My Journey as an Aging Athlete

As an aging triathlete, my journey has been filled with highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks. Every racing season, without fail, I suffered injuries. Determined to push through the pain, I relied on tools like Training Peaks, Strava, Whoop and even the Oura ring to monitor my recovery. Yet, despite the data screaming for rest, I often chose to override my recovery score and train hard, driven by the need to adhere to my rigorous training plan.

Ignoring Athletic Recovery

My focus was always on hitting my FTP, watching an upward trajectory CTL, counting calories, and meticulously tracking macros. This dedication came at a cost though. I ignored proper recovery protocols, believing that sticking to my training plan was most important.

I have always been dedicated to proper nutrition - especially as an athlete. Little did I know, the protein powder I was consuming, made from whey, was causing silent inflammation. After taking a food sensitivity test, I discovered that I was sensitive to cow dairy. I wouldn’t have known this if I hadn’t taken an MRT test and without knowing, my body was responding with inflammation - a silent enemy, preventing my body from recovering effectively.

Not only was I creating inflammation with my daily whey protein shakes, but my go-to pre-training and pre-race meal was a rice cake with peanut butter. Sadly, that MRT food sensitivity test also revealed that I was highly reactive to peanuts. This revelation was a game-changer. It opened my eyes to the importance of understanding my body's unique nutritional needs and how certain foods were sabotaging my performance and recovery.

The Impact of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition

The true turning point in my journey came when I began studying and eventually becoming a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN) Practitioner. Through taking the core five functional labs and establishing my metabolic typing diet, I gained a deep understanding of my body's needs. No longer did I count calories obsessively. Instead, I learned how to fuel my body efficiently (with specific foods for me) and work out without over-stressing my system.

FDN taught me to listen to my body and respect its signals. By identifying and eliminating foods that caused inflammation, I optimized my diet for better performance and recovery. I replaced whey protein with whole foods protein (yes, I can tolerate eggs) that suited my body, and I found pre-training meals that didn't trigger adverse reactions. This holistic approach transformed my training regimen.

The results were profound. My energy levels soared, my performance improved, and I experienced fewer injuries. I realized that true athletic success isn't just about intense training; it's about smart training and comprehensive wellness. Recovery became a priority, and I embraced rest days without guilt. My body responded positively, rewarding me with enhanced endurance and strength.

Reflecting on my journey, I understand the importance of personalized health strategies. The combination of advanced monitoring tools like the Whoop and Oura ring, along with the invaluable insights from FDN, empowered me to train smarter, not harder. As an aging athlete, embracing recovery and understanding my body's unique needs have been the keys to sustaining my athletic passion.

Balancing Training and Wellness

If you're an aging athlete facing similar challenