I am sorry, but call me an idiot. . . I am trying to figure out why someone cannot train to run long distances (13.1 - 26.2 miles) or compete in an International Triathlon while bodybuilding for a figure competition. Cross training is essential in any workout(s). So, can someone explain why I keep being told I have to chose one or the other Triathlons (running long distance) or Figure
thanks,
Planwrecker

The running will destroy muscle fibers that are essential to gaining and maintaining your muscle mass. I suppose here and there wouldnt hurt but the running will burn up alot of muscle. I guess if one were to be doing figure or somthin along those lines then maybe because large amounts of muscle mass arent as prominent as in fitness/bodybuilding

Is there anything that you can take as a supplement that will lessen the deterioration of muscle during running. I am currently taking glutamine, density, lean out, UMP anything else? I did a figure competition in April and want to compete again in the fall, but I am also training for a sprint and international triathlon,as well as, a full marathon in September. Otherwise I am doing 5k's here and there.

You can add glutamine select in there as well, drinking before you run and after, but honestly like the advice you have gotten before I would choose one or the other. You can do both but you are defeating the purpose of figure if you go out and run 26 miles a wk and burn off the muscle you are trying to gain or keep. Running for long distances like that keep the heart rate to high for to long of a period. You could try carb loading a **** ton before and after sessions to hopefully have enough glycogen in your muscles that your body will use that and not the muscle itself. Think about it this way, do you ever see long distance runners that are very muscular? Now look at sprinters who are always incorporating invertal training where you allow the heart rate to come back down. Those athletes are always shredded and muscular.

Thanks, that puts it into better perspective. You are right, there are some pretty lean distance runners. I guess I will make heavy lifting my winter sport (Oct-March) to compete in the early spring for a figure competition. I did it last winter (Nov - April). I need to really work on my backside. Back, glutes, hams. My arms (upper body was good). I will also continue to lift during cross training days and hope for the best. Thanks! I love this discussion board.

I would also refer to the recent Diet suggestions/critique topic in the diet section for more insight. It involves figure comp and endurance training. But, her goal is not at the distances you're talking about.

I'd say with sprint distances or half marathon you'd be fine. But as others have said, once you're getting up to full marathons, ironman distance, half ironman, etc it would be difficult to do unless you're just one of the very rare people that are just athleticly muscular no matter what you do or don't do. Now sure, you can "do" both. But acheiving your best at both (at those distances) at the same time will be contradictory. Just the amount of weight training needed for physique competition will hinder long distance running - and vice versa. Your body has to recover and "extremes" of aerobic and anaerobics at that same time can drain your whole neuromuscular system. Doing the two sports in different seasons like you mentioned would be recommended.

I'd add Up-Lift to what your currently taking. And without even knowing how much you're taking, you can likely benefit from more Glutamine Select and Density. You won't take too much but you can certainly take to little as active as you are.

Steven Wade
Beverly International

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SWade,

Jared nailed it. Carb load for each session more than 10k. All of those supps are good but the one most overlooked is Energy Reserve. 3 to 5 tabs increases fat utilization and most of all, PERSERVES LEAN MASS!

Here is a key point to remember: You are wanting to compete in figure, not body building. Great big difference. Figure competitors are to be lean, but not muscular and now, I'm not sure how lean. Lately, the women with the crisp, hard, well defined abs are not placing high in figure, at least here in TX.