Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed (Page 57)

2014-05-01 2:58 PM

in reply to: Burd

Extreme Veteran

2098

Alberta

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

Originally posted by Burd How do I get in on the weight challenge? I'd like to drop about 2 a week as well. Let me know what my penalty would be

Pic to come on Friday.

Seeing as how you are warm weather year around your penalty should of course be worse.

I vote for Nascar, with a shot of warm beer after every lap while riding your bike on the trainer...

MOlsen

2014-05-01 4:00 PM

in reply to: Qua17

Regular

866

Central Coast, CA

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

Now that my race season is changing from mainly runs (10k, 2 half-marathons) and into triathlons (3 sprints in the next 3 months) I'm going to start hitting the bike a bit more on weekends instead of focusing on getting a long run in. If I can get both, great... if not: bike! For my weekend runs I'm thinking about doing some trail running to add some variety.

Today was a basic 1000m swim as my last real workout before my first triathlon of the season: Wildflower! It's going to be an interesting course this year as they had to move the swim start due to the lake being at 5% capacity. The alternate mountain bike course looks like it should be a lot of fun and a bit more challenging than the usual course. Once I'm done with the short course I'll be able to enjoy some Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA while relaxing and listening to live music. Wildflower really is a unique triathlon with the camping and festival atmosphere all weekend long. I'll be back on Monday with my race report!

2014-05-01 9:01 PM

in reply to: MOlsen

Veteran

706

Illinois

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

Originally posted by MOlsen

Good hunting at Wildflower. That race is on The List, along with Savageman, Alcatraz, and Kona (of course).

2014-05-02 7:03 AM

in reply to: thor67

Extreme Veteran

968

Cape Coral, FL

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

Originally posted by thor67

Originally posted by Burd How do I get in on the weight challenge? I'd like to drop about 2 a week as well. Let me know what my penalty would be

Pic to come on Friday.

Seeing as how you are warm weather year around your penalty should of course be worse.

I vote for Nascar, with a shot of warm beer after every lap while riding your bike on the trainer...

If that isn't motivation I don't know what is. Am I allowed to throw up every 20 laps?

2014-05-02 7:05 AM

in reply to: Burd

Extreme Veteran

968

Cape Coral, FL

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

What was our weigh in days again? If it's Friday my weight is 177.4. My goal for the month is to hit 170. Since we are breaking it into 2 week segments my goal would be 3.5 pounds.

2014-05-02 7:13 AM

in reply to: Burd

Extreme Veteran

968

Cape Coral, FL

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

I have a very serious question to put out there. This is weighing on my mind pretty heavy. I got my lab reports back and it turns out my testosterone is extremely low. My doctor prescribed a shot every 2 weeks which starts on the 17th. By taking my prescribed injections am I considered a doper? I hate to think I am "cheating" by doing this. I don't think this is enough to see any performance gains is it? I assume it's not the same as the guy at the gym hitting the juice to bulk up since I would be taking it as prescribed under medical supervision. I am very worried with my race season starting. Do amateurs need to report something like this to anyone? If so, who do I tell? I'm honestly thinking of dealing with the fatigue and other negative effects until after race season. My doctor told me that's not a wise choice though.

http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/dropping-in/I-Couldn-t-Be-More-Positive.html

adempsey10

2014-05-02 7:54 AM

in reply to: Burd

423

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

Originally posted by Burd I have a very serious question to put out there. This is weighing on my mind pretty heavy. I got my lab reports back and it turns out my testosterone is extremely low. My doctor prescribed a shot every 2 weeks which starts on the 17th. By taking my prescribed injections am I considered a doper? I hate to think I am "cheating" by doing this. I don't think this is enough to see any performance gains is it? I assume it's not the same as the guy at the gym hitting the juice to bulk up since I would be taking it as prescribed under medical supervision. I am very worried with my race season starting. Do amateurs need to report something like this to anyone? If so, who do I tell? I'm honestly thinking of dealing with the fatigue and other negative effects until after race season. My doctor told me that's not a wise choice though.

This story might be of use to you.

2014-05-02 8:49 AM

in reply to: Burd

Veteran

706

Illinois

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

Originally posted by Burd

I have a very serious question to put out there. This is weighing on my mind pretty heavy. I got my lab reports back and it turns out my testosterone is extremely low. My doctor prescribed a shot every 2 weeks which starts on the 17th. By taking my prescribed injections am I considered a doper? I hate to think I am "cheating" by doing this. I don't think this is enough to see any performance gains is it? I assume it's not the same as the guy at the gym hitting the juice to bulk up since I would be taking it as prescribed under medical supervision. I am very worried with my race season starting. Do amateurs need to report something like this to anyone? If so, who do I tell? I'm honestly thinking of dealing with the fatigue and other negative effects until after race season. My doctor told me that's not a wise choice though.

