Fasting while training for Half Ironman
475
Member
2882 days
Joe_H posted 51 weeks ago.
haven't tried it but would probably think if you go thru w/ fasting do it on your off day. just my .02. good luck and have fun
what I'm up to:
http://www.athletefocus.com/forum/sport/triathlon
64
Member
1416 days
triath02 posted 51 weeks ago.
I've done it a few times, but only when training lightly on the day that I fasted. I usually swam at lunchtime. I didn't fast completely in that I actually had a gel about 30 minutes before the workout. I haven't done it in a while, but there were no adverse effects. I think we can actually do a lot more on little or no food than we think we can.
2089
Member
669 days
jtrimom posted 51 weeks ago.
I fasted one day last year- no food or water for 26 hrs, for religious reasons, and a few days later did a brick that SUCKED. I was weak, tired and barely got home. I don't know what your fasting entails. I think if you drink water, you should be better than I fared, but otherwise, be careful
Taper Naked
785
Member
1797 days
Tamara posted 51 weeks ago.
I'm Catholic, so I fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Although those fasts do allow for one meal and no limits on fluids, I definitely feel a difference in my strength and energy those two days. I agree with what others have said, make it an easy or off day (yoga or an easy swim). Same thing the next day, try not to do a workout until lunchtime or afterwork, since you'll need the morning to refuel your body after essentially 36hrs with no food.
Unless your faith specifically requires it, I probably wouldn't want to fast once a week during a HIM program. Otherwise, your body isn't getting the fuel it needs to actually rest and recover on those off days. Will you be able to do the race? Probably. But I think it will impact your training and health if you regularly deprive your body of the fuel it needs during blocks of high volume/high intensity training. Can you find other ways to honor your faith during this training time?
736
Member
642 days
jonovision_man posted 51 weeks ago.
I had a similar experience to jtrimom.
I'm really not a religious person, but I fasted recently for a medical procedure (24 hours).
The lack of energy was hugely apparent even two days later. I tried an easy run the next day, it went OK but was much tougher than it should have been... but then the day after I did my usual weekend spin class and absolutely died. I just had nothing at all, zippo.
There is no way you can fast weekly without comprimising your training. The body needs fuel for activity and recovery, without it you will set yourself back, or not accomplish all that you are otherwise capable of.
jono
849
Member
1627 days
deepbluex posted 51 weeks ago.
I have "experimented" with fasting and had some good results - mainly in learning more about my body's reaction to it. The occasional fast is hard to do but I started doing them on a regular basis once a week on my "day off" (no training, no busy schedule). After a few weeks, I became accustomed to the sensation of deprivation and I became less and less panicky about not having eaten that day. I did drink water but took in no calories. I ate a fairly good sized meal (nothing huge but I didn't have a small salad either) the dinner before my fast. I never felt lightheaded or weak - just "kind of hungry" most of the latter part of that day. In a way I feel it was a type of training and discipline that made me get in touch with my body's signals under fasting conditions. I don't believe I was every in any risk for my health.
227
Member
813 days
scottbland247 posted 48 weeks ago.
As a christian I've fasted before and I've found that I really need to dial down the length and intensity of my workout....
maybe focus on form swimming drills etc... or some running striders or something
It is better to hurt from doing something than from doing nothing...
First Triathlon (400m/20k/2.75mile) 1:39.15 including 33 minutes in the water
135
Member
395 days
Brianwake posted 48 weeks ago.
I am just going to say that that is a very bad idea.
Hi,
As a spiritual christian practice, I try to fast (of food) once a week.
I am preparing myself for my first Half ironman in about 3 months and would like to know if anyone has had any experience of fasting while training for an endurance competition. Please let know if you have fasted while training and how you did or still do it.
Thanks,
Eric