3500 calories a day - too much for 1/2 IM?

I struggle with this as well (think you were part of the "Hunger and Training" discussion I started in the other group). If I eat too little, I'm fatigued and can't train, but if I eat whenever I'm hungry, I end up eating like a beast and either maintaining my weight or gaining a little. From what I understand, you need to know your basal metabolic rate, then figure how many extra calories you need based on training volume. I have a Tanita body composition scale and the BMR it reports is the same as what I've been able to calculate with some generic formulas online.

Has anyone seen a nutritionist for training? I've been considering it for years, but haven't yet given it a shot. I wonder if it's worth it. 

I am going to do some fitness testing in a few weeks (after my first tri). For around $150 I'll get VO2 max, heart rate zones, and base metabolic rate. I've been using generic web calculators to get values for most of that stuff so I am curious how the measured values will compare.

Brent

I am a little hesitant to rely on those online calculators. After experimenting with 3-4 different sites, They all were different ranging from 2800-3500 (21 year old male, active lifestyle). I lean toward  estimates that specifically factor in the type and length of activity you perform in a day - however it still leaves out the internal data. I found Nutritiondata.com to be a pretty good one.  

Based on my experience and knowledge, I'd say 3500 is pretty good estimate for someone your age, size, and expenditure. If your finding your losing more weight (and don't want to) add some protien calories. Trial and error, along with understanding what your body is feeling relevant to what it needs is the best way to go. No individual knows more about you than yourself - except some technology mentioned above.