Any Triathletes out there?

[VeggieGirl]

I'm training for a half triathlon next month and I'm wondering if any of you out there have ever done it raw. My dad keeps telling me I need to really watch my nutrition (he is a 62-year-old triathlete and is coaching me + 2 sisters in this endeavor). I have to kindly remind him that I only eat 100% nutritious food :D

Anyway...just wanted to see if anyone had any experience with this. I can't eat before or during exercise cause it makes me sick. And yet, I need to make sure I have enough fuel for the 'game'.

Cheers,

VeggieGirl

[Reena1]

Hey Veggie Girl,
That's great that you're training for a tri. I am not a triathlete but I am a distance runner and I swim for cross training. I know that eating for endurance is challenging, and moreso when raw. I've been raw about 4 months and while the first two months were hard lately it has been better. I'm ok for long runs up to and a bit over 2 hours...but haven't tried the really long runs yet. I'll start marathon training in June.

I usually do a banana/date smoothie before my long runs, and if they are over 2 hrs I will carry some date water or agave water with me. Can you eat on the bike? It seems for a tri you might need to find a way to get in some calories during. People have suggested orange slices to me though carrying them on a run is not terribly practical. Also, bananas will probably become your best friend...seems they are a good way to pack in calories. You might also consider making your own gel out of soaked blended dates or raw honey...

When you say half tri do you mean half ironman? Let me know how your training is going, and best of luck!

[Kris]

I second the raw honey advice. I am not a triathlete, but I do a ton of running and road cycling. I, too, have problems eating before/during exercise. After much experimentation, I have found that raw honey, especially that which has crystallized, turned white, and thickened, makes for a very tasty and easy to digest "gel". I usually have about a teaspoon of honey straight from the jar before I head out for a run/ride. If it's a long one, I make little honey gel packs with tiny ziplock bags. Crystallized honey definitely works better for the gel packs because it doesn't ooze out as much. Of course, if you don't like the taste of honey, you could try some date paste or raisins or any other food you like that is high in simple sugars.

[Buckley]

Ok - I know this is a really old thread -- but I am training for a full ironman in September -- and extremely concerned about nutrition on the bike and run. I have completed a full ironman a couple of years ago - but I was SAD then and still didn't get all of the nutrients I needed on the run (read -- I was in the medical tent with an IV after the race). I get bananas, honey, dates, raw bars and such for sugar and carbs .... but what can I easily digest with salt? I took salt tablets the last time - but I know they are not raw. Also, I am really nervous about being able to bring everything I need along with me on the bike. Does anyone know of anyone who has completed a full ironman raw?

Thanks! Rachel

[Kris]

Hi Rachel,

I wish I had more info to share. I don't know of anyone who has done an Ironman with 100% raw race nutrition. There is one local pro Ironman triathlete (local to me, that is) who is vegan and claims to be about 75% raw. His name is Brendan Brazier, and if you Google his name you will find his website, where he talks about his nutrition info.

Looking back, I see my post about using honey instead of energy gels. I have to admit that, although I did try raw honey exclusively for some time, I found that it didn't work nearly as well as the non-raw gels and also upset my stomach, especially running. Now I'm back to the search for a raw gel substitute.

So, I'm afraid I'm not much help, but mostly just wanted to say hello and WOW about your Ironman. I am training for my first triathlon season this year (really working on my swim!) and am awed by such a distance. Good luck with your training!

[Buckley]

Thanks Kris for your info. I had looked at Brendan Brazier's website and I did note that he wasn't 100% raw. This may be what I need to do for the distance. I guess I will have to really listen to my body and see what works best for me. I certainly want to be as raw as I can -- but I also want to provide my body with what it needs during the 14+ hours I will be out on the course!!

Good luck with your triathlon training! ... especially the swim! I always think about it as the most relaxing part -- you get to lay down the entire time!! :)

[Sheryl]

Dr Ruth Heidrick was a vegan marathoners, who went raw a couple of years ago and does ironman triathlons like they were a walk in the park. She's be a good role model for raw triathlons! The site below doesn't look like it's been updated, so it might only mention veg... I'm sure there's more on the internet though!

