b/r lifestyle is as much the cause as it is the cure.  I've trained for and completed 6 marathons and a couple of IMs and I have numerous training periods where I could consume 3500 to 5000 calories a day and not gain weight or even lose weight.  But when not actively training, it's hard to go back to a 'reasonable' caloric intake.

3.  Many people think we are all the same.  It irriates me when I hear people over-simplify weighloss with statements like "just dont' eat so much".  What come easy for some, is difficult for others.  I smoked for many years and quitting smoking was the hardest single thing I've ever done in my life.  And yet when my wife quit smoking, she just thew them away and that was the end of it and it was not a big deal.  Why is that?  Because we are all differnt.  People just THINK they understand how other people feel/sense/experience/think. 

4.  Many of us are addicted to food.  But you can't 'quit eating'.  If you are addicted to drugs, or alcohol or gambling or porn or cigarettes, you QUIT.  And you put as much distance between you and your last 'fix' as possible.  But you can't do that with food.  You have to eat.  This would be the equivelant to only smoking 10 cigarettes a day instead of 30....or taking just one hit of meth instead of 3 or playing just 5 hands of Texas Hold'em.

5.  I don't think 'fat' is nearly as unhealthy as being sedintary.  I peaked out at about 15 hrs/wk s/b/r during my IM training but I never got below about 245 lbs.  I could bike 120 mile at 16 mph and run non-stop for 20 miles and swim 3 miles non-stop but still weighed 245 lbs.  Clearly at 245 I was packing a lot of extra baggage but I believe I was heathier than most lean coach potatos.  Big debate here a few years ago about being 'fat but fit' or something along those lines. 

6.  The older I get the harder it is to lose weight.  Not only has my metabolism slowed down, I think my body's reaction to peak/vallies in training and feasts/famine dieting is to try to maintain a 'set point'. 

7.  Genetics.  I won't say that I was 'born to be fat' but I was not blessed with whatever gene that is that some people have that allow them to eat at the Pizza Hut buffet every day for lunch and never gain a pound.

8.  Women, please don't take offense, but I think a 'healthy' more full-figured physique is sexier and more attactive than the lean/rawboned look.  I know many tri woman are trying to get lean and mean but I actually like a 'softer' look. 

9.  Seems like every year my off-season/winter hibernation weight gets heavier and heavier.  I'm 296 lbs today.  As the days get warmer and longer and I come home from work and go work in the garden instead of it getting dark at 6 pm and settling down to watch TV and eat, some of the weight will come off.

10.  I weigh myself every day and have done so for years.  If I can find it, I'll show my weigh history.

 

~Mike

 



Edited by Rogillio 2011-03-30 6:21 PM
2011-03-30 6:54 PM
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Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.

I have fought my weight for most of my life.  I was the chubby girl in high school who wanted to run but had no clue about pacing and a coach who decided that I was built to throw the shot put.

I have been as high as 202 lbs and as low as 127 lbs in my adult life.  I lost about 70lbs with diet and exercise in 2004 and for the most part have maintained in a range around 135-150 for the past couple years.  I gained a lot of weight back last summer with injury and illness, so far I have lost about 12 lbs of that gain with another 10 in sight.  My training remains limited post injury, no running again.....bike at lower intensity.....LOTS of swimming, strength training and as many fitness classes as I want as long as I modify for the leg issues.

Personal accountability about our choices is key.....but as many have pointed out it gets painful to get as thin as some of the "goals" say we could/should be. 

Training wisely is important.....but as most of us who have been injured have found it takes creativity to get past the injury to do some things.  ie....I tore my gastrocs, you need two good legs for most fitness classes and as a slow swimmer I am not burning a gazillion calories in the pool.

It takes discipline and effort.  Sometimes, no matter how much of those get put into the mix the weight does not go away.

 

BTW, I come from a family full of obesity, diabetes and hypertension....maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight has a lot of impact for me.

 

2011-03-30 7:03 PM
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Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
Tom Demerly. - 2011-03-30 4:19 PM

One thing about our cultural or national attitudes toward weight loss I've noticed is that we are a nation of overeaters and of overweight people- No offense to us as I include myself.

