Fit Doesn’t Mean Healthy

As I did my 30 mile bike trainer session this morning, I listened to one of my triathlon podcasts. The feature story was about the podcaster’s medical tests revealing his low testosterone levels. He had a level in the 40’s, while someone his age should average (ideally) a level in the 90’s. Understand that the podcaster is a top-level (meaning podium-achieving) age grouper. This guy is majorly fit…but he wasn’t as healthy as he needed to be. With this new information, he and his doctor made some changes to his diet and added some supplements to help raise his testosterone level. Within days, the podcaster felt more competitive and even had greater interest in bedtime activities with his significant other.

Physical/mental fitness doesn’t always correlate to physical/mental well-being. Are you losing interest in other areas of your life? Are you feeling really tired anytime you aren’t training? Do you find yourself becoming easily irritated or angered? Do you dread your daily workouts? These are just a few signs which may be pointing to unhealthy physical/mental feelings and/or practices (e.g., overtraining). Monitor how you feel both physically and mentally (and emotionally). It may be nutritional, medical, or social. In most cases, if you are enjoying a nice life balance and remain normally happy (in most cases you’ll be happier than before), then chances are all is “good to go.” If you notice yourself “changing” negatively in any of the areas of your life, it may be time to get tested and/or make some changes in your routine.

Monday 30 minute run along Tampa Bay. Saw a dolphin. So cool!

Tuesday  Off

Wednesday  Travel day

Thursday  20 minute run. My son accompanied me on his bike. Fast pace. My son commented, “I can’t believe you can run this fast for this long.” I answered, “I can do it even longer.” :-)

Friday  Off

Saturday  1 hour run. Sub 9 minute pace. Felt strong and fast.

Sunday  1:30 bike trainer session. Medium pace. Felt strong.

Base training is going great. Have two more weeks before starting a formal race training program. Not sure if I’ll go with a 70.3 or Olympic race plan. May do a 10k race one of the next two weekends.

Signed up for the Austin-Shiner GHASP bike ride (100 miles) scheduled for May 1. Looking forward to riding with my fellow TTT mates and enjoying some cold brew at race’s end.

Kia Kaha!