Since we all have lives containing responsibilities and events, it is best I don't overflow your facebook and twitter feed with updates on this diet. Therefore, a weekend update will suffice. It also allows me to live a little bit and not be tied down myself.
Before we get started, I must state I have cheated on this diet...to a certain extent. The "Clean" Diet developed by Alejandro Hunger is a 21 day cleanse diet which instructs to have two smoothies and one hard meal a day. In the smoothies and hard meals, he supplies food and recipes to make everything delicious and nutritious...sometimes. There are a few additional items he recommends to help improve the revitalization process. A few examples are fasting for 12 hours before the last meal of the day and the first meal of the next day, a tablespoon of olive oil before you go to bed, and eating a raw garlic glove a day. Hunger explains in explicit detail all of the benefits from following this diet and most of them are to help you get through this with the least path of resistance.
The problem for me is, training for a half marathon is too much not to go a little bit outside the parameters. I follow all of the do's and do not's when it's pertaining to the food you can have but I simply can't have just one hard meal a deal. With the amount of calories I burn a day, I would lose weight at a rapid and unhealthy rate.
Example: I lost 7 pounds the first two days.
Therefore, when I am really hungry, I eat another meal. Simple as that.
Day 5:
Friday was interesting since I would be around a lot of temptation (I was around temptation this whole weekend, it actually should have been the slogan). I attended the South Plainfield High School Reunion. Now, for the people that know me and went to school with me understand I graduated from that high school in 2004; however, I was bored, love my friends, and know a lot of people from that grade. Call it weird, stupid, or whatever. I really don't care. I had a wonderful time. I actually discussed the diet with a few people and some listened with intrigue. Others looked at me as if I was a Jacksonville Jaguars fan. Most people were wondering how you can't drink alcohol, eat certain foods, and be around some much temptation without cracking.
Look, it's hard and I am going to be honest, it is way harder than I could imagine. It sucks. It's not only the temptations but the frequency of them. Everywhere you turn, there is something I want to put it my mouth (That's what she said) and savor every last bite, but once you do that it weakens you. You fail. Everything you are trying to accomplish goes right out the door. It's just not worth it.
I didn't workout at all on Friday. I was lazy. What do you want from me? I just didn't feel like it.
Day 6:
My good friend Michael Kasmer (Kaz) drove up from Philadelphia for the reunion but decided to go running with me on 5 hours of sleep and at least a half liter of alcohol still in him. We went down to Holmdel Park and ran a couple of laps on the hardest 5k course in the state of New Jersey. Kaz hadn't ran since the Ragnar Relay in New York (September 27 & 28) but you wouldn't ever know it from watching him run.
He dismantled me.
Holmdel Park is known for "The Bowl", a part of the course that takes you down a hill and around the bottom of it before it forces you to traverse a tough and rigorous uphill with the last 20 feet going at an insane angle of 60 degrees. Once you take your last stride up the hill, all your quadriceps want to do is take a rest. They shut down. Your brain tries to tell them to go faster, but quickly becomes an irrelevant request. Your legs don't care.
That small section of trail has destroyed so many cross country runners' races, it's makes Boston Marathon's Heartbreak Hill look like a nice drive to grandma's house.
Yet, after explaining the course, I was struggling, while Kaz seemed to be excelling with every stride. It's frustrating but that man is blessed with a mental ability most can't fathom, including myself. I also think he has been blessed with a rare gene.
A few weeks ago, I finished reading "The Sports Gene" by David Epstein and one chapter talked about naturally talented athletes. It delved into endurance genetics and how 6% of the population is born with this rare gene to automatically be in shape without much training. It is even documented that a Kenyan ran a 4:15 mile....on his first try! Now, other elements led to his success (high elevation and advance demographic genetics) but to achieve that time without any real training is absurd. I am pretty sure Kaz has that gene because to go to Holmdel Park and run a little under 7 miles while being hungover and sleep deprived is nothing short of amazing. It's just incredible!
On our way back, Kaz was talking about having a delicious Chicken Parmesan Sandwich from arguably the best Pizzeria in town (Tony's...I am a Ciccio's guy) and it was almost making me depressed. He asked me if I can have any pasta. I said no but did mention I could have brown rice. Then, he asked if I could have sushi. I forgot all about sushi. Brown rice, raw fish, avocado, cucumber, and ginger, it's the perfect combination while simultaneously satisfying my cravings. We rushed to Asahi and destroyed multiple kinds of rolls with vigor and excitement. A satisfying meal indeed. Made the afternoon.
In the evening, I attended my good friends' surprise engagement party (Congratulations to John and Jenn!) and had grilled organic chicken with brussel sprouts and red cabbage. My second hard meal of the day if you are counting at home.
Anyway, I had a great night with good friends.
Day 7:
Two hard meals again today: sushi and red snapper. I spent most the day over my friend Sheed's house and watched some football (a weekly routine). It was a great time and always is.
My workout was an hour on the bike trainer. I haven't done that since early September. A good change of pace and I was able to watch the late football game while working out. Really the best of both worlds. It's tough but feels great when I am done. Tomorrow is going to be a big run (13.1 miles---the half marathon distance) so I am going to go and get some rest. Big day tomorrow!
Stay Tuned
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Thursday, October 24, 2013
The "Clean" Diet Day 4
This post may be skewed in a way since I had a terrible day at work. I am not going to get into it but it wasn't one of my best days.
I am emotionally compromised.
Nevertheless, today I woke up with a screaming headache. It felt like a cross between a hangover and a sinus headache, so yeah, it was pretty painful. It lasted until 9:00 am. I woke up at 7:00 sharp. I am not sure of the cause of the headahce but it made sure it was present in my wake up call. It didn't really make sense since I drank a lot of water before I went to bed and stuck true to the diet. I did read and heard from various people that this is a normal thing and shouldn't be alarmed. Actually, this headache usually arrives due to caffiene withdrawal, which doesn't make sense since I barely drink the stuff. If I drink coffee, it is a clear and glaring sign I am really tired.
Anyway, it eventually went away and I was able to spend the day without any real discomfort.
For lunch (First bite at 2:12 pm), I had a delicious piece of lamb. I am going to proclaim lamb my favorite meat on the planet. It's delcious, lean, flavorful, and one of the healthiest meats there is. It made my day just having it at lunch (no exaggeration, it was the highlight of the day) I didn't start having lamb until I worked at Trap Rock Brewery (A fine dining resturant in Berkeley Heights). I was 22 when I started and so thankful the cook was addicted to the lean meat. The beauty of lamb is there are so many different type of cuts, each supplying their own unique texture and flavor. If you haven't eat it or have something against it, change that immediately.
Here are the benefits of eating lamb:
-Besides fish, lamb has the most omega-3 fatty acids per serving
- Daily Value Percantages (%):
Tryptophan(1)--109.3
Protein--60.3
Selnium (2)--49
Vitamin B12--40.8
Vitamin B3--38.7
Zinc--30.6
Phosphorus--23.3
(1) Trypotphan is an amino acid with the following qualities:
The tough day at work made me crave terrible things to eat. Candy, Frozen Snickers Bars, Wendy's Spicy Chicken Sandwich and plenty of other delicious, yet horrifically non-nutrious treats. I desperately needed a coping mechanism so food was the first choice. The crazing is even more magnified due to the diet but battling it felt good. And I didn't cave. I feel accomplished and it is the only other positive today.
I am sure tomorrow will be better.
