Episode #102: Training and Nutrition for Runners

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Ben coaches Jessa Greenfield through the Coeur D' Alene Triathlon run.

In this July 7, 2010 free audio episode: a nutrition interview with me, benefits of training while calorie depleted, exercising with a low back injury, can you rebuild cartilage, how to choose your amino acids and proteins, stomach sloshing while running, runner's knee and how to take a rest day.

Remember, if you have any trouble listening, downloading, or transferring to your mp3 player just e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com. And don't forget to leave the podcast a ranking in iTunes - it only takes 2 minutes of your time and helps grow our healthy community! Justclick here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback.

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Featured topic: "Training and Nutrition for Runners"

In today's featured topic, a couple marathon training enthusiasts interview me about training and nutrition for running. Here are some of the questions they asked me:

• What got you interested in the study of nutrition?
• What do you see as the key components of a healthy diet for a long distance runner or endurance athlete?
• What do you eat before, during, and after a long workout?
• Many runners find themselves either gaining weight or struggling to lose weight while they are training for a marathon and increasing their miles. Why do you think this occurs and what are some suggestions for someone who wants to run a marathon and still lose weight?
• What kind of nutritional supplements would you recommend for a long distance runner?
• What advice to you have for someone who is trying to break poor nutritional dietary habits like sugar, soda, and fast food?

If you want to know how to put together the ideal run training or marathon training program, you won't want to miss this interview. I'd also highly recommend that you watch this free 40 minute marathon training video at http://www.marathondominator.com. Enjoy!

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Special Announcements:

-Think forward to your training next January...Will you be tired of the indoor trainer and the treadmill and that black line on the bottom of the pool? Are you going to be struggling to stay motivated for those wet 5-hour slogs in this rainy/snowy winter climate? Are you planning on ANY 2011 triathlon event from Olympic distance up to Ironman? Then this event is going to be perfect for you. Pacific Elite Fitness is proud to announced an Official 2011 Triathlete Training Camp, January 31-February 7, 2011 at the Endurance Ranch in Austin, Texas! Click here for more details or to register now.

- What did we learn about in the Body Transformation Club last month? How to make your own hummus, a variation of the corkscrew exercise, two must-have spices, a technique to significantly increase the force you can produce during an exercise, how to make a natural energy drink, what to do when you don't have access to a pull-up bar or pull-down machine, and how to eat healthy for cheap.To learn more about Ben's Body Transformation Club, or to join now, just click here.

- The Marathon Dominator officially launched on May 20 at midnight and is now LIVE! This is a complete program designed for the complete beginner who wants to ease themselves into a marathon, all the way up to the advanced marathoner interested in breaking their PR! Click here to learn more, and to find out about all the bonus items Ben Greenfield is including with the Marathon Dominator. - BenGreenfieldFitness t-shirts are now available and you get one instantly when you donate more than $15 to the show. Just scroll down to donate. - Join Ben to race a double triathlon in Thailand (http://www.lagunaphukettriathlon.com/)! Week 1: Laguna Phuket Triathlon; Week 2: Ironman 70.3 Thailand. Ben can still get you into the sold-out race AND organize your entire trip, but you must e-mail him at ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com within the next week.

- Get insider VIP tips and discounts from Ben - conveniently delivered directly to your phone! Just complete the information below...

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Listener Q&A:

Listener Graeme asks: First I have a question, I understand the benefits and logic or training low racing high (re carbs). Recently I went too far and bonked, my question is if there is any training benefit of bonking and if there us any notable recovery issues. I appreciate the need to re fuel but was wondering about next day nutrition and/or muscular issues.

Listener ffluvssg1 asks: My brother in law is a cancer survivor with some back/spine damage because of treatments. What are some good exercises for him? He is into health/fitness, says biking in his area (flat) takes too long to be aerobic.

Click here for Ben's Get Fit Guy podcast

In my response to ffluvssg1, I recommend he listens to episode 12 of the Get Fit Guy podcast.