Cheers,
Sheryl

http://www.vegsource.com/heidrich/

"About Dr. Ruth

Dr. Heidrich, who received her Ph.D in Health Management in 1993, is the author of "A Race For Life "and " The Race For Life Cookbook."

She is a certified fitness trainer and holds 3 world records for fitness for her age group at the renowned Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Texas. She still actively competes in marathons and triathlons, having won more than 800 trophies and medals since her diagnosis of breast cancer in 1982 at the age of 47.

With Terry Shintani, M.D., she cohosts the radio show "Nutrition & You" on KWAI-AM in Hawaii.

Founding member and past president of the Veg Soc of Hawaii and past president of the Mid-Pacific Road Runners Club.

She has won 8 gold medals in the Senior Olympics in Hawaii, Arizona, and Nevada.

Ruth is also a Councillor for the Vegetarian Union of North America (VUNA): http://www.ivu.org/vuna "

[tglasco4]

Dr Ruth Heidrick was a vegan marathoners, who went raw a couple of years ago and does ironman triathlons like they were a walk in the park. She's be a good role model for raw triathlons! The site below doesn't look like it's been updated, so it might only mention veg... I'm sure there's more on the internet though!

Cheers,
Sheryl

http://www.vegsource.com/heidrich/

"About Dr. Ruth

Dr. Heidrich, who received her Ph.D in Health Management in 1993, is the author of "A Race For Life "and " The Race For Life Cookbook."

She is a certified fitness trainer and holds 3 world records for fitness for her age group at the renowned Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Texas. She still actively competes in marathons and triathlons, having won more than 800 trophies and medals since her diagnosis of breast cancer in 1982 at the age of 47.

With Terry Shintani, M.D., she cohosts the radio show "Nutrition & You" on KWAI-AM in Hawaii.

Founding member and past president of the Veg Soc of Hawaii and past president of the Mid-Pacific Road Runners Club.

She has won 8 gold medals in the Senior Olympics in Hawaii, Arizona, and Nevada.

Ruth is also a Councillor for the Vegetarian Union of North America (VUNA): http://www.ivu.org/vuna "

Very cool site......she answers the "protein" question with regard to building muscle better than anyone I have heard.

Thanks :)

Peace.

Todd

[NFrawRUNNER]

What a coincidence! I am so glad this thread is active still. It caught my eye because my next goal is to complete a triathlon and I have had the same questions! First though I must brag :D I AM HEALED!!!!....some of you know that on January 5,2006 (6 weeks ago) I fell on an uneven ice and water covered sidewalk and broke the neck of my femur almost clear across...the very day our family was leaving to go to Orlando, Florida to compete in the marathon weekend!!!! Rather than complete the marathon I got to go to the hospital for surgery to have a metal plate and screws put in!!! WHAT FUN! Today was my follow up appointment and the doctor said it has healed perfectly and gave me the "all clear!" Of course I started going to the gym 2 weeks ago and have been "cane free" for about a week!!! I am already using the treadmill (walking only for now), elliptical trainer, stationary bike, and nautilus machines + some "pool running" and modified laps!!! Sorry to brag so much but my point for doing so is I feel it is due to raw foods and my healthy lifestyle. The doctors are shocked at my progress because I am ahead of schedule. When I tell others "how I eat" :eek: they are so hesitant to attribute it to that but we all know it's true right? So, to answer the original "fuel" question I honestly think 100% raw is the only way to go...it's gotten me through my "healing triathlon" healing bones, muscles and spirit!!! Prior to my accident I experimented on long runs....bananas are awesome but can be cumbersome so here's a little secret...I cut bananas into 4-5 pieces and dehydrate them for less than a day at 105 degrees...they look like little tree trunks ;) and fit perfectly in a ziploc baggie.....mmmmm...they are sweet and chewy. I like them better than honey gel (too sweet)....I would love to talk more about training for a triathlon too so if anyone wants to pm me please do. I was training for a tinman at the end of June.....do you think I'm nuts to think I could actually do it now?....I haven't told my family/friends but I think I can...???Am I crazy? I was running 70 miles a week prior to my accident + swimming 1 1/2 miles 3x per week....I need feedback :rolleyes:
Diantha

[Matilda]

Hello!
I am excited as well to see this topic. At the beginning of the year I decided I really wanted to do a triathlon.
I would love some advice from you guys on training and such.