Meals:
Breakfast: Peach Cobbler Smoothie (blueberries, peaches, cocoa powder, coconut water, flax and chia seed)
Lunch: Lamb with dijon mustard seasoning over a mixed greens--Squeezed a lemon over the salad ass the dressing
Dinner: Peach Cobbler Smoothie
Snacks: Cashews, Brazil Nuts, Almonds, Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, and 3 Apples
Workout:
I decided not to run to give my legs some rest. Instead, I did another T-25 workout with Lindsay. I was hoping it would be an upper body or core workout but naturally, it was all legs. Perfect. I didn't attack the workout like I usually do because I plan on running at least 5.5 miles tomorrow and add a little speed to the workout. I didn't want to injure myself or threaten an injury. But still, it was nice working out with Lindsay. I hope she sticks with it. It's a really good workout plan and most of all, fair. It challenges you but encourages not to push yourself in the beginning stressing that the fitness will come over time and soon enough, you will be able to mirror what everyone else is doing on the screen. I can also see that they took the public feedback from Insanity and made some improvements. Really brilliant stuff and hard to ignore the results. All you need is a half hour of your time and you've got a really good workout. There really isn't any excuses for this one. Stick to it and you will see the results without committing a large portion of your life to it. Also, very inexpensive since the only thing you need is your body.
From this simple workout, it is evident that the diet had no effect, whether it is positive or not.
Let's see how I feel tomorrow
Stay Tuned.
I am emotionally compromised.
Nevertheless, today I woke up with a screaming headache. It felt like a cross between a hangover and a sinus headache, so yeah, it was pretty painful. It lasted until 9:00 am. I woke up at 7:00 sharp. I am not sure of the cause of the headahce but it made sure it was present in my wake up call. It didn't really make sense since I drank a lot of water before I went to bed and stuck true to the diet. I did read and heard from various people that this is a normal thing and shouldn't be alarmed. Actually, this headache usually arrives due to caffiene withdrawal, which doesn't make sense since I barely drink the stuff. If I drink coffee, it is a clear and glaring sign I am really tired.
Anyway, it eventually went away and I was able to spend the day without any real discomfort.
For lunch (First bite at 2:12 pm), I had a delicious piece of lamb. I am going to proclaim lamb my favorite meat on the planet. It's delcious, lean, flavorful, and one of the healthiest meats there is. It made my day just having it at lunch (no exaggeration, it was the highlight of the day) I didn't start having lamb until I worked at Trap Rock Brewery (A fine dining resturant in Berkeley Heights). I was 22 when I started and so thankful the cook was addicted to the lean meat. The beauty of lamb is there are so many different type of cuts, each supplying their own unique texture and flavor. If you haven't eat it or have something against it, change that immediately.
Here are the benefits of eating lamb:
-Besides fish, lamb has the most omega-3 fatty acids per serving
- Daily Value Percantages (%):
Tryptophan(1)--109.3
Protein--60.3
Selnium (2)--49
Vitamin B12--40.8
Vitamin B3--38.7
Zinc--30.6
Phosphorus--23.3
(1) Trypotphan is an amino acid with the following qualities:
- Help regulate your appetite
- Improved Sleep
- Mood elevation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Impatience
- Impulsiveness
- Inability to concentrate
- Weight gain or unexplained weight loss
- Slow growth in children
- Overeating and/or carbohydrate cravings
- Poor dream recall
- Insomnia
The tough day at work made me crave terrible things to eat. Candy, Frozen Snickers Bars, Wendy's Spicy Chicken Sandwich and plenty of other delicious, yet horrifically non-nutrious treats. I desperately needed a coping mechanism so food was the first choice. The crazing is even more magnified due to the diet but battling it felt good. And I didn't cave. I feel accomplished and it is the only other positive today.
I am sure tomorrow will be better.
Meals:
Breakfast: Peach Cobbler Smoothie (blueberries, peaches, cocoa powder, coconut water, flax and chia seed)
Lunch: Lamb with dijon mustard seasoning over a mixed greens--Squeezed a lemon over the salad ass the dressing
Dinner: Peach Cobbler Smoothie
Snacks: Cashews, Brazil Nuts, Almonds, Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, and 3 Apples
Workout:
I decided not to run to give my legs some rest. Instead, I did another T-25 workout with Lindsay. I was hoping it would be an upper body or core workout but naturally, it was all legs. Perfect. I didn't attack the workout like I usually do because I plan on running at least 5.5 miles tomorrow and add a little speed to the workout. I didn't want to injure myself or threaten an injury. But still, it was nice working out with Lindsay. I hope she sticks with it. It's a really good workout plan and most of all, fair. It challenges you but encourages not to push yourself in the beginning stressing that the fitness will come over time and soon enough, you will be able to mirror what everyone else is doing on the screen. I can also see that they took the public feedback from Insanity and made some improvements. Really brilliant stuff and hard to ignore the results. All you need is a half hour of your time and you've got a really good workout. There really isn't any excuses for this one. Stick to it and you will see the results without committing a large portion of your life to it. Also, very inexpensive since the only thing you need is your body.
From this simple workout, it is evident that the diet had no effect, whether it is positive or not.
Let's see how I feel tomorrow
Stay Tuned.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
The "Clean" Diet Day 3
Today was a lot better than yesterday. Besides a random flash headache, I felt good. No feeling sick or sluggish, just normal. The main reason for this change from yesterday was I snacked like a human being instead of relying on three meals to hold me over, which was so stupid to begin with since I am probably intaking a sum of 1750 calories throughout the entire day. That is 750 below the recommend daily amount and that's excluding exerecise.
It also helped I didn't have my morning shake until 10:15 am instead of having right in the morning and then wait for lunch.
There is also a reason for eating so late so I can't pat myself on the back too much.
Part of the diet is to fast for 12 hours a day until you eat next. I finished my shake at 9:45 pm last night and had my morning shake today at the stated time above. I was surpisingly shocked I wasn't hungry leading up to the first shake. Honestly, I could have held out a few hours longer but couldn't because my whole eating schedule would have been thrown off.
Could my body be adapting to the diet already?.
Talking to my mother, she says that she can strangely control her appetite while on the "Clean" diet. It may be mental. Or it may be part of the design. I am not completely sure. I understand eating a variety of different nuts is supposed to curb your hunger but when you are usually eating 3500-5000 calories, it barely suffices. Hell, I barely can tell if I have eaten something after eating a few handful of nuts. It's a large part why this is so tough, yet I could control my hunger without much negotiation, which is a battle I combat with multiple times a day when I am eating my normal diet, let alone a cleanse.
The mental aspect deserves more thought. I mentioned in yesterday's post when you have your eye on the prize, you bargain with yourself to get through the discomfort and constant cravings. It makes you appreciate the glory when you experience the trials and tribulations during the journey. The few positive returns feel so much sweeter. It's what keeps you going. Those small and quick moments in time you see your hard work paying off. It keeps you dedicated. It keeps you determined.
Anyone who partakes in this diet comprehends the ugly beauty of this revitalization process. That's where the mental part comes into it. It's amazing how our minds work when you strip things down and make things strict and simple. You mentally become stronger.
I am just happy I didn't have to delve into that type of mental strength today because yesterday, I wanted to quit. However, after today, I feel pretty good.
Meals:
Breakfast: Mango, Coconut Milk, & Flax Seed Smoothie
Lunch: Baked Lamb Shoulder (4 pieces), Organic Spinach, Quinoa, & Red Onions
Dinner: Pineapple, Kale, Flax Seed, Coconut Milk, & Chia Seed Smoothie
Snacks: Almonds, Walnuts, Cashews, Pumpkin Seeds, 4 Apples, 1 Garlic Clove, Goji Berries, & 1- 6 oz. pack of Blackberries
Workout:
Yesterday, I was kind of lazy and stated I will make up for it by running 9-11 miles. Tonight, I ran 11.6. I ran it a 7:50 clip and it was the longest run since the half-marathon in the Timberman 70.3 Half Ironman on August 18. I am very interested to see how I feel tomorrow because I have never consumed so little calories after a big workout. I have already drank a bunch of water and eaten as much nuts as I can. I hope I am not sore. I want to build off this workout. The route was initially concieved to be 10 miles but it was a minor miscalculation. It felt good to be out there for awhile going through the ups and downs of a long run. Runs like this make you stronger mentally. I was in a decent amount of pain but felt so good aerobically that it didn't bother me as much...which was nice. Nevertheless, I need to build of this momentum if I am planning to perform well on November 17.
