Fat Loss = Triathlete??
2299
Member
2323 days
Tribro posted 3 years ago.
in short, yes. If you're serious about your training - especially the running, your going to get slimmer. It's hard to maintain muscles mass and be a runner. With just cycling and swimming it's not as bad.
I'd listen to your body. If you feel strong and healthy and not hungry all the time, then you're probably fine.
As well, it's all your personal priority. If you want to have mass up top, then cut back on the running. But, if you want to be a better triathlete, think of it as carrying less muscle mass over the distances.
129
Member
1576 days
DSmith posted 3 years ago.
7% body fat is fine for an athlete. I don't know how quickly you dropped from 9 to 7 but if you keep loosing body fat you need to increase your eating.
6% or lower body fat can become dangerous as your body needs some fat to regulate your body temperature and insulates your organs and tissues.
1623
Member
1437 days
PrinceofClydes posted 3 years ago.
Brian, tell your friends in the gym to take a hike, unless they can do 4 tris and two marathons in their condition. 6', 180 isn't exactly anorexic!
It's "horses for courses" you can't win the Mr. Olympia and Ironman with the same body.
You're doing fine, buddy.
PoC
ps. I dropped 25 lbs in 8 months training for Ironman, that's 10% fat loss.
And that was while eating like a horse, er, Clydesdale. :)
"Pain doesn't last, chicks dig scars, glory is forever!"
- Shane Falco.
3
Member
1293 days
andrewmc posted 3 years ago.
You're right not anorexic, I'm 6' and 156 :)
More seriously though, I'd be more concerned about dropping muscle mass than fat and the most accurate way to measure body fat is through immersion, the scales and things depends on adequate hydration etc, so outside of immersion or calipers I tend to take the results with a pinch of salt.
As to dropping weight, I started Moo at 156 and finished it at 148 and was fine, theres a quick way to drop weight.
PrinceofClydes wrote:
Brian, tell your friends in the gym to take a hike, unless they can do 4 tris and two marathons in their condition. 6', 180 isn't exactly anorexic!It's "horses for courses" you can't win the Mr. Olympia and Ironman with the same body.
You're doing fine, buddy.
PoC
ps. I dropped 25 lbs in 8 months training for Ironman, that's 10% fat loss.
And that was while eating like a horse, er, Clydesdale. :)
60
Member
1310 days
BrianB posted 3 years ago.
Thanks to all for your support!!! I especially liked PoC's response that Andrew agreed with!!!
I have just started shaving everywhere (almost), mainly due to one of the threads I read on this sight and one of my IM friends. So, my friends at the gym may think that I am getting extremely leaner, when it is really do to being shaved....I must say, I like the new look...I feel faster in all three sports!!
Thanks again.
I have been a runner for many years and a marathoner the past 18 months, now I have 4 tris planned with my two marathons for 2005.
With this new increased cardio activity, covering all three sports, I have gone from 9% to 7% body fat. I have maintained my weight at 180 lbs (6ft), so I feel that I have gained muscle and simply got more cut than I was.
My friends at the gym have lectured me over the past week that I am getting too skinny and that I have lost some of my upper body muscle mass. They tell me to eat more....I AM!! I consume tons of carbs, escpecially directly after my workouts, I eat the right fats, and I have 110 to 150 grams of protein each day. I get the protein from suppliments, tons of tuna, nuts, egg whites, etc.
So, with that long story, I am asking:
1. Have y'all experienced the same fat loss when you converted to tris.
2. I lift the same weights and feel as strong as I ever have on heavy lifting days, so how can I have lost muscle mass???
3. Does it sound like I am covering myself in diet?
I appreciate your input and support!!