In every instance when I have lived in another country outside the U.S. I have lost weight. Even Europe (Germany in the military, Belgium as a cyclist). In the Middle East and Africa it is unusual to see anyone other than men over 40 who are over weight. There are no overweight children. Of course, infant mortality rates and even average lifespans are lower. The average lifespan in Somalia is only 47 for a male- so we aren't talking about a health concious lifestyle.

We don't eat well here. Our food choices aren't good, but they are fast. I ate less in Asia, the Middle East and Europe but I ate better and lost weight. I also exercised more consistently there because I had no choice. It was part of my job.

For me a lot of it is lifestyle.



Some interesting observations about american diet and the way we eat.  A few interesting facts that I'd like to add:

- Kids now drink TWICE as much soda as milk. 

- Americans take 3 million pounds of antibiotics a year. Livestock is fed 28 million pounds of antibiotics. (cows were meant to eat grass. when they are fed (subsidized) corn they get sick.

- The top 4 meat packers control 80% of the market.   Distribution not being diversified has drastic consequences on quality of product as well as risk for mass spreading of food illness.

-We (Americans) spend 9.5% of our income on food, far less than ANYONE in the WORLD.  Other European countries spend in the 17-20% range.  I'd love to see the percentage of that money that gets spent on over processed, chemically engineered food vs. the percentage where people are buying locally grown fresh produce and organic meats, etc...  The numbers are bleak.

- The amount of income spent on food and healthcare has reversed in the last 40 years (so now it's 9.5% food, 18% healthcare

- Wonder why all the processed food and MickeyDees are so cheap? Because the US subsidizes those commodity crops - corn, soy, wheat - to the hilt... and does nothing for fresh produce growers.   Low quality food=poor nutritional choices=obese america.  Spend less, eat more....eat more junk...

- Take a dollar to a grocery store and do the test of calories purchased for it.  1800 calories of hostess process junk vs 200-300 calories of produces such as carrots.  Low income families have a tough time making good choices that stretch quantity of good foods.

The disgusting truth is...there are huge marketing budgets telling us all how healthy this or that particular food is.  Odds are if the food has to be advertised as healthy, ITS NOT!  Use common sense when making food choices.

My story:

5'11" - Right now 190 lbs.  Was as high as 240 lbs.   Currently in the 9-10% body fat range.  While I firmly believe that dropping weight will help me with my Tri/Athletic fitness... I think enough of you who know me realize that even racing at 200 lbs I'm far from slow.  

One of the better threads on this site in the last few years.  Great comments.   


2011-03-30 7:03 PM
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Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
Tom Demerly. - 2011-03-30 3:29 PM

That is "Basal Metabolic Index"?

What does that mean?

 

I believe ref here is Body Mass Index-

Weight (in kg) divided by height (in meters) squared.    Kg/M2

2011-03-30 7:06 PM
in reply to: #3422408

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

You've got some valuable insights in your response:

"For many of us, weight is our biggest limiter." Agreed, with time to train a close second, but this being number 1. It isn't always that way for me, but it is a factor now.

"What come easy for some, is difficult for others." I was tempted to take you to task on this one but there are people who have posted in this thread who mention they have never had an issue with weight loss. I've wrestled with it, mostly getting back on "the program". Once I re-orient myself to regular, moderate exercise and good eating habits I lose weight. Imagine that...

"I don't think 'fat' is nearly as unhealthy as being sedintary." Mike, this is perhaps the single most significant sentence in this entire thread. I agree. Healthy is not necessarily 8% body fat as others have alluded to. Healthy is a moderate weight and reasonable fitness with a constructive relationship to nutrition and exercise. Sedintary is lethal- sooner or later- it kills you. Sloth is one of the "7 Deadly Sins" interestingly enough.

"The older I get the harder it is to lose weight." Ah ha! I think I may be able to disagree with you on this... Maybe. I recently heard a documentary on the BBC Listener about a long duratin weight loss study on geriatrics. They discovered moderate regular exercise did not only exert a similar weight loss effect on geriatrics, but it took less work for geriatrics to lose weight. It was fascinating. I could no sooner find the resource than fly to the moon- but it was about 4-6 weeks ago and reported in a half hour program on the BBC Listener internet service world wide.