Stay Tuned
It also helped I didn't have my morning shake until 10:15 am instead of having right in the morning and then wait for lunch.
There is also a reason for eating so late so I can't pat myself on the back too much.
Part of the diet is to fast for 12 hours a day until you eat next. I finished my shake at 9:45 pm last night and had my morning shake today at the stated time above. I was surpisingly shocked I wasn't hungry leading up to the first shake. Honestly, I could have held out a few hours longer but couldn't because my whole eating schedule would have been thrown off.
Could my body be adapting to the diet already?.
Talking to my mother, she says that she can strangely control her appetite while on the "Clean" diet. It may be mental. Or it may be part of the design. I am not completely sure. I understand eating a variety of different nuts is supposed to curb your hunger but when you are usually eating 3500-5000 calories, it barely suffices. Hell, I barely can tell if I have eaten something after eating a few handful of nuts. It's a large part why this is so tough, yet I could control my hunger without much negotiation, which is a battle I combat with multiple times a day when I am eating my normal diet, let alone a cleanse.
The mental aspect deserves more thought. I mentioned in yesterday's post when you have your eye on the prize, you bargain with yourself to get through the discomfort and constant cravings. It makes you appreciate the glory when you experience the trials and tribulations during the journey. The few positive returns feel so much sweeter. It's what keeps you going. Those small and quick moments in time you see your hard work paying off. It keeps you dedicated. It keeps you determined.
Anyone who partakes in this diet comprehends the ugly beauty of this revitalization process. That's where the mental part comes into it. It's amazing how our minds work when you strip things down and make things strict and simple. You mentally become stronger.
I am just happy I didn't have to delve into that type of mental strength today because yesterday, I wanted to quit. However, after today, I feel pretty good.
Meals:
Breakfast: Mango, Coconut Milk, & Flax Seed Smoothie
Lunch: Baked Lamb Shoulder (4 pieces), Organic Spinach, Quinoa, & Red Onions
Dinner: Pineapple, Kale, Flax Seed, Coconut Milk, & Chia Seed Smoothie
Snacks: Almonds, Walnuts, Cashews, Pumpkin Seeds, 4 Apples, 1 Garlic Clove, Goji Berries, & 1- 6 oz. pack of Blackberries
Workout:
Yesterday, I was kind of lazy and stated I will make up for it by running 9-11 miles. Tonight, I ran 11.6. I ran it a 7:50 clip and it was the longest run since the half-marathon in the Timberman 70.3 Half Ironman on August 18. I am very interested to see how I feel tomorrow because I have never consumed so little calories after a big workout. I have already drank a bunch of water and eaten as much nuts as I can. I hope I am not sore. I want to build off this workout. The route was initially concieved to be 10 miles but it was a minor miscalculation. It felt good to be out there for awhile going through the ups and downs of a long run. Runs like this make you stronger mentally. I was in a decent amount of pain but felt so good aerobically that it didn't bother me as much...which was nice. Nevertheless, I need to build of this momentum if I am planning to perform well on November 17.
Stay Tuned
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
The "Clean" Diet Day 2
I am not going to sugar coat this at all. Today sucked. I felt sick, even though I knew I wasn't. So, because I have never experience this feeling before, I talked to a few people who have done this diet before, my mother, sister, and co-worker, Melissa. I gathered input and found out this is actually a very normal thing. From finding out this information, I felt better since this represents I am doing something right.
It still sucked either way.
I was hungry the entire day. I tried to snack on some nuts in between meals to carry me over but that did not help one bit. It almost made me moody because all I could think about was the infinite amount of food I couldn't eat.
Burgers, Pizza, French Fries, Bananas (The diet doesn't permit eating bananas which stinks because I effin love bananas), Pasta, & other delicious foods running through my head all day.
It became a vicious cycle tempting me in breaking the diet only 36 hours in. How do people do this? I have gained so much respect for people who attempt these crazy diets and do it more than a week. This is hard. It's more than discipline. It takes, dare I say...faith.
Faith in what I am doing is going to work.
Now from that statement, I could go on a diatrobe on how 99.9% of diets are a designed system for you to fail, but that would deter the point of these posts.
Instead, the visualization of how you will feel, look, and most importantly, be, is what drives us all when we attempt to conquer these strict dietary plans. The point of victory is wonderfully brillant when everyone who completes such an arduous task remembers the trials and tribulations that go through the journey. The ups and downs. The temptations baiting us into doing something we aren't supposed to, yet having the strength to say no.
That goal is what's driving me...for now because I will completely honest with you, I want to stop. I just want to yell "Eff it, I don't need to do this. I am in the best shape of life and eat healthier than most. Why, oh why, am I doing this to myself?"
However, that would weaken me and I am doing this is to bring my body to another level.
Polar opposite results....Keep your eye on the prize.
Something I need to do going forward is to have more raw vegetables and fruit to snack on and not rely on trail mix to carry me through the day. I am only allowed one hard meal a day so I need to attack this smarter and take in as many calories as I can since I am working out and training for a half marathon.
Meals:
Breakfast: Avocado, Lime & Ginger Smoothie
Lunch: Grilled Chicken over mixed greens, avocado, and red onions
Dinner: Mango, Flax Seed, and Lime (Delicious by the way)
Snacking: Raw Garlic Clove with an apple as a chaser (try it...without wincing or going into epilectic shock), almonds, cashews, walnuts, and raisins.
Workout:
I was somewhat lazy today. I was supposed to do a speed workout but didn't do any running. Instead, I did a T-25 (the new Sean-T videos) workout with Lindsay. I must say it is pretty tough. I really hope Lindsay sticks with it. She is on Day 2 and already feeling beat up. It's pretty challenging and does a good job to keep you interested and motivated for the next day. I kind of what to do the Wednesday workout tomorrow but because I was lazy today, I am going to run between 9-11 miles tomorrow and add push-ups, marine sit-ups, and planks to act as my core exercises.
Tomorrow should be interesting as I have not run that distance since 2 weeks before Ragnar.
Ragnar was on September 27 & 28.
Stay Tuned
It still sucked either way.
I was hungry the entire day. I tried to snack on some nuts in between meals to carry me over but that did not help one bit. It almost made me moody because all I could think about was the infinite amount of food I couldn't eat.
Burgers, Pizza, French Fries, Bananas (The diet doesn't permit eating bananas which stinks because I effin love bananas), Pasta, & other delicious foods running through my head all day.
It became a vicious cycle tempting me in breaking the diet only 36 hours in. How do people do this? I have gained so much respect for people who attempt these crazy diets and do it more than a week. This is hard. It's more than discipline. It takes, dare I say...faith.
Faith in what I am doing is going to work.
Now from that statement, I could go on a diatrobe on how 99.9% of diets are a designed system for you to fail, but that would deter the point of these posts.
Instead, the visualization of how you will feel, look, and most importantly, be, is what drives us all when we attempt to conquer these strict dietary plans. The point of victory is wonderfully brillant when everyone who completes such an arduous task remembers the trials and tribulations that go through the journey. The ups and downs. The temptations baiting us into doing something we aren't supposed to, yet having the strength to say no.
That goal is what's driving me...for now because I will completely honest with you, I want to stop. I just want to yell "Eff it, I don't need to do this. I am in the best shape of life and eat healthier than most. Why, oh why, am I doing this to myself?"
However, that would weaken me and I am doing this is to bring my body to another level.
Polar opposite results....Keep your eye on the prize.
Something I need to do going forward is to have more raw vegetables and fruit to snack on and not rely on trail mix to carry me through the day. I am only allowed one hard meal a day so I need to attack this smarter and take in as many calories as I can since I am working out and training for a half marathon.
