I think you've done admirably in your attempt(s) at slaying the behemoth that is this topic. I would echo your implication that the line drawn for performance enhancement is elusive. I mean, one could take it to the extreme and claim that access to higher quality food the knowledge pertaining to macronutrient timing is an advantage not all enjoy. And even the fact that one combination of those factors and how an athlete responds is also quite variable and elusive. The discussion could ramble on forever. Thanks for shooting your shot.
Can confirm on the metabolic derangement. I remember quitting high level distance running (years ago) at 19 and gaining 10 lbs within a week and 20 within a month. When I went to a nutritionist, the amount of calories I was supposed to be eating to loose weight (1500) was 50 percent more than the amount I had been running 50 miles a week on (1000) for four years. (2009 so muscle on women was still somewhat frowned upon and my intake was not uncommon) Everyone assumed I let myself go or was lazy but the reality was I was sticking to the meal plan perfectly, my body was just bereft of nutrients and holding on to what it could. It took getting into weight training and zone 5 sprints to get my hormones normalized and metabolism repaired.
I worked with a client some years ago whose caloric intake and physical output did not sync with her physical condition. As you noted, the nutritional deficits were so great that her body was holding onto everything. Docs narrowed it to iron and once levels normalized all was well, health- and performance-wise. Our bodies often do know best.
I wouldn’t have traded it though. I grew up in the wealthy outskirts of LA and distance running was my first access to the mountains.
It was the realest thing I had in a world of disengenuity, thirst, and materialism. The mountains never lie. Neither does the track.
If I was a bit overzealous in my dietary restrictions, in an effort to get the most out of myself, I chalk that up to a limit explored and pushed and a lesson learned.
I have pushed many limits since, endured failures and injuries, but my only true regrets are the times I was too chickenshit to try.
If I blow out my knees at 40, well theres law school and med school and other intellectual mountains that will do, but until then, I’ll keep chasing the big, ridiculous dreams, knowing full well the potential cost.
I think you've done admirably in your attempt(s) at slaying the behemoth that is this topic. I would echo your implication that the line drawn for performance enhancement is elusive. I mean, one could take it to the extreme and claim that access to higher quality food the knowledge pertaining to macronutrient timing is an advantage not all enjoy. And even the fact that one combination of those factors and how an athlete responds is also quite variable and elusive. The discussion could ramble on forever. Thanks for shooting your shot.
Can confirm on the metabolic derangement. I remember quitting high level distance running (years ago) at 19 and gaining 10 lbs within a week and 20 within a month. When I went to a nutritionist, the amount of calories I was supposed to be eating to loose weight (1500) was 50 percent more than the amount I had been running 50 miles a week on (1000) for four years. (2009 so muscle on women was still somewhat frowned upon and my intake was not uncommon) Everyone assumed I let myself go or was lazy but the reality was I was sticking to the meal plan perfectly, my body was just bereft of nutrients and holding on to what it could. It took getting into weight training and zone 5 sprints to get my hormones normalized and metabolism repaired.
I worked with a client some years ago whose caloric intake and physical output did not sync with her physical condition. As you noted, the nutritional deficits were so great that her body was holding onto everything. Docs narrowed it to iron and once levels normalized all was well, health- and performance-wise. Our bodies often do know best.
I wouldn’t have traded it though. I grew up in the wealthy outskirts of LA and distance running was my first access to the mountains.
It was the realest thing I had in a world of disengenuity, thirst, and materialism. The mountains never lie. Neither does the track.
If I was a bit overzealous in my dietary restrictions, in an effort to get the most out of myself, I chalk that up to a limit explored and pushed and a lesson learned.
I have pushed many limits since, endured failures and injuries, but my only true regrets are the times I was too chickenshit to try.
If I blow out my knees at 40, well theres law school and med school and other intellectual mountains that will do, but until then, I’ll keep chasing the big, ridiculous dreams, knowing full well the potential cost.