cellular damage and ...

[Jaquta]

sporting potential.

Hi.
I was wondering how long, on return to baseline, would it take to reach ones potential.

I have put on truck loads of weight again (mainly through stress and depression).  I want to compete in an off-road triathlon next year (and win my age group.  Sub 3-hr for 1 km swim, 29 km MTB and 11km run).

I understand that losing weight would bring me closer to my goal.  (I read that for every pound of excess body weight you lose one minute over a marathon distance event.)
Eating healthier also has all the documented benefits.

The time it takes to reverse any disease process possibly isn't as important as striving towards reducing it.
I read that some cardiac risk factors can take as long as 18 months to reduce.  Would that be an average for someone to reach a peak level of health?

I'm not sure why I'm asking.  I guess I was just wondering how disadvantaged I would be by my appalling nutritional history.  It has to effect performance some.  Even if I do work towards correcting it.

I was also pretty shocked to read that a healthy BMI was between 18.5 and 24.9.  Well pretty shocked that I could ever be 54 kg (and be healthy).  I'm 1.71 cm.  Maybe it's about right for a wannabe athlete.  ??

Do you have any advice to help me achieve my goal?  (Read your blog.)

[Jaquta]

And physical ability can be impeded by psychological constraints.
I guess sporting ability is affected by other factors as well.

I remember attending a training camp where this pretty talented person was performing pretty poorly.  In his first season he won a national title and then several years later won Olympic gold.

Is it wrong to have dreams?  I mean not the Olympics.  I feel too jaded and amotivated to consider that but winning an age-group in an event I have never competed in?
I know if I train I can be competitive.

We have, what I consider, these ridiculously short events called 3:9:3's.  They equate to a 300 m swim, 9 km bike ride and a 3 km run.
I get frustrated when my doctor tells me to do a 5 km race or something like that.
Who needs to train for a 5 km run?
I understand the rationale behind it, I just get frustrated.  I guess I sometimes overlook my situation and the need for those incremental changes.

I think you're right.  Having a sporting goal may help me to maintain a focus.  I typically use exercise as a punitive measure so this would be a different approach for me.
I also like the idea of joining a club and having other people around.  I am currently very socially isolated.  My GP has identified my lack of emotional support as an issue.

I get that BMI isn't always a good indicator.  It is significantly less invasive than body fat (or skin fold) testing though.  My rough estimate is height for weight.  If I am 171 cm then 71 kg would be an OK weight.  Maybe a couple of kilo's under for good measure.
Triathletes, runners, swimmers and cyclists generally have a lower BMI.  I guess ultimately it is all about power to weight and ability to perform.
My goal weight was always 64 kg.  I guess that is a good place to start and I can reevaluate later.

I did get some books out of the library.  There are a couple with programs and also one where I can write my own.  That could be interesting.  It's been a while since I've looked at periodisation, etc.
My biggest challenge at the moment is to save to buy a bike, etc.  (I am currently on an invalid's benefit due to my health issues.)

Journalling would also help to hold me accountable, wouldn't it?  It is a good idea.  I expect that would leave me feeling incredibly vulnerable and exposed though.  I'm not sure my fragile ego and sense of self could tolerate criticism.
You have done well to withstand negative comments from myself.  Not sure why I've done that actually.  I guess my ego has felt threatened and attacking is a defense.  Sorry for all my negative comments anyway.
I'm looking at it all wrong, aren't I?  It could be a positive thing (blogging, that is).

I would be concerned if you had no new ideas.  Talking to patients, etc must give you lots of fresh ideas.

I'll look forward to reading your book.  I'll budget for it now but it'll have till wait until after the bike and wetsuit and running shoes and entry fee.

Thanks heaps for your comments.

I looked up BEE and had a play with some of those other medical calculations.  It was interesting.

[James G Beckerman, M.D.]

It's a tough question - partly because it's hard to quantify potential per se...

You're right that losing weight and increasing your exercise regimen will make you more fit - I imagine that it's doable to participate in a triathlon - you definitely have time.  It's also a great idea to have a target that's an experience or accomplishment rather than only a weight loss goal - it may help keep you more focused.

Regarding BMI - it's an imperfect calculation, because it doesn't allow for muscle mass, which can result in a higher number in a very healthy, fit person.  Many high level athletes have BMI's of 26-28.

One idea might be to start a triathlon training regimen - you can find them online or in books, and it could help you structure your exercise.  I also think you might find it interesting to blog about your experience - you seem to enjoy writing and are very introspective and reflective - it's a great way to put your ideas out there and even share what's working for you (or not!).  

I have a lot of other ideas - but keeping some under wraps until December, when The Flex Diet comes out - I think that it's really possible to personalize a lot of aspects of wellness and actually be flexible with how you take care of yourself.  More to come on that...!  Take care.