"Women, please don't take offense, but I think a 'healthy' more full-figured physique is sexier and more attactive than the lean/rawboned look." Mike, you had me at "hello". Agreed. Four words: Katy Perry, Erika Christensen.

 

2011-03-30 7:08 PM
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Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
Ah ha. Thank you.
2011-03-30 7:22 PM
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Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
Tom Demerly. - 2011-03-30 5:06 PM

"I don't think 'fat' is nearly as unhealthy as being sedintary." Mike, this is perhaps the single most significant sentence in this entire thread. I agree. Healthy is not necessarily 8% body fat as others have alluded to. Healthy is a moderate weight and reasonable fitness with a constructive relationship to nutrition and exercise. Sedintary is lethal- sooner or later- it kills you. Sloth is one of the "7 Deadly Sins" interestingly enough.

This one is tough, though, Tom.  (Almost took exception to it when Mike posted it.)  Adipose belly fat is pretty much universally regarded as a killer.  Linked clinically to all sorts of diseases (even Alzheimer's, possibly).  If you are talking about a sedentary person with "normal" BMI, BF%, lipids, etc., well, then, no:  Sedentary per se is NOT more unhealthy than "fat"...it certainly isn't "lethal."  That's hyperbole that does a disservice to lots of people who manage to maintain a healthful diet and proportionate physique without exercise.  They do exist (I know a few)...and sometimes the evangelical fervor on this site regarding exercise as some sort of panacea loses site of that.

Apart from that caveat (which is not trivial, IMO), I think the rest of your statement (and the rest of Mike's post) are on the money.

 



Edited by tcovert 2011-03-30 7:23 PM
2011-03-30 7:27 PM
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Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
Tom Demerly. - 2011-03-30 7:06 PM

"The older I get the harder it is to lose weight." Ah ha! I think I may be able to disagree with you on this... Maybe. I recently heard a documentary on the BBC Listener about a long duratin weight loss study on geriatrics. They discovered moderate regular exercise did not only exert a similar weight loss effect on geriatrics, but it took less work for geriatrics to lose weight. It was fascinating. I could no sooner find the resource than fly to the moon- but it was about 4-6 weeks ago and reported in a half hour program on the BBC Listener internet service world wide.

 

When I was in my 20s, we used to eat out at the Pizza Hut buffet lunch 2 or 3 times a week...and on weekends we'd drink breers and eat hot wings till we were about to blow up....and we never gained weight.  Now, I drive by Hooters and put on 1/2 a pound!  Anyway, just seems like I can metabolize fewer calories now than when I was a young pup. 



2011-03-30 7:33 PM
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2011-03-30 7:49 PM
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Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
tcovert - 2011-03-30 7:22 PM
Tom Demerly. - 2011-03-30 5:06 PM

"I don't think 'fat' is nearly as unhealthy as being sedintary." Mike, this is perhaps the single most significant sentence in this entire thread. I agree. Healthy is not necessarily 8% body fat as others have alluded to. Healthy is a moderate weight and reasonable fitness with a constructive relationship to nutrition and exercise. Sedintary is lethal- sooner or later- it kills you. Sloth is one of the "7 Deadly Sins" interestingly enough.

This one is tough, though, Tom.  (Almost took exception to it when Mike posted it.)  Adipose belly fat is pretty much universally regarded as a killer.  Linked clinically to all sorts of diseases (even Alzheimer's, possibly).  If you are talking about a sedentary person with "normal" BMI, BF%, lipids, etc., well, then, no:  Sedentary per se is NOT more unhealthy than "fat"...it certainly isn't "lethal."  That's hyperbole that does a disservice to lots of people who manage to maintain a healthful diet and proportionate physique without exercise.  They do exist (I know a few)...and sometimes the evangelical fervor on this site regarding exercise as some sort of panacea loses site of that.

Apart from that caveat (which is not trivial, IMO), I think the rest of your statement (and the rest of Mike's post) are on the money.