Meals:
Breakfast: Avocado, Lime & Ginger Smoothie
Lunch: Grilled Chicken over mixed greens, avocado, and red onions
Dinner: Mango, Flax Seed, and Lime (Delicious by the way)
Snacking: Raw Garlic Clove with an apple as a chaser (try it...without wincing or going into epilectic shock), almonds, cashews, walnuts, and raisins.
Workout:
I was somewhat lazy today. I was supposed to do a speed workout but didn't do any running. Instead, I did a T-25 (the new Sean-T videos) workout with Lindsay. I must say it is pretty tough. I really hope Lindsay sticks with it. She is on Day 2 and already feeling beat up. It's pretty challenging and does a good job to keep you interested and motivated for the next day. I kind of what to do the Wednesday workout tomorrow but because I was lazy today, I am going to run between 9-11 miles tomorrow and add push-ups, marine sit-ups, and planks to act as my core exercises.
Tomorrow should be interesting as I have not run that distance since 2 weeks before Ragnar.
Ragnar was on September 27 & 28.
Stay Tuned
Monday, October 21, 2013
The Clean Diet Day 1
Over the past 5 years, I have transformed my health and lifestyle to a degree I did not expect. I feel good, rarely get sick, and perform in endurance events near an elite level. However, it's not enough. Through reading books and talking with individuals who do this for a living (Twitter at it's all time best), I have been able to find more ways to get to the next level. This one of those steps.
My sister and mother read "Clean" by Alejandro Hunger and executed his 21-day cleanse diet. After completion, both received great results: weight loss, improved skin complexion, and superb immune revitalization.
The ability to battle disease and sickness without the use of medicine or professional aid.
Furthermore, I want to be healthy.
Now, most people believe health is defined by the absence of disease, but that is a common misconception and just plain wrong. Well, not wrong, just half right. Health is a superior state of being. A state where anyone can reach their true potential. I know this sounds to good to be true (and kind of cheesy) but it is. It's that simple. It just takes a lot discipline, hard work, and determination.
It is a very strict, yet realistic diet. Let me explain:
-Two Smoothies a day
-One "hard" meal a day
-No dairy
-No citrus
-No bananas, grapes, or strawberries
-At least 5 liters of water a day
-No rigorous exercise
-A plethora of varietal nuts
The last one is going to be the interesting one.
I am training for the Philadelphia Half Marathon and in the middle of my training plan. I can't just stop exercising and let this diet take precedence. This is why I want to document this. I can't intake the amount of calories or food items I need to to recover properly. I will burn more calories than I will intake, even without working out. Now. add running and occasionally biking, weight loss will increase, my body fat percentage will decrease, and recovery will be compromised. I am not sure if it will affect my running while I am out on the road but I want to document this and see how it affects my performance.
The "Clean" diet perfect starts today and will end on November 11. The race is on November 17. This will run my training right into my tapering period. This will also allow me to utilize my normal nutrition during a race (Amino Vital Endurance, Clif Shot Bloks, and whatever other goodies I can get my hands on.
So let's get this started
Starting Weight: 192.5
Body Fat %: 18
Day 1
During the day, didn't feel much difference than normal, which is to be expected. I have been informed you don't feel a difference until Day 3 (where you feel moody and lethargic... I am looking forward to Day 3).
In the morning, I had a spinach and mango smoothie (it's as disgusting as it sounds).
For lunch, I had a chicken salad with pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and onions. No dressing. The only dressing you can put on your salads is oil and vinegar. On the side, I had some raw trail mix containing cashews, walnuts, raisins, and almonds, two avocados, and a 6 oz pack of raspberries.
For dinner, I had a avocado, lime, and ginger smoothie with flax seed (better than it sounds)
Workout
I did a nice and flat 7 mile run. I felt good, not great, but good. Moved at a 7:45 minute per mile clip. However, by mile 5, I started to feel sore in my muscles. Now, I don't know if this was mental because for some reason, I was expecting radical changes to my body when I started this diet but I did feel sore, which is an uncommon thing. I am very interested to see how I feel tomorrow morning. I plan to do a track workout tomorrow (oh yes, my favorite).
We will see...stay tuned.
My sister and mother read "Clean" by Alejandro Hunger and executed his 21-day cleanse diet. After completion, both received great results: weight loss, improved skin complexion, and superb immune revitalization.
The ability to battle disease and sickness without the use of medicine or professional aid.
Furthermore, I want to be healthy.
Now, most people believe health is defined by the absence of disease, but that is a common misconception and just plain wrong. Well, not wrong, just half right. Health is a superior state of being. A state where anyone can reach their true potential. I know this sounds to good to be true (and kind of cheesy) but it is. It's that simple. It just takes a lot discipline, hard work, and determination.
It is a very strict, yet realistic diet. Let me explain:
-Two Smoothies a day
-One "hard" meal a day
-No dairy
-No citrus
-No bananas, grapes, or strawberries
-At least 5 liters of water a day
-No rigorous exercise
-A plethora of varietal nuts
The last one is going to be the interesting one.
I am training for the Philadelphia Half Marathon and in the middle of my training plan. I can't just stop exercising and let this diet take precedence. This is why I want to document this. I can't intake the amount of calories or food items I need to to recover properly. I will burn more calories than I will intake, even without working out. Now. add running and occasionally biking, weight loss will increase, my body fat percentage will decrease, and recovery will be compromised. I am not sure if it will affect my running while I am out on the road but I want to document this and see how it affects my performance.
The "Clean" diet perfect starts today and will end on November 11. The race is on November 17. This will run my training right into my tapering period. This will also allow me to utilize my normal nutrition during a race (Amino Vital Endurance, Clif Shot Bloks, and whatever other goodies I can get my hands on.
So let's get this started
Starting Weight: 192.5
Body Fat %: 18
Day 1
During the day, didn't feel much difference than normal, which is to be expected. I have been informed you don't feel a difference until Day 3 (where you feel moody and lethargic... I am looking forward to Day 3).
In the morning, I had a spinach and mango smoothie (it's as disgusting as it sounds).
For lunch, I had a chicken salad with pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and onions. No dressing. The only dressing you can put on your salads is oil and vinegar. On the side, I had some raw trail mix containing cashews, walnuts, raisins, and almonds, two avocados, and a 6 oz pack of raspberries.
For dinner, I had a avocado, lime, and ginger smoothie with flax seed (better than it sounds)
Workout
I did a nice and flat 7 mile run. I felt good, not great, but good. Moved at a 7:45 minute per mile clip. However, by mile 5, I started to feel sore in my muscles. Now, I don't know if this was mental because for some reason, I was expecting radical changes to my body when I started this diet but I did feel sore, which is an uncommon thing. I am very interested to see how I feel tomorrow morning. I plan to do a track workout tomorrow (oh yes, my favorite).
We will see...stay tuned.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Race Report: Ironman 70.3 Timberman (New Hampshire)
Note: This post is way overdue. I was working too hard on the PED Issue columns Part 1 and Part 2 (please read if you haven't) However, without further ado:
Ironman 70.3 Timberman
Before getting to the breakdown of my performance, this must be stated. The Timberman is by far the best race I have been a part of. It revolves around the beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee and immerses athletes and spectators alike into a wonderful festival atmosphere. From the Race Check In at the stunning Gunstock Ski Resort to the Athletes Lounge at the end of the race, it is the most organized, well run event I have involved myself in. This is the first time I have endured zero stress in the mandatory pre-race activities. It was almost relaxing. I never slept so well before a race and I look forward to doing this next year.
Now onto the race.
Pre-Swim
Perfect weather conditions, cloudy, low 60s, very low humidity. I am getting excited with anticipation that this may be the race I qualify for the 2014 World Championship in Mont Tremblant, Quebec while breaking 5 hours.
I start to visualize my success, but more importantly, I start to believe it.
Let's get started
The Swim
Due to my age bracket, I again, start the second to last wave. 8:09 am exactly. This sucks but also has it's advantages (Not waiting for the Porter John is by far the number one advantage).
The gun goes off. I am able to get into a nice rhythm without much chaos from the start.