Listener Chuck asks: First, my dad is one of the healthiest people I have ever met. At 56 years old, he was still competitively playing roller hockey until last year when he got hit and severly tore his rotator cuff which ended him having to have surgery on it. While he has made a great recovery, the shoulder still hurts him. The doctor has told him that there is basically no cartilidge left in the shoulder and eventually down the road he may need a shoulder replacement. Do you know if there is any way through either diet or exercise to rebuild healthy cartilidge in a joint?

Second, can you go over what your recommend, or if you recommend at all, for taking Creatine? I bought some the other because it was on sale without reading the nutrition or ingredients. Each serving is 130 calories which includes 5g of Creatine and I believe 30g of carbs, 29 of which come from sugar. The product also suggests a 5 day loading phase. Due to the high sugar content, if I were to take this at all, should I use only immediately after a workout? And do I need to do this loading phase? Finally, will taking it really even help me that much?

Listener Brad asks: Ben I frequently hear you recommend two different versions of amino acid supplementation. The "full chain amino acids" powder from Bioletics or the Recoverease, branch chain amino acids, featured on pacificfit.net. I am a 25 year old "firebreathing" (that means fervent in crossfit parlance) crossfitter with the goal of increasing my fitness through crossfit. I'm hoping the inclusion of amino acids to my supplementation regimen will increase musculature repair in response to frequent episodes of DOMS. Which amino acid supplement should I use? What should be the protocol for taking the supplement you recommend? Can you please describe and explain the difference between Recoverease and the Bioletics powder?

Listener Ryans asks: I am currently training for Ironman Canada and have completed two half ironmans. My first was last June where it was going fine until the run. I was not fully prepared to say the least and my legs were done at the beginning. However the worst part for me was my sloshing stomach. It was like everything I drank just sat in my stomach and had not been digested at all. I attributed this to drinking too much. I then completed another half ironman yesterday. I have trained and fully prepared for this race. Swim and bike were great, I paced myself well on the bike to save the legs for the run. I decreased what I had drank in the past greatly and only consumed two gels on the bike. I drank approx. one small water bottle on the bike. I drank some water and some Accerlade. When I got to the run, it started ok, legs came around and I was getting excited for a good run, but then my stomach began to slosh again. Not near as much as the previous year but it was there. I just don't know what I can do. I consumed a cliff bar slowly in the run and drank very very little at a couple of aid stations but I still had sloshing. My stomach normally does not digest food easily, been like this for a long time. I just don't know what else to do, I obviously need to drink during my races but even when I drink a small amount I still have sloshing. Any suggestions or websites/books I could look too?

Listener Brad asks: Will your BulletProof Knee program be likely to alleviate the classic symptoms of runners knee I experience? It seems the program is advertised emphasizing IT band symptoms. Would you please provide a comprehensive explanation of runners knee as well.

Listener Bob asks: I am currently using a recovery drink of HEED and whey protein powder. About 300-350 kcal. I weigh about 160-165 and am using your recomendation of 2kcal/lb. Q:What do you recommend for a recovery drink? Q:How important is the type of protein powder? Do you differentiate between isolate and concentrate? Listener Ron asks: I have been listening to your podcasts for a couple of months now. I signed up for my first triathlon (sprint) and have been reading about training. Most sources suggest taking off one day per week. I have found this a little challenging. On the day off, can you still workout if it is not a training run, bike or swim? Would an easy bike ride with my wife (heart rate averaging in the 90's) or a 75 minute yoga class be OK for that day off?

Do you have a question for Ben? Just call 1-877-209-9439 and leave a voicemail, leave a Skype voicemail to username "pacificfit", or e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com.

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Remember, if you have any trouble listening, downloading, or transferring to your mp3 player just e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com And don't forget to leave the podcast a ranking in iTunes - it only takes 2 minutes of your time and helps grow our healthy community! Justclick here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback.

Brand new - get insider VIP tips and discounts from Ben - conveniently delivered directly to your phone! Just complete the information below...

First Name Last Name Email Cell # (1+area code):

Scroll down to donate anything over $15 to the show, and Ben will send you a BenGreenfieldFitness.com t-shirt...you can also conveniently donate any amount with your phone by simply clicking here.

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