 

 

Being active vs sedentary reduces strees, increases bone density, stengthens core muscles, increases restful sleep, increases heart health, circulation, aerobic fitness, reduces toxins (sweat), increases emotional health, boosts energy levels, increases sex drive....and probably a few other benefits.  So the question is, does these benefits offset the negative effects of carrying around extra body fat?  That is for each to decide for himself. 

Given my OCD personality, if I were a coach potato, I'd be a very fat coach potato!

 

 

 

 



Edited by Rogillio 2011-03-30 7:54 PM
2011-03-30 7:51 PM
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Elite
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Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
I have to concede you've added a more balanced perspective.
2011-03-30 7:53 PM
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Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
When I was at my heaviest (there are pics out there somewhere...) I knew it was bad. I had just quit my heavy swim training 3x a day 6 days a week, was in college far away with no limits on my food intake, and POOF! Helloooo, weight gain. I think I was somewhere in the 215 region, at 5'10.

It took me the better part of two years to really get it down (the 35 I put on then another 5 that I had before that could have gone). And it's only gotten "easier" since then.

For me, the initial weight loss was a monolithic thing. All I could see was weight. As I gradually loosened my grip on my diet and increased my exercise (because, HEY! This is actually FUN!) the weight really started to come off. Then I found racing. And I loved racing. And the weight kept coming off.

Then I moved to Ireland, and my lifestyle changed drastically, and I lost MORE weight. Kept it off during graduate school by living in Scotland and developing a fishing habit and running my first marathon (the only way my dissertation was finished!).

Then, I had a horrible injury in 2009. Unable to walk, situp, or do anything for months. I lost all of my hard won muscle mass and had to learn to walk again. And of course, gained weight.

So now here I am, about 7 lbs away from "goal". And actually, I'm pretty OK with it. I see muscle tone in my stomach. I have defined bicepts and tricepts, my hamstrings are there and so are my quads. I've got a little padding that I'm sure I could shave down, but to be honest...it might make me crazy.

I obsess over things. It's my job. It's my nature. I chart, graph, everything. I'm a data junky. And I'm SUPER hard on myself if I miss anything (like a run because I needed an MRI). So I've decided to take a hands-off approach. Eat food that looks like food. Cook, don't eat out. More vegetables, more spices, more fruit. Walk, cycle, or run places. And for god's sake, HAVE FUN. When I was trying my hardest to lose weight, exercise was a CHORE. Something like raking the leaves or cleaning the toilet, not something that could make you feel awesome. When I let go of that, it turns out that I exercised a LOT more...shocking.

As of this morning, I was 172 and a smidge, at 5'10, with a muscley build, especially for a woman. I saw once that I should weigh 155 ish...and I can't even imagine what that would look like on my body. How much does "build" factor in? That's something I've always debated. I know it is theoretically possible for me to get to 155, but should I? Can I ?
2011-03-30 8:02 PM
in reply to: #3421639

Champion
9600
500020002000500100
Fountain Hills, AZ
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
I haven't read all the thread, but I think our biggest limiter is TIME not weight. Weight is valid, or it can be an excuse. I often read comments in the Ironman Training threads about people who use long course triathlon training as an excuse to indulge in unhealthy eating habits. WRONG. Time management likely still trumps diet management, but not in terms of performance limiters. You can be too heavy, but training can easily trump that.


2011-03-30 8:02 PM
in reply to: #3421639

Master
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Redlands, CA
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.

I have a habit of posting after everyone is gone, so I'll take the risk and post now and then read the thread

I'm currently overweight by about 15 pounds at 5'8" 175.  In my 20's I hovered around 150 but I'm not sure if I can get there now with the upper body mass I've gained.    At one point I hit 200 and I've been going up and down ever since.  I gained 15 pounds during a 3 month break from fitness this winter,  I'm now down 6.

I really want to lose the 15 pounds by July; that is when my training for IMAZ starts.  I don't want to go into it having to count calories when I'm doing a ton of training.  I have noticed that eating more when you exercise is good.  Today I ate 2200 calories but with my workouts I'll burn 700 and 1500 seem optimal for me.