I feel really good.
But wait....
....wait for the turmoil
....
It's coming
For the sake of Murphy's Law, water continually gets into my goggles. I stop at least 7 times to fix this during the swim, breaking my rhythm every effin time. I attempt to calm my nerves to the best of my ability but fail on multiple occasions during the course of the 1.2 mile swim.
I finally finish the swim and felt like I did it in about 38 minutes.
Lindsay clocks me in at 34 minutes flat... a personal best...but I don't realize this at the time.
Transition 1
I get out of the water and attempt to get my swim suit zipped down so the volunteer "strippers" (they have to fine a better name than this) can take it off rapidly. I try several times to get it off. I pass my mother and Lindsay as they are cheering me on. The pictures speak for it self
As you can see, I am struggling to zip down my wetsuit so I can take half of it off (look at the left picture, notice the woman who executed this to perfection) and have the "strippers" rip off the suit. They can't do anything to help me otherwise. I get to the volunteer section and one of them zips down my wetsuit and the strippers do their thing, but after this transpires, my swim time clocks in at 35:29. It's only 150 meters from exiting the water to the entrance of the transition area and Lindsay clocked me in at the point she saw me, so a lot of time added up quickly during this little period (more about this later).
I put all of my bike gear on but my watch is being a complete pain in the butt. The stem that locks into the adjustable slot is not cooperating.
By the 5th time, I finally get it in.
Crap...I am losing valuable seconds
The Bike
When I started doing triathlons, running was my greatest strength; however, over the course of time, biking has taken over that throne. That wasn't the case here or for anytime in the future. My cycling isn't a strength anymore, it's a weapon. A force I unleash onto my opponents. I cannot stress how many people I passed so I will let the numbers tell the story:
Overall Rank after the swim: 617
Overall Rank after the bike: 233
I passed nearly 400 people during the bike portion.
Competitors who passed me during the bike: 3
3!!!
The course was mostly flat with a few big hills at the end. It wasn't the most beautiful bike course I have ever done but it was so much fun to do. In the first 30 miles, I averaged 24.4 mph and felt ridiculously good. The numbers speak for itself. I can't tell you how good it feels when you pass a group of riders in the matter of seconds. It's invigorating. It's something you have to experience yourself.
It also helps that I have a top of the line bike (Specialized SHIV Expert with 404 Zipp Tires, courtesy of Knapp's Cyclery in Lawrenceville, NJ) in this process but my cycling has improved each year and I do not expect it to stop here.
The last 26 miles was a little bit tougher since the course sent everyone on a different route on the way back to Lake Winnipesaukee (the bike course is out and back). It was hilly to say the least. Not as hilly as Syracuse but enough to force every rider to get out of the saddle and hammer on multiple occasions.
Nevertheless, I get back to the transition where I see Lindsay and my mother. Naturally, I am happy to see them.
Transition 2
Over my short triathlon career, I have learned to take the transition area more seriously. It took a few failures and bone-headed mistakes (1) to get the picture but I have finally gained the knowledge to take transitions seriously. I have even read a few articles on how to improve my transition time. It's a very meticulous task. The way you organize your set up area, what you put on first, locating your spot in the transition area, and what you really need during the bike or run, it all adds up and when you are trying to qualify for the World Championship, these seconds matter. It's crazy when you think about it. I compete in 5 hour races and precious seconds are the difference between the elite and everyone else.
(1) The bone-headed mistake I will never let myself forget: For the Steelman Olympic Triathlon (Olympic distances: .93 mi. swim, 24.85 mi. bike & 6.2 mi. run) I tried to mark my area in the transition by leaving a carton of blueberries in front on my bike. Well, someone kicked the carton of delicious fruit before I got there and as I arrived in the transition area, I couldn't figure out what row I was in. So, I started running up and down the aisles looking for the dumbest GPS locator of all effin time with an increased look of panic on my face every step I took. I had to run up and down the transition area 15 times before locating my bike. I ended up taking a full 5 minutes in the transition area before I escaped on my bike.
The goal for the race was to break 2:30. My finish time: 2:32...
I am getting depressed...let's move on
I enter the transition, put my bike away, take off all my bike gear and start putting on my run gear. I put on my Amino Vital visor cap (Thanks again Amino Vital), sunglasses and race belt. Then, I start to put my socks on. By the miraculous working of Murphy's effin Law (again), a pebble gets in one of my fresh pair of running socks. I don't realize it until I put it on and feel the pebble stab my foot upon impacting the ground.
Crap... I take off the sock and start shaking it like a mad man.
"OK, that should be good enough," I state to myself.
I put the sock back on...
Same result
EFFFF!!!! I rip off the sock, turn it inside out, grab the pebble and throw it away as I curse it off as if it has tried to personally attack my family and friends.
I put on my shoes and head out for the run. My T2 time clocks in at 3:09. My usual bike-to-run time: 2:15.
The Run
The run was fantastic! Most of it was along Lake Winnipesaukee. The aid stations were perfectly placed. There were only 4 big hills and the weather was fantastic. I felt good.
So good compared to Syracuse
This is how I looked entering the second loop for Ironman 70.3 Syracuse.
Here is how I look entering the second lap for Ironman 70.3 Timberman
I don't need to say more much instead of I gave it all I could muster and finished the half marathon at 1:46.
I ended up injuring my calf but it was a fantastic run nonetheless.
My total time: 5:00:46.
I missed qualifying for the WC by a few spots.
I missed breaking 5 hours by 47 seconds.
Conclusion
The best way to describe the outcome of the race: bittersweet. Even though I broke 5 hours before, this is by far, my best performance. This performance immediately becomes bitter when we add up all of the little stuff that stopped me from breaking 5 hours and possibly qualifying for the WC.
These are approximate additions:
Loose Goggles: 1:10
Swim Suit Zipper Fiasco: 1:20
Watch Trouble: :40
The Pebble From Hell :50
Total Time Lost 4:00
Time without all of the horses***: 4:56:46
I don't know about you but 4:56:46 looks a lot better than 5:00:46. It would have also put me ahead of three people, inching me closing to World Championship qualification. I am not sure if I would have qualified but I would have a lot better chance to be competing with the world's best.
So, as I said, the result is bittersweet. This is the last race of the season. It's time to rest and next year, I will become better and I will qualify.
Additional Notes:
Thank you to my sponsors for giving me support (TGIFriday's, Amino Vital, & Knapp's Cyclery).
Two more events until 2014:
Ragnar Relay Adirondacks ---September 26-28
Philadelphia Half Marathon---November 17
Here is a link to my Athlete Tracker
Photos Courtesy of Lindsay Keogh
Ironman 70.3 Timberman
Before getting to the breakdown of my performance, this must be stated. The Timberman is by far the best race I have been a part of. It revolves around the beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee and immerses athletes and spectators alike into a wonderful festival atmosphere. From the Race Check In at the stunning Gunstock Ski Resort to the Athletes Lounge at the end of the race, it is the most organized, well run event I have involved myself in. This is the first time I have endured zero stress in the mandatory pre-race activities. It was almost relaxing. I never slept so well before a race and I look forward to doing this next year.
Now onto the race.
Pre-Swim
Perfect weather conditions, cloudy, low 60s, very low humidity. I am getting excited with anticipation that this may be the race I qualify for the 2014 World Championship in Mont Tremblant, Quebec while breaking 5 hours.
I start to visualize my success, but more importantly, I start to believe it.
Let's get started
The Swim
Due to my age bracket, I again, start the second to last wave. 8:09 am exactly. This sucks but also has it's advantages (Not waiting for the Porter John is by far the number one advantage).
The gun goes off. I am able to get into a nice rhythm without much chaos from the start.
I feel really good.
But wait....
....wait for the turmoil
....
It's coming
For the sake of Murphy's Law, water continually gets into my goggles. I stop at least 7 times to fix this during the swim, breaking my rhythm every effin time. I attempt to calm my nerves to the best of my ability but fail on multiple occasions during the course of the 1.2 mile swim.