Under WADA and USAT guidelines, it is doping, and without a Therapuetic Use Exemption (TUE, which you won't get), if you get busted, it's a two year ban (iirc). Race registration forms and USAT forms will have disclosure sections about telling them what medications you've been taking.

That being said, I know *exactly* where you are coming from. In December 2013, I had a full blood panel ran as part of a free health insurance report. My total blood testosterone was around 200 - low for anyone, and really low for a 30 year old male in the best shape of my life. I'll pull and post the test results. I know the symptoms, too - fatigue, inability to build muscle mass, occasional restlessness, and very low sex drive. Actually, that last one has been the worst, but at least the blood test let my wife and I put a name to our issues. Going from almost daily to once a week had left her feeling unwanted, and putting the science behind the behavior was reassuring for us. It isn't a performance issue (I sound like a Viagra commercial) but a desire issue, and it's across the board.

I'll summarize a lot of my own research - endurance training will tank your testosterone levels, and long course training doubly so. It will bounce back though, once you cut back or reduce it. Add to that a long-term weight loss nutrition intake (constant calorie deficits), and it only makes sense that you are fatigued and your T level is in the tank.

I did talk to my doctor, and he said, flat out, at my age insurance wouldn't cover it, and that it was a byproduct of training so much.

My plan is to finish out this season and accept the symptoms as a cost of long course racing. Once winter rolls around, I'm going to cut back for a few months, lift heavy (like Stronglifts 5x5 or some other massive, iron-pumping, calorie-surplus, bulking program), put on some muscle, and put my T-levels back to the moon, and **** my wife like it's my wedding night.

That being said, you won't find any negative judgment from me on doping. I would probably do it, if I had the money to blow and a compliant doctor. Free speed and recovery is great. I can't even imagine how much more quality my workouts would have if my T levels to double or triple. Fatigue resistance, muscle building, sex drive, energy use - all driven by testosterone. Heck, I'm one Clenbuterol cycle away from being as lean as a cheetah. Adding 50 watts to my FTP in 60 days - which vein do you want to put the needle in?

I would add one more note: get a second opinion. As an older male, living in Florida, you're going to be hitting that demographic where the doctors want to prescribe you all kinds of things, with answers in a bottle. Your doc may not understand the effects of triathlon training on the body, or weight loss, or the combination. My doc was candid and subtle as a brick wall about it - but I'm certain I could find another opinion with not a lot of research.

Sorry to hear about it; I sympathize and understand. It sucks, it really does.

adempsey10

2014-05-02 9:10 AM

in reply to: 0

423

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

I started doing some research after I read your post about low T levels for my old man's sake (he's 47 and starting to notice the effects of decreased T production). Anyways, I discovered that like mirthful dragon (sorry friend, I don't know your real name yet) said endurance training can reduce production. I did discover, however, that short high intensity workouts can significantly increase production of testosterone. 30 second of warmup, 90 seconds of hard interval to the absolute max and then 60 seconds of recovery and repeat (the first two) can boost T production by 20%. Lack of zinc and vitamin D can lower T production. Zinc is hard to get from most foods because modern agricultural practices strip the soil of many nutrients (including zinc). Stress is also a major factor in low T-levels. Heavy lifting can increase T production as well. Losing weight and intermittent fasting can also trigger T production. Obviously becareful with fasting during heavy training as that can have other negative effects that outdo any gains you get from it.

In addition, I also read some interesting research about testosterone and cortisol levels and body language. Standing and sitting in power positions can cause spikes of T levels and Cortisol in the brain after just 2 minutes. Things like making eye contact in conversation, standing in power poses (like Wonder Woman, legs apart, hands on hips) sitting with legs spread and arms open, leaning back in your chair with feet up can increase T production. Present yourself as a macho dude and your body will start to match your attitude physiologically. Put a little swagger in your step. Basically the research shows that acting like a guy who has lots of testosterone can trick your body into producing more of it.

Edited by adempsey10 2014-05-02 9:13 AM

http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/dropping-in/I-Couldn-t-Be-More-Positive.html

2014-05-02 10:03 AM

in reply to: adempsey10

Extreme Veteran

968

Cape Coral, FL

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

Originally posted by adempsey10

This story might be of use to you.

Great read. Thanks. It's an eye opener for sure.

