When training load increases, it is important to adjust your nutrition accordingly. Training load is the cumulative amount of exercise you’re doing, usually measured over a week. It can be measured by two things – duration and intensity. Duration is easy to measure, but intensity could be anything from how fast you’re running, heart rate, how heavy you’re lifting or intensity of your bike session.
To avoid injury, sickness and improve performance, it is important to manage your training load and fuel your body with the right nutrients. Carbohydrate and protein intake before, during and after exercise is crucial depending on the type of session. Bigdog athletes work with a nutritionist who has access to their training data to help with recommendations for navigating the changing load. It is best to have someone certified in their field make recommendations.
It is also important to avoid dramatic changes in training load. A common mistake is going from “zero to hero.” Progression of load over a period of time is the best way to stay healthy and injury free.
Bill Ludington
BigDog Coaching
Bill Ludington is the coach and founder of BigDog Coaching with almost 20 years’ experience racing half Ironman and Ironman. He’s been a member of RMTC since 2005 and is an Ironman U certified triathlon coach ACE certified personal trainer. See Bill’s full profile here, and if you’re interested in learning more about Bill’s coaching or personal training, head to his website: bigdogcoaching.com or reach out to him directly at bill.ludington@gmail.com.
