Thread: Conflicting Advice - How much should I be trying to lose?

Originally Posted by ClownBoy

By the way, in making these changes - I am sensing we are saying not to worry about the weight loss and how much more I can get? Maybe the weight is close to low enough but I am not presenting well due to some diet issues?

I think so, otherwise you end up a 'Skinny Fat' if you focus on scale weight over body composition.

As you have a performance related goal the rules change slightly. If body composition was your goal I'd back the carbs off and increase your protein slowly and monitor what happens e.g. body fat, sleep, performance.

Originally Posted by Belmont

If body composition was your goal I'd back the carbs off and increase your protein slowly and monitor what happens e.g. body fat, sleep, performance.

I can dabble with that after Mooloolab Tri at the end of this month.

clownboy, the only triathlete i have ever seen is courtney atkinson, as he ran past me at broadbeach like i was standing still (and man i thought i was really going), two thing stuck out to me, how small he was, but was really wide in the shoulders, mate that is all i can add to the the discussion, bedside saying, i think loosing fat mass would have to be of some advantage, and perhaps you may have to start looking at your season and start programming when you can loose, maintain and gain. hope that makes some sense

bigock

How cool to see the guy. They are all tiny tho.

I do periodise my training to events but I do see your point about formalising a cut, bulk and maintain stage diet wise.

CB do you train with a club or by yourself?

Originally Posted by bigock

CB do you train with a club or by yourself?

I'm a loaner. I run with a running group when I can but schedule makes it hard. I cycle and weight train by myself.

The only regular squad thing I do is swimming twice a week but that coach is really good at swimming and knows nothing about the other legs.

Originally Posted by ClownBoy

I'm a loaner. I run with a running group when I can but schedule makes it hard. I cycle and weight train by myself.

The only regular squad thing I do is swimming twice a week but that coach is really good at swimming and knows nothing about the other legs.

yeah makes it hard, just thinking out loud, do you think it would be worthwhile, schedule allowing (its ahrd when you have a job and family etc etc) to hook up with a triathlon coach, just for a couple of months(perhaps even weeks) and get a programme sorted out, some training techniques implemented just to help you along ?

should also mention cost is an issue to engage a coach also

Originally Posted by bigock

yeah makes it hard, just thinking out loud, do you think it would be worthwhile, schedule allowing (its ahrd when you have a job and family etc etc) to hook up with a triathlon coach, just for a couple of months(perhaps even weeks) and get a programme sorted out, some training techniques implemented just to help you along ?

I should probably look around. At the moment, my sources of information are quite disparate. The trainer in the running group I join as able gives good advice from experience but is not a coach. My swim coach only knows swimming and my physio\pilates instructor is a triathlon enthusiast but nothing in the distances I am talking about.

Might be an idea for later in the year though.

Originally Posted by bigock

should also mention cost is an issue to engage a coach also

Yep. In the last 18 months I have invested $6k on a bike, $2k in my other bike, $4k on a gym, untold thousands on general gear, food, supplements, etc. Then there are race fees ($500 in the last month, $200 next month, etc) and training costs (including just $10 a session for my swimming squad).

I have good income but it adds up and you have to determine the right time to hold back and just let things flow for a bit. Rdcover from all the spending.

also its hard to know, that the info you are looking to get is not just as good as what you are receiving now either, i am sure the top tier athletes probably have an overall coach then another coach for each discipline under neath that plus nutritionist, physios masseuse etc etc. mate i must say one of my best mates used to be heavily into the scene, he used to do Foster and qualified a couple of times for Hawaii, and no disrespect, but he was a little left of centre LOL, are you of the same ilk LOL

Left of centre in terms of a little bit nuts?

If it helps, last week it was raining every day. Monday I was shut in (I will train in the rain but usually if it is raining heavy before I start - I give it a miss).

Tuesday I was shut in.

Wednesday it looked like it wasn't raining so I went for a run first. 55 minutes later I got to my stop point pretty much dry and endured drenching rain while I did my cool down walk home.

So far so normal.

I then astrapped my bike to the car so after dropping my son at daycare I could ride home.

I watched the rain start to get heavier. I yelled at it - I told it to bugger off. Took my son to school and damn well expected the weather to let me cycle to work.

You may call me crazy - but I got to work dry ;)

(and besides, my SM membership gives me access to all kinds of experts.)

Originally Posted by ClownBoy

Left of centre in terms of a little bit nuts?

Lol mate you said it not me LOL, good stuff mate i hope you acheive all you want to in the future

Originally Posted by ClownBoy

1) On one hand, I have an ex-triathlete telling me I have to get my weight down. Even though I will be losing muscle. As long as I keep my strength up.

2) On the other hand. I told the guy I trust for my sports health that my next goal was another 10KG and he told me to be cautious. Due to my build, considerations like bone density, etc, he felt 10 more KG could be too much.

1) This is not possible - You cannot lose muscle yet keep your strength - Muscle=Strength, this is advice typical of someone who doesn't lift and uses a swiss ball for rubber dumbell bench press
2) Looking at your photos, you could add another 10kg of lean mass and still be only 100-105kg - you are no doubt looking to lose around 5kg to be at, or near to, your ideal so you will only have a net gain of 5kg in weight.

Originally Posted by CMinOZ

1) This is not possible - You cannot lose muscle yet keep your strength - Muscle=Strength, this is advice typical of someone who doesn't lift and uses a swiss ball for rubber dumbell bench press

I am pretty sure you can. I have read a bit before about a difference between strength and Lean Muscle Mass. I am not able to do it rightn ow but will see if I can find some references for debate later today.

(This is a respectful comment - not trying to call BS or anything)