just wondering if it's advisable to take a protein supplement while training. I have lost much muscle mass, and strength due to tri training, but i know the body's natural reaction to endurance training is trimming the fat, drawing from muscle bulk, and building muscle density. any inputs would be greatly appreciated

What will help most is making sure you get enough dietary protein and also eating something with protein in it within 30 minutes of a workout (after, not before!) Americans get enough protein, we just do, we get enough EVERYTHING. Your body will only process the amount of protein it can actually use, so all that happens with most protein supplements is they end up as very expensive urine. Admittedly, an athlete's protein needs are higher than a nonathlete's, and so if you wanted to use a protein shake to replace a meal or something, you could, but man... have an egg white omelet with veggies and save yourself a few bucks, is my opinion.

well I already have protein at the house (actually several jugs between rommates and I) but i feel my legs just going to mush. I don't feel very strong during my rides, and i'm spending a considerable amount of time in the saddle but losing my legs. just wonderin what y'all use for recovery, strength/muscle building etc.......

Usually a drop in performance like that is a sign you might be overtrained...

you dont need protein after your workouts in huge amounts, there is a 2 hour window to eat after your workout to replenish supplies, and it should be like a small snack, 400-500kcals mainly complex carbohydrate, but with a little bit of protein.americans (and most westerners) do get plenty of protein, as long as you eat a balanced diet(about 15% of your calorific intake should be protein) then you will get all the protein you need, you can eat more protein but it will just be used as energy and less efficiently than carbohydrate, if you are training lots you should eat a higher percentage of complex carbohydrates to fuel your workouts, then your tri training wont break down your muscles for energy, and if you include strength and endurance training for your muscles in your workouts it will help, you should look on a swimming website and find some specific excersises to help you with your swimming, and as a side effect increase your muscle mass, although i think they will mainly just recomend more swimming