I saw a program on sports science that covered this exact thing with a runner and a boxer. Split times, punching power, bench press.... results: no effect. So, sex it up!

Ha, well... of course this is merely scientific. Science doesn't care about relationships or emotions :) But in the real world - > your sports performance should be the last thing on your mind when it comes to that anyhow.

Well that's why I'm bringing it up. I've only recently started dating a really, really terrific women who while not at all interested in tri/running herself, is excited to accompany me on my travels and be my personal cheering section. This is a contrast to my last girlfriend who couldn't care less and never went to my races and therefore this wasn't an issue. In all honestly, I think there is a line at what I'm willing to do in order to shave a minute or two off my time, but I do think it's an interesting aspect of physiology and the life of athletes.

I consider sex as part of my training. IMO it enhances my race performance :D

I just dug this up - http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0675/is_n3_v12/ai_15295073

Best quote - "Moderate" sex before competition may indeed be beneficial, according to George Leonard, author of The Physiology of Sex. Leonard lauds the benefits of the "rapturous synergy of exercise and sex" and concludes, "Either sex or athletics is good for you, and in conjunction they're even better."

I agree it's a case by case basis, but I remember an interesting article about athletes staying in the Olympic Village during Olympic games. Not sure how true the accounts wre, as they were passing comments in an article about more general athletic preparation for the games, but the article acknowledged there was a high amount of "activity" between athletes competing at such a level.

I can see how it would help!

Are you close to winning an event and lots of prize money where maybe this might be an important factor?

If not, enjoy a little pre-race 'naked-sexy-time', which can help you relax.
Then after your event enjoy some post-race 'naked-sexy-time' to celebrate.

WOO HOO!!

When deciding if to indulge, one might first consider if you're looking at a marathon or a 5K... regardless of the race distance. ;-)

'bom chicka wah wah ..." ;-)

Haha, definitely didn't pick up on that at first. I have a feeling I'll be able to pick out the trifuelers at my next race because we're the crew that's walking all funny....

no conclusive evidence has really been found. men w/ a strong sex drive have high test levels, which is the main hormone that governs athletic performance as well. there's alot of mixed research on this. its not clear. i do have a theory that if it interfers with a good nights sleep, your performance will suffer a lil bit.

This particular topic has been a culprit of debate for years and years, and heats up around the Olympics because of that gossip running around the olympic village and so on.

The cientific data now a days points much more towards the concept that sexual intercourse actually does not have any impact on performance and stamina; but, can be a great way to liberate stress and relax the athlete the night before a contest.

When I had been asked that question, from a medical point of view, I answer always the same way: "Everything in moderation is actually good"(like wine), meaning that a nice night of intimacy with your partner the night before a race actually will ease up worries and will endulge your system with a nice surge of endorphins; but, engaging in a sexual Lolapallooza trying to break any personal record or setting new PRs will actually leave even the most seasoned athlete dry and dog tired.

Now during trainning the picture is much different, the gain in endurance, strenght, confidence and stamina due the miles we put in really really really increase desire; and that is a very normal psicological and phisiological response.

Sorry for accidental threadjack. I guess I better go start my own thread.

Well, yeah. And the sexual activity is now on hold for 6 weeks. That was more the moral of the story.

So I'll let everyone know if it's better to cut out the sex and never sleep, or keep both.

I have two in HS -- I hope they're not....um.....competing ;D

As long as you wear your Heart rate monitor, it's all good ;-)