After reading that and hearing what Charles had to say I need to rethink this. If I say no my wife will be pissed since they only give me 12 little blue pills every 90 days. On the other hand if I say yes I'm a cheater. I need to find which is more important to me, being labeled a cheat or sleeping on the couch. I still have 2 weeks before my appointment to mull this over. As for the cost, there is none since it's all covered under my VA insurance. I will try some natural methods and see if that helps at all.

I guess when they say a family suffers when you train long they weren't kidding

2014-05-02 10:20 AM

in reply to: Burd

Extreme Veteran

2098

Alberta

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

Originally posted by Burd

Originally posted by thor67

Originally posted by Burd How do I get in on the weight challenge? I'd like to drop about 2 a week as well. Let me know what my penalty would be

Pic to come on Friday.

Seeing as how you are warm weather year around your penalty should of course be worse.

I vote for Nascar, with a shot of warm beer after every lap while riding your bike on the trainer...

If that isn't motivation I don't know what is. Am I allowed to throw up every 20 laps?

Are you throwing up because of the beer or the NASCAR race??(Sorry David..., you probably feel the same about hockey!)

2014-05-02 10:21 AM

in reply to: thor67

Extreme Veteran

968

Cape Coral, FL

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

Originally posted by thor67

Originally posted by Burd

Originally posted by thor67

Originally posted by Burd How do I get in on the weight challenge? I'd like to drop about 2 a week as well. Let me know what my penalty would be

Pic to come on Friday.

Seeing as how you are warm weather year around your penalty should of course be worse.

I vote for Nascar, with a shot of warm beer after every lap while riding your bike on the trainer...

If that isn't motivation I don't know what is. Am I allowed to throw up every 20 laps?

Are you throwing up because of the beer or the NASCAR race??(Sorry David..., you probably feel the same about hockey!)

BOTH!

2014-05-02 10:53 AM

in reply to: Qua17

Extreme Veteran

2098

Alberta

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

Back is feeling not too bad today...tempted to take it for a test drive run.

Tomorrow will try a short run and go for a swim.

This weekend, our family has NOTHING scheduled!! Last time that happed was probably in August!

The negative....high of 39F tomorrow with a chance of snow/rain Sunday...no beer...

Have a great weekend everyone!

Qua17

2014-05-02 9:50 PM

in reply to: Burd

Expert

4269

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

Originally posted by Burd

I have a very serious question to put out there. This is weighing on my mind pretty heavy. I got my lab reports back and it turns out my testosterone is extremely low. My doctor prescribed a shot every 2 weeks which starts on the 17th. By taking my prescribed injections am I considered a doper? I hate to think I am "cheating" by doing this. I don't think this is enough to see any performance gains is it? I assume it's not the same as the guy at the gym hitting the juice to bulk up since I would be taking it as prescribed under medical supervision. I am very worried with my race season starting. Do amateurs need to report something like this to anyone? If so, who do I tell? I'm honestly thinking of dealing with the fatigue and other negative effects until after race season. My doctor told me that's not a wise choice though.

As a guy who puts honesty first - I completely get where you are coming from Alex. But as fast as you are on the bike - you're no Lance Armstrong and you're not competing in the Tour...You're taking proscribed medicine for a legitimate medical condition. Hmmm... I want to sleep on this... I'll post tomorrow.

I'm in Cleveland and had by beers of local beers. Our football team may blow but our beer does not!

2014-05-03 10:04 AM

in reply to: Burd

Veteran

706

Illinois

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

Originally posted by Burd

Originally posted by adempsey10

Great read. Thanks. It's an eye opener for sure.

After reading that and hearing what Charles had to say I need to rethink this. [...] I still have 2 weeks before my appointment to mull this over. As for the cost, there is none since it's all covered under my VA insurance. I will try some natural methods and see if that helps at all.

I guess when they say a family suffers when you train long they weren't kidding

I looked over my lab results - my testosterone levels were 259ng/dl in December.

Syndiethea

2014-05-04 1:23 AM

in reply to: mirthfuldragon

Expert

1058

Fallon, Nevada

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

Helllloooo there friends...

So my husband told me I was getting too skinny; I haven't lost a pound nor gone down a size. He also included, "you need to lift weights"...not sure how I feel about those comments. He has not commented on my weight, EVER, in the 30 years we have been married and he was not being snide or snarky.He was just making a statement.

Its gotta be the yoga! Been doing a lot of hot yoga...omg...it is hooooot! Love it because the results are measurable. What I couldn't do three weeks ago I can now. I am getting leaner and stronger and I think that is what is noticeable. My co workers also make comments about me losing weight but seriously, my clothes don't fit any differently and I weigh the same. Strange but true...