My questions at the moment would be in regard to...

Swimming....a little nervous about this part. I don't know where I stand on my abilities. Thinking of trying to find some kind of refresher swim class for adults?

Running...wondering the best way to increase my speed.

Sleep...I am not getting the best sleep at the moment, due to my youngest son still not sleeping thru the night. Wondering how critical this point is. Is this important enough for me to hold off until I have more time to train?


I really don't wanna find excuses to not do this....would love to accomplish this. If anyone is willing to discuss training with me that would be really really cool. :D

Thanks again!

[Matilda]

Diantha,
I am sorry to hear of your accident! I remember reading in another thread about you being on your way to do the Disney marathon. I was waiting to find out how you did. So sorry you didn't get to do it.


But big congrats on your rapid recovery! I am in no way an expert to advise you if you are crazy or not for wanting to still do your tinman. But in my excitement for you I want to say, "Go for it!"

[NFrawRUNNER]

My grandmother always said things happen for a reason so her wisdom and my time to reflect and heal have given me a whole new perspective on life and priorities since my accident. Matilda, I am wondering if you have access to a YMCA or local gym with a pool. They typically provide child care for members at designated times (not sure how old your son is?) and membership is reasonable. We have a family membership and it's less than $50 a month...I for one will be afraid to train outside around here anytime soon. We often have winter like weather through APRIL (gotta love northern new york!)!! While training for an event I have noticed that stamina and endurance are what need to be built. So you need to bank your time not neccesarily your "sports"....I am not a trainer but that has always helped me. If your event should take you 2 hours you should be able to work out that long....but this can be divided into two workouts too. In other words if you don't have time to do 2 hours straight (or whatever the length of time might be) split it into 2 workouts.....I am personally working on my stamina/endurance right now to "get back to where I was....I was running 10 miles a day (BEFORE WORK :eek: those were the days)It took me about an hour and a half. So now I am trying to "work out" for 90 minutes...Right now I am walking, using the elliptical, and stationary bike all totaling to 90 minutes...This way my body adapts to the 90 minutes and I can increase my intensity as my body adjusts again....That's one way you can try for the tri!!! If you want to talk more about it you can PM me if you'd like!!! Good luck! When and where is the triathlon you want to do???

[Buckley]

Diantha - Cuurious as to where you live. I am actually signed up to do the Tinman in Menomonie, WI in June. It is a 1/2 ironman distance.

Wish I could give you advice about if you could be ready ... but you really have to listen to your own body.

About the doing that race and the full Ironman in September raw -- I am thinking that I may have to go 75% or so. I just can't find something better than the gels -- I can make my own energy bars, but the gels really help me through the run .... and pre-swim.

Good luck with your healing!

Rachel

[NFrawRUNNER]

Diantha - Cuurious as to where you live. I am actually signed up to do the Tinman in Menomonie, WI in June. It is a 1/2 ironman distance.

Wish I could give you advice about if you could be ready ... but you really have to listen to your own body.

About the doing that race and the full Ironman in September raw -- I am thinking that I may have to go 75% or so. I just can't find something better than the gels -- I can make my own energy bars, but the gels really help me through the run .... and pre-swim.

Good luck with your healing!

Rachel
I live in northern NY....bit of a jaunt from WI but just as cold right? :D Have you tried making honey gels???or mashed banana in baggies??? I'll experiment and let you know if I come up with a good concoction ;)
Di