In addition to the performance gains it minimizes the risks involved, which I don't think is stated enough.... 

As someone who served in the Marine Corps, I also feel like I have an obligation to hold the standards of what a Marine should be; that means staying in shape.  I also have an obligation to my wife to maintain a good physical appearance.  I personally see it as disrespectful to their spouse for a let their personal appearance fall apart.   No one ever does it intentionally, but it can create an awkward situation. (I will probably have to put my flame suit on now)

2011-03-30 8:25 PM
in reply to: #3422476

Bronze member
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
Tom Demerly. - 2011-03-30 7:06 PM

You've got some valuable insights in your response:

"For many of us, weight is our biggest limiter." Agreed, with time to train a close second, but this being number 1. It isn't always that way for me, but it is a factor now.

"What come easy for some, is difficult for others." I was tempted to take you to task on this one but there are people who have posted in this thread who mention they have never had an issue with weight loss. I've wrestled with it, mostly getting back on "the program". Once I re-orient myself to regular, moderate exercise and good eating habits I lose weight. Imagine that...

"I don't think 'fat' is nearly as unhealthy as being sedintary." Mike, this is perhaps the single most significant sentence in this entire thread. I agree. Healthy is not necessarily 8% body fat as others have alluded to. Healthy is a moderate weight and reasonable fitness with a constructive relationship to nutrition and exercise. Sedintary is lethal- sooner or later- it kills you. Sloth is one of the "7 Deadly Sins" interestingly enough.

"The older I get the harder it is to lose weight." Ah ha! I think I may be able to disagree with you on this... Maybe. I recently heard a documentary on the BBC Listener about a long duratin weight loss study on geriatrics. They discovered moderate regular exercise did not only exert a similar weight loss effect on geriatrics, but it took less work for geriatrics to lose weight. It was fascinating. I could no sooner find the resource than fly to the moon- but it was about 4-6 weeks ago and reported in a half hour program on the BBC Listener internet service world wide.

"Women, please don't take offense, but I think a 'healthy' more full-figured physique is sexier and more attactive than the lean/rawboned look." Mike, you had me at "hello". Agreed. Four words: Katy Perry, Erika Christensen.

 

Speaking from the perspective of someone who has not struggled with weight, I think I just don't care a lot about food. My husband wants a large meal every night. I could really care less. I don't like to do the grocery shopping, plan the meals or cook. I get hungry and have to eat. I enjoy my share of junk food but my body reacts so negatively (bloating and stomach aches) to it that it is becoming increasingly not worth it. Also, I am active year round. I do not stop. I do more swim, bike, run stuff now (than before I raced triathlons) but I just always do something. I don't know about genetics. My family has some bad genes: diabetes, heart problems, cancer, thyroid issues, breast cancer and obesity to name a few.

I do not take offense to what any man on this forum regards as an attractive physique but I also don't think anyone asked for an opinion of what is the sexiest. Maybe this is not the best place for that discussion. You wonder why not many woman comment on this thread? Because of overwhelming body image stereotypes that are reflected in our every day culture. From every magazine cover, to billboard, and even to BT. Personally I am not racing triathlons to gain a lean/rawboned look. The thought has never crossed my mind and my physique has not changed much since I started racing.

I guess I did take offense a little Wink.

2011-03-30 8:41 PM
in reply to: #3421639

New user
153
1002525
Columbia
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
Power:Weight ratio, what?
2011-03-30 8:49 PM
in reply to: #3422567

Champion
5312
5000100100100
Calgary
Subject: RE: Our Biggest Single Limiter: Our Weight.
bryancd - 2011-03-30 7:02 PM

I haven't read all the thread, but I think our biggest limiter is TIME not weight. Weight is valid, or it can be an excuse. I often read comments in the Ironman Training threads about people who use long course triathlon training as an excuse to indulge in unhealthy eating habits. WRONG. Time management likely still trumps diet management, but not in terms of performance limiters. You can be too heavy, but training can easily trump that.


I would say sleep. But only because that is what is sacrificed when I run out of time.
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