I finally finish the swim and felt like I did it in about 38 minutes.
Lindsay clocks me in at 34 minutes flat... a personal best...but I don't realize this at the time.
Transition 1
I get out of the water and attempt to get my swim suit zipped down so the volunteer "strippers" (they have to fine a better name than this) can take it off rapidly. I try several times to get it off. I pass my mother and Lindsay as they are cheering me on. The pictures speak for it self
As you can see, I am struggling to zip down my wetsuit so I can take half of it off (look at the left picture, notice the woman who executed this to perfection) and have the "strippers" rip off the suit. They can't do anything to help me otherwise. I get to the volunteer section and one of them zips down my wetsuit and the strippers do their thing, but after this transpires, my swim time clocks in at 35:29. It's only 150 meters from exiting the water to the entrance of the transition area and Lindsay clocked me in at the point she saw me, so a lot of time added up quickly during this little period (more about this later).
I put all of my bike gear on but my watch is being a complete pain in the butt. The stem that locks into the adjustable slot is not cooperating.
By the 5th time, I finally get it in.
Crap...I am losing valuable seconds
The Bike
When I started doing triathlons, running was my greatest strength; however, over the course of time, biking has taken over that throne. That wasn't the case here or for anytime in the future. My cycling isn't a strength anymore, it's a weapon. A force I unleash onto my opponents. I cannot stress how many people I passed so I will let the numbers tell the story:
Overall Rank after the swim: 617
Overall Rank after the bike: 233
I passed nearly 400 people during the bike portion.
Competitors who passed me during the bike: 3
3!!!
The course was mostly flat with a few big hills at the end. It wasn't the most beautiful bike course I have ever done but it was so much fun to do. In the first 30 miles, I averaged 24.4 mph and felt ridiculously good. The numbers speak for itself. I can't tell you how good it feels when you pass a group of riders in the matter of seconds. It's invigorating. It's something you have to experience yourself.
It also helps that I have a top of the line bike (Specialized SHIV Expert with 404 Zipp Tires, courtesy of Knapp's Cyclery in Lawrenceville, NJ) in this process but my cycling has improved each year and I do not expect it to stop here.
The last 26 miles was a little bit tougher since the course sent everyone on a different route on the way back to Lake Winnipesaukee (the bike course is out and back). It was hilly to say the least. Not as hilly as Syracuse but enough to force every rider to get out of the saddle and hammer on multiple occasions.
Nevertheless, I get back to the transition where I see Lindsay and my mother. Naturally, I am happy to see them.
Transition 2
Over my short triathlon career, I have learned to take the transition area more seriously. It took a few failures and bone-headed mistakes (1) to get the picture but I have finally gained the knowledge to take transitions seriously. I have even read a few articles on how to improve my transition time. It's a very meticulous task. The way you organize your set up area, what you put on first, locating your spot in the transition area, and what you really need during the bike or run, it all adds up and when you are trying to qualify for the World Championship, these seconds matter. It's crazy when you think about it. I compete in 5 hour races and precious seconds are the difference between the elite and everyone else.
(1) The bone-headed mistake I will never let myself forget: For the Steelman Olympic Triathlon (Olympic distances: .93 mi. swim, 24.85 mi. bike & 6.2 mi. run) I tried to mark my area in the transition by leaving a carton of blueberries in front on my bike. Well, someone kicked the carton of delicious fruit before I got there and as I arrived in the transition area, I couldn't figure out what row I was in. So, I started running up and down the aisles looking for the dumbest GPS locator of all effin time with an increased look of panic on my face every step I took. I had to run up and down the transition area 15 times before locating my bike. I ended up taking a full 5 minutes in the transition area before I escaped on my bike.
The goal for the race was to break 2:30. My finish time: 2:32...
I am getting depressed...let's move on
I enter the transition, put my bike away, take off all my bike gear and start putting on my run gear. I put on my Amino Vital visor cap (Thanks again Amino Vital), sunglasses and race belt. Then, I start to put my socks on. By the miraculous working of Murphy's effin Law (again), a pebble gets in one of my fresh pair of running socks. I don't realize it until I put it on and feel the pebble stab my foot upon impacting the ground.
Crap... I take off the sock and start shaking it like a mad man.
"OK, that should be good enough," I state to myself.
I put the sock back on...
Same result
EFFFF!!!! I rip off the sock, turn it inside out, grab the pebble and throw it away as I curse it off as if it has tried to personally attack my family and friends.
I put on my shoes and head out for the run. My T2 time clocks in at 3:09. My usual bike-to-run time: 2:15.
The Run
The run was fantastic! Most of it was along Lake Winnipesaukee. The aid stations were perfectly placed. There were only 4 big hills and the weather was fantastic. I felt good.
So good compared to Syracuse
This is how I looked entering the second loop for Ironman 70.3 Syracuse.
Here is how I look entering the second lap for Ironman 70.3 Timberman
I don't need to say more much instead of I gave it all I could muster and finished the half marathon at 1:46.
I ended up injuring my calf but it was a fantastic run nonetheless.
My total time: 5:00:46.
I missed qualifying for the WC by a few spots.
I missed breaking 5 hours by 47 seconds.
Conclusion
The best way to describe the outcome of the race: bittersweet. Even though I broke 5 hours before, this is by far, my best performance. This performance immediately becomes bitter when we add up all of the little stuff that stopped me from breaking 5 hours and possibly qualifying for the WC.
These are approximate additions:
Loose Goggles: 1:10
Swim Suit Zipper Fiasco: 1:20
Watch Trouble: :40
The Pebble From Hell :50
Total Time Lost 4:00
Time without all of the horses***: 4:56:46
I don't know about you but 4:56:46 looks a lot better than 5:00:46. It would have also put me ahead of three people, inching me closing to World Championship qualification. I am not sure if I would have qualified but I would have a lot better chance to be competing with the world's best.
So, as I said, the result is bittersweet. This is the last race of the season. It's time to rest and next year, I will become better and I will qualify.
Additional Notes:
Thank you to my sponsors for giving me support (TGIFriday's, Amino Vital, & Knapp's Cyclery).
Two more events until 2014:
Ragnar Relay Adirondacks ---September 26-28
Philadelphia Half Marathon---November 17
Here is a link to my Athlete Tracker
Photos Courtesy of Lindsay Keogh
Thursday, August 29, 2013
The PED Issue ( Part 2)
This is part 2 of this article. Click here for part 1.
Other PED's
It doesn't matter if it is cortisone, EPO (Erythropoetin), blood transfusions, anabolic steroids, testosterone, or amphetamines, the public questions how athletes continually threaten their own bodies by taking banned substances.
What a joke of a question.
We live in a nation with extreme obesity, get prescribed medications from doctors that have no idea what they are prescribing, get radical and threatening surgeries just to improve our appearances, yet people have the audacity to question athletes how they put their health in jeopardy. It is one of the most hypocritical things I have ever heard. And I can understand that it is human nature to contradict ourselves but the thought process is absurd.
Let me see if you recognize any of the following numbers:
39,000
80,000
106,000
225,000
Google it, Look through Wikipedia, hell, call Jeeves and see if he knows.
.....
.....
39,000 represents the number of deaths per year by unnecessary and errors in surgeries at hospitals
80,000 deaths per year by infections from hospitals
106,000 deaths of year from prescribed adverse drug reactions (this is not overdosing, the number represents deaths per year from taking medication prescribed by licensed doctors)
225,000 is the sum of deaths due to modern medicine (Source: foodmatters.tv)
I haven't even mentioned the number of deaths from heart disease (#1 Killer in America) which is a direct correlation from the "obesity epidemic".
After all that, can those same people question the risk of taking performance enhancing drugs after knowing those numbers.