Still molasses slow and haven't trained too much...run a couple of miles every other day but not really training. I have not signed up for additional races, with the cost of putting in a new septic system dollars are sparse.

Finals next week and my Friday nights will be mine once more...who has class on a Friday night????Seriously!

Going to review some races and catch up on your updates.

2014-05-05 8:01 AM

in reply to: SportzVision

Extreme Veteran

2098

Alberta

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

Hey Cynthia, good to see you still alive! Never a bad thing when people consider you skinny especially when you have not lost any weight.! School is out, time to pick a race and start training!

Originally posted by SportzVision Helllloooo there friends... So my husband told me I was getting too skinny; I haven't lost a pound nor gone down a size. He also included, "you need to lift weights"...not sure how I feel about those comments. He has not commented on my weight, EVER, in the 30 years we have been married and he was not being snide or snarky.He was just making a statement. Its gotta be the yoga! Been doing a lot of hot yoga...omg...it is hooooot! Love it because the results are measurable. What I couldn't do three weeks ago I can now. I am getting leaner and stronger and I think that is what is noticeable. My co workers also make comments about me losing weight but seriously, my clothes don't fit any differently and I weigh the same. Strange but true... Still molasses slow and haven't trained too much...run a couple of miles every other day but not really training. I have not signed up for additional races, with the cost of putting in a new septic system dollars are sparse. Finals next week and my Friday nights will be mine once more...who has class on a Friday night????Seriously! Going to review some races and catch up on your updates.

2014-05-05 8:06 AM

in reply to: 0

Extreme Veteran

2098

Alberta

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

Well started snowing Saturday and finally stopped sometime last night. Soooo sick of snow. I had a pretty good weekend calorie wise. Weekends seem to be my caloric downfall. Thanks to BDAAS, I managed to hold back on my eating.

Also managed to get in a couple of swims, one with my son and one with my daughter.

Great start to the week with a swim this morning with my wife. Going for run at lunch or after supper today depending on work schedule.

Edited by thor67 2014-05-05 8:07 AM

2014-05-05 8:09 AM

in reply to: Qua17

Extreme Veteran

2098

Alberta

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

Weekly goals:
3 swim.

3 run.

2 bike.

Lose 2lbs.

2014-05-05 10:52 AM

in reply to: thor67

Veteran

706

Illinois

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

Originally posted by thor67

Also managed to get in a couple of swims, one with my son and one with my daughter.

Great start to the week with a swim this morning with my wife. Going for run at lunch or after supper today depending on work schedule.

Snow in May? Yikes. #houseforsale

2014-05-05 10:55 AM

in reply to: mirthfuldragon

Veteran

706

Illinois

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

Another great weekend with Miss Cryin' Shame. 60-miler, riding from Deerfield to the Wisconsin border and back again. All straight, smooth roads with minimal climbing, so I got to spend a lot of time in aero, basically time-trialing. Roads run due north and south, so of course I was getting hit with a 15mph wind out of the northwest, meaning I got to buck a headwind all the way north and got blown around like a leaf all the way back. Yuck. Weather is finally turning nice though.

A light week, coming up for me, finishing with another 60 miler plus a brick run. 27 days until Quassy.

2014-05-05 10:55 AM

in reply to: mirthfuldragon

Extreme Veteran

2098

Alberta

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

Yeah, snow...so done with winter...needless to say there was NO biking this past weekend. Today it is not too bad with a high of 50F but tomorrow's high...39F with showers.

Originally posted by mirthfuldragon

Originally posted by thor67

Also managed to get in a couple of swims, one with my son and one with my daughter.

Great start to the week with a swim this morning with my wife. Going for run at lunch or after supper today depending on work schedule.

Snow in May? Yikes. #houseforsale

2014-05-05 2:06 PM

in reply to: Qua17

Extreme Veteran

2098

Alberta

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

Wow, not sure if it was a week of clean(er) eating or good calorie counting but I felt pretty damn good during my lunch run today...best I have felt running this year...

Juancho

2014-05-05 4:14 PM

in reply to: mirthfuldragon

New user

669

Madrid

Subject: RE: Beer Drinker Appreciation/Accountability Society 3 - Closed

Bit late to answer, but:
- never music while riding, sometimesin the water, always while running with the only exception of races
- testosterone, if prescribed by a doctor, cannot be considered cheating; there are plenty of examples among sportsmen, and we all know the 'cheaters', I would not worry too much
- need to lose 4kg (8 pounds), here is the picture (in kgs)