Every Tuesday and Thursday I wake up and head to the gym to work out around 7am. After I work out I teach a class, and after that I go out on the trails and either do hill repeats or a longer run. My main concern is getting enough food in me before I hit the trails because I am usually not done with my "morning" until 12:30pm... which is 5 and a half hours after I started my first work out. In the morning, I usually work out on an empty stomach then have a protein shake with post work out carbs to try and get in as many calories as possible, and during the time I teach class I will usually eat a banana and a Perfect Foods Bar from Whole Foods. On my runs I bring some type of goo or cliff-blocks to take with me as a source of electrolytes and a quick little boost.
It never really hit me until today that I was not properly fueling myself prior to my runs. I was always getting light headed and tired quickly, and sometimes I would even start to see stars. My body would always fall apart and sometimes my brain would be telling myself to run, but my legs just couldn't turn anymore. I thought it was just dehydration and the high summer temperatures, but today I tried something a little different. I went to work out at 6:30am which gave me time to go out to breakfast and get a whole meal before teaching. By the time I had taught my class, my food did not feel heavy in my stomach and I felt ready to hit the trails. I wasn't cramming in snacks to try and get calories, instead I was able to have a complete, well-balanced breakfast. Today was the best I have ever felt and the best performance I have ever had on the trails. I ran 6.8 miles of single track mountain trails and I felt fantastic. The power of proper fuel is amazing.
Here is my OPT training for the day.
TRAINING:
A. Clean - build to a tough single in 10 min
B. Press - 5,5,5; rest 2 min
+
5 sets:
1 rope ascent - 20' legless
5 TnG Jerk - 155#/100#
6 x 24" box jump overs
Airdyne 20 sec @ 100%
rest 6 min actively
RESULTS:
A. 175#
B. 75#, 80#, 85#
+
:55
:56
1:02
1:01
1:01
*Rope was 14 or 15'
First time climbing a rope legless. I loved the challenge. These work outs are tough and continue to kick my ass every single day.
That's an awesome adjustment, I'm working getting breakfast in before I start my work day. The last two days I was able to eat breakfast, which turn has really help my energy level throughout my day. Also, its has increased my appetite so I've been bringing small snacks. I've felt pretty good these last couple days. It's amazing what the right fuel can do for you.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. I am constantly impressed with your workouts and writings. Keep up the hard work because it is clearly paying off.
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