Furthermore, here is another example. Here is a list of things that some of you may be able to recognize:
Struck by car x4
Shoulder Sprain x1
Cuts and Abrasions xToo much to count
Heat Exhaustion x2
Pulled Muscles x5
Near Death Experience x1
Close Calls x589349542394
These are injuries and experiences that I have gone through in my tenure with triathlons and running.
Why do I bring this up? Almost every sport professionals put their lives on the line to do what they have to do to win. They inherently chose a dangerous sport. If all of these athletes were concerned about their well being then they wouldn't sweat profusely day by day to get where they are. And sometimes, it's not enough.
I am just tired of hearing the health risk when it comes to PED use.
Yes, I know for a fact that many of people got, and still do get addicted to steroids and died because of it. In the 1990s, a plethora of cyclists died from excessive EPO use. These are harmful substances. I am not denying that. But in the grand scheme of things, it is very minor in comparison.
Plus, did you notice I said "addicted" and "excessive" when deaths occurred.
We Are All Cheaters
The general public casts every cheater caught as if they were stealing their first born child. Nobody can stand the idea of someone cheating or gaining an extra hand in their respective profession. Its pretty remarkable considering the same general public I am referring to act as if they haven't done anything to gain an advantage throughout their lives. And no, I am not talking about stealing $500 in monopoly money. The fact is that everyone has used performance enhancing drugs during their lifetime, they just don't realize it.
Exhibit A
According to opposingviews.com, 35% of non prescribed college students admitted using adderall to help them finish projects and cram for finals in 2012.
Adderall is a type of amphetamine that treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Narcolepsy.
Amphetamine was one of the first PED's used in cycling throughout the 1980s and 1990s
A drug known to increase attentiveness, concentration, focus, and overall performance in students studies is spreading fast. The usage from non prescribed users rose from 6.4% in 2007 to 35% in 2012. The drug is a stimulant and very powerful. Close to 90% of non prescribed users (according to SAMHSA.gov) eventually get addicted to the substance making it very difficult to perform any type of task that requires any sense of determination and focus without taking the drug.
Now, if you ask every student who used adderall if they think this is cheating or if they are using a performance enhancement drug, what do you think their response would be?
"Well, everyone is doing it!"
Sound familiar?
Exhibit B
This next PED may be conceived as a bit of a stretch. I am pretty sure many will roll their eyes when they first read the word. All I ask is hear me out because of all else, all of this information and opinion is to think more deeply about PED use. Not to change views and beliefs in the matter, but at least consider most are being extremely biased and hypocritical.
We used it everyday and it helps get through....well...every day.
I think you know what it is by know.
You are already rolling your eyes... I can feel it.
Caffeine
It can be found in coffee, chocolate, soda, energy gels and drinks. Pretty much, something almost every first world individual consumes on a daily basis. Caffeine picks you up in the morning. It carries you through the afternoon and in some cases, through late nights.
Caffeine is a drug that makes you more alert, firing signals throughout your brain, creating a better you. A substance known to pick up any user to a new level. How many times have you been tired to do a task that needed to be done, whether it be at work or at home, drink a cup of coffee and finish the job? Did you even bother counting? Why would you? Everyone uses it. We need caffeine. It helps keep our jobs that support our families. It keeps you going when you are exhausted. Caffeine helps raise your kids and enjoy yourself on an idle Friday night when your 36 years old but you haven't been out passed 11 since you were in college. The stimulant raises your energy level and keeps you going for hours so any user can be more productive and efficient.
One of the greatest advertisement slogans puts it perfectly, "America Runs on Dunkin."
Everyone would not think caffeine is a performance enhancing drug since it is so commonly used, but it is. There is nothing wrong with using caffeine; however, to not agree with it increasing one's ability is ignorant. That's exactly what the drug is made for! To bring you from point A and get you to point B better than you originally started. How is it any different from "other" performance enhancing drugs? Caffeine is safer than steroids, but it doesn't mean it's all that healthier either. For example, my mother gets migraines when she goes one day without coffee. She tried to do a cleanse but couldn't give up caffeine since her brain badly needed it to function. It's not life threatening, because this is very common, but it isn't very healthy either.
Exhibit C
If you think caffeine was a stretch, I suggest you stop reading now.
Music
When listening to music while performing an athletic task, preferably any long distance sport (running, cycling, swimming, kayaking, rowing etc.), it has the same effect as taking 6 pills of Advil (Source: Finding Ultra by Rich Roll...great book by the way). Therefore, you don't feel the same amount of pain as someone who isn't listening to music.
Music decreases your perception of effort by 10% and increases your maximum input by 25%.(Source: jsonline.com)
Ethiopian Runner Haile Gebrelassie broke the marathon world record by timing his steps to the beat of Scatman by Scatman John at one of the hardest marathon courses in the world: The Boston Marathon. Time-- 2:03:46 (1) (4:43 min/mile).
(1)I just want to note that my fastest mile time, now that's just running one mile as hard as you can, is 5:00. Gebrelassie ran a 26.2 mile race on one of the hardest marathon courses in the world at an average of a 4:43 minute per mile. I looked up his splits and his fastest mile was 4:31! That time would win you the state championship in High School!
Remember that song:
Music is also known to help people who suffer from depression and other anxiety ailments get back to a normal state of mind.
Exhibit D
Prescription Drugs
David is a landscape architect. His job consists of hand excavations, mowing the lawn, cutting down trees, and raking the leaves. He is 43 and suffering from severe arthritis. 2 hours into the day, he is suffering from extreme pain and affecting his ability to complete simple tasks. His boss notices and is considering firing him since he can no longer hold his own. Dave is at a crossroad. He has been doing this since the age of 22 and it's too late to find another job that can support his family but it's to early for him to retire while he has three kids that are planning to go to college. What does he do? He goes to the family doctor and gets prescribed pain medication (1) to combat the arthritis. After he takes the first two pills, he feels great again. He is able to perform work like he was 30 again. His boss notices the difference in productivity and is impressed enough to give him a raise for all of his hard work.
(1) There is an all natural alternative to getting rid of arthritis (that's completely legal in all facets of life) but it takes a strict diet to combat. I have already noted the tragedy of modern medicine in the first post; therefore, just wanted to continue that trend.
Now, what's wrong with this picture?
....
....
....
Absolutely nothing
Dave did something everyone and their mother would have done in that situation and there is nothing wrong with that. So why do we go ballistic when someone uses HGH to recover from an injury in a sport where the average life expectancy is 3 years (football for all of you non sports nerds)? Or why everyone is disgusted when a cyclist uses EPO, testosterone, and blood transfusions to compete in a three week race that covers 2,500 miles?
I don't have answers to these questions but I hope someone does.
We all get older and no one can battle father time. Our bodies start to break down and it's make it very hard to do routine tasks we are accustomed to doing. In some cases, this affects our ability to perform jobs. What's the solution? We go to the local doctor's office, get prescribed allocated medication and go back to work.
When we consider all of the exhibits mentioned, we all use performance enhancement drugs and methods to get where we need to go. It helps us get through the day, makes working out more pleasurable, studying more effective, and gets us back to work. PED's are in everyday life, yet I am forced to leave you with this question:
What's the difference?
Stay tuned for the final installment of The PED Issue, which will be out next week. Enjoy the Labor Day Weekend!
If you missed part one, click here.
Other PED's
It doesn't matter if it is cortisone, EPO (Erythropoetin), blood transfusions, anabolic steroids, testosterone, or amphetamines, the public questions how athletes continually threaten their own bodies by taking banned substances.
What a joke of a question.
We live in a nation with extreme obesity, get prescribed medications from doctors that have no idea what they are prescribing, get radical and threatening surgeries just to improve our appearances, yet people have the audacity to question athletes how they put their health in jeopardy. It is one of the most hypocritical things I have ever heard. And I can understand that it is human nature to contradict ourselves but the thought process is absurd.
Let me see if you recognize any of the following numbers:
39,000
80,000
106,000
225,000
Google it, Look through Wikipedia, hell, call Jeeves and see if he knows.
