Nutrition!!!

Nutrition is a huge part of endurance training. Some say it's their secret weapon when it comes to training, racing, and recovery. Recovery being the biggest part of training, and nutrition the biggest part of recovery. My nutrition sucks! The biggest problem I have is when to eat, and how much! My workouts are usually the first thing I do when I start my day. But my day is a little off compared to most peoples' schedules. I work swing shift, so I don't usually get to bed until 3:30 am, wake up around 11:00 am, and on the road or in the pool by 11:30, unless I do a long ride or a brick. Then I have to get up by 10:00 am and be on the road by 10:30. I have about a three hour window because I have to pick my son up from school at 2:00 pm. So...when do I eat solid foods?

I don't like to eat solid foods during workouts. I get my calories from gels or sports drinks. I hate the chalky texture from energy bars, especially Cliff bars (not that I don't like Cliff Bars, just not during workouts). Post workout meals are very important to help repair damage done to the muscles during exercise. I've found it very beneficial to eat a protein bar or drink a protein shake within the first 30 minutes to an hour after working out. Side note: Back in the late 90's, early 2000's, I was coaching high school track. I went to a coaching conference for all sports where I attended the University of Arkansas Head Cross Country and Track Coach lecturing. They dominated the NCAA Track and Cross Country endurance events during this era. When the Coach (who's name I don't remember), made this discovery about protein, the NCAA made it illegal for coaches to distribute protein bars and supplements to athletes. They said it was an unfair advantage!!

I don't usually have my first meal of the day until I sit down for dinner with my family before I go to work, around 4:30 pm. So I haven't had a solid meal for almost the first 6 hours of my day. Sometimes I'll try to sneak in snack or sandwich if I have time before I pick up my son. I'll eat two more times at work, and once when I get home. I get enough calories throughout the day, I know this because I'm not loosing weight, but I really don't think this is the best way to do it! For me, it all comes down to convenience! What's available and how easy it is to make. I welcome all opinions, criticisms, and suggestions!

My last two workouts: Tuesday: http://tpks.ws/rdlm and today's: http://tpks.ws/CJ5b