.....
.....
39,000 represents the number of deaths per year by unnecessary and errors in surgeries at hospitals
80,000 deaths per year by infections from hospitals
106,000 deaths of year from prescribed adverse drug reactions (this is not overdosing, the number represents deaths per year from taking medication prescribed by licensed doctors)
225,000 is the sum of deaths due to modern medicine (Source: foodmatters.tv)
I haven't even mentioned the number of deaths from heart disease (#1 Killer in America) which is a direct correlation from the "obesity epidemic".
After all that, can those same people question the risk of taking performance enhancing drugs after knowing those numbers.
Furthermore, here is another example. Here is a list of things that some of you may be able to recognize:
Struck by car x4
Shoulder Sprain x1
Cuts and Abrasions xToo much to count
Heat Exhaustion x2
Pulled Muscles x5
Near Death Experience x1
Close Calls x589349542394
These are injuries and experiences that I have gone through in my tenure with triathlons and running.
Why do I bring this up? Almost every sport professionals put their lives on the line to do what they have to do to win. They inherently chose a dangerous sport. If all of these athletes were concerned about their well being then they wouldn't sweat profusely day by day to get where they are. And sometimes, it's not enough.
I am just tired of hearing the health risk when it comes to PED use.
Yes, I know for a fact that many of people got, and still do get addicted to steroids and died because of it. In the 1990s, a plethora of cyclists died from excessive EPO use. These are harmful substances. I am not denying that. But in the grand scheme of things, it is very minor in comparison.
Plus, did you notice I said "addicted" and "excessive" when deaths occurred.
We Are All Cheaters
The general public casts every cheater caught as if they were stealing their first born child. Nobody can stand the idea of someone cheating or gaining an extra hand in their respective profession. Its pretty remarkable considering the same general public I am referring to act as if they haven't done anything to gain an advantage throughout their lives. And no, I am not talking about stealing $500 in monopoly money. The fact is that everyone has used performance enhancing drugs during their lifetime, they just don't realize it.
Exhibit A
According to opposingviews.com, 35% of non prescribed college students admitted using adderall to help them finish projects and cram for finals in 2012.
Adderall is a type of amphetamine that treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Narcolepsy.
Amphetamine was one of the first PED's used in cycling throughout the 1980s and 1990s
A drug known to increase attentiveness, concentration, focus, and overall performance in students studies is spreading fast. The usage from non prescribed users rose from 6.4% in 2007 to 35% in 2012. The drug is a stimulant and very powerful. Close to 90% of non prescribed users (according to SAMHSA.gov) eventually get addicted to the substance making it very difficult to perform any type of task that requires any sense of determination and focus without taking the drug.
Now, if you ask every student who used adderall if they think this is cheating or if they are using a performance enhancement drug, what do you think their response would be?
"Well, everyone is doing it!"
Sound familiar?
Exhibit B
This next PED may be conceived as a bit of a stretch. I am pretty sure many will roll their eyes when they first read the word. All I ask is hear me out because of all else, all of this information and opinion is to think more deeply about PED use. Not to change views and beliefs in the matter, but at least consider most are being extremely biased and hypocritical.
We used it everyday and it helps get through....well...every day.
I think you know what it is by know.
You are already rolling your eyes... I can feel it.
Caffeine
It can be found in coffee, chocolate, soda, energy gels and drinks. Pretty much, something almost every first world individual consumes on a daily basis. Caffeine picks you up in the morning. It carries you through the afternoon and in some cases, through late nights.
Caffeine is a drug that makes you more alert, firing signals throughout your brain, creating a better you. A substance known to pick up any user to a new level. How many times have you been tired to do a task that needed to be done, whether it be at work or at home, drink a cup of coffee and finish the job? Did you even bother counting? Why would you? Everyone uses it. We need caffeine. It helps keep our jobs that support our families. It keeps you going when you are exhausted. Caffeine helps raise your kids and enjoy yourself on an idle Friday night when your 36 years old but you haven't been out passed 11 since you were in college. The stimulant raises your energy level and keeps you going for hours so any user can be more productive and efficient.
One of the greatest advertisement slogans puts it perfectly, "America Runs on Dunkin."
Everyone would not think caffeine is a performance enhancing drug since it is so commonly used, but it is. There is nothing wrong with using caffeine; however, to not agree with it increasing one's ability is ignorant. That's exactly what the drug is made for! To bring you from point A and get you to point B better than you originally started. How is it any different from "other" performance enhancing drugs? Caffeine is safer than steroids, but it doesn't mean it's all that healthier either. For example, my mother gets migraines when she goes one day without coffee. She tried to do a cleanse but couldn't give up caffeine since her brain badly needed it to function. It's not life threatening, because this is very common, but it isn't very healthy either.
Exhibit C
If you think caffeine was a stretch, I suggest you stop reading now.
Music
When listening to music while performing an athletic task, preferably any long distance sport (running, cycling, swimming, kayaking, rowing etc.), it has the same effect as taking 6 pills of Advil (Source: Finding Ultra by Rich Roll...great book by the way). Therefore, you don't feel the same amount of pain as someone who isn't listening to music.
Music decreases your perception of effort by 10% and increases your maximum input by 25%.(Source: jsonline.com)
Ethiopian Runner Haile Gebrelassie broke the marathon world record by timing his steps to the beat of Scatman by Scatman John at one of the hardest marathon courses in the world: The Boston Marathon. Time-- 2:03:46 (1) (4:43 min/mile).
(1)I just want to note that my fastest mile time, now that's just running one mile as hard as you can, is 5:00. Gebrelassie ran a 26.2 mile race on one of the hardest marathon courses in the world at an average of a 4:43 minute per mile. I looked up his splits and his fastest mile was 4:31! That time would win you the state championship in High School!
Remember that song:
Music is also known to help people who suffer from depression and other anxiety ailments get back to a normal state of mind.
Exhibit D
Prescription Drugs
David is a landscape architect. His job consists of hand excavations, mowing the lawn, cutting down trees, and raking the leaves. He is 43 and suffering from severe arthritis. 2 hours into the day, he is suffering from extreme pain and affecting his ability to complete simple tasks. His boss notices and is considering firing him since he can no longer hold his own. Dave is at a crossroad. He has been doing this since the age of 22 and it's too late to find another job that can support his family but it's to early for him to retire while he has three kids that are planning to go to college. What does he do? He goes to the family doctor and gets prescribed pain medication (1) to combat the arthritis. After he takes the first two pills, he feels great again. He is able to perform work like he was 30 again. His boss notices the difference in productivity and is impressed enough to give him a raise for all of his hard work.
(1) There is an all natural alternative to getting rid of arthritis (that's completely legal in all facets of life) but it takes a strict diet to combat. I have already noted the tragedy of modern medicine in the first post; therefore, just wanted to continue that trend.
Now, what's wrong with this picture?
....
....
....
Absolutely nothing
Dave did something everyone and their mother would have done in that situation and there is nothing wrong with that. So why do we go ballistic when someone uses HGH to recover from an injury in a sport where the average life expectancy is 3 years (football for all of you non sports nerds)? Or why everyone is disgusted when a cyclist uses EPO, testosterone, and blood transfusions to compete in a three week race that covers 2,500 miles?
I don't have answers to these questions but I hope someone does.
We all get older and no one can battle father time. Our bodies start to break down and it's make it very hard to do routine tasks we are accustomed to doing. In some cases, this affects our ability to perform jobs. What's the solution? We go to the local doctor's office, get prescribed allocated medication and go back to work.
When we consider all of the exhibits mentioned, we all use performance enhancement drugs and methods to get where we need to go. It helps us get through the day, makes working out more pleasurable, studying more effective, and gets us back to work. PED's are in everyday life, yet I am forced to leave you with this question:
What's the difference?
Stay tuned for the final installment of The PED Issue, which will be out next week. Enjoy the Labor Day Weekend!
If you missed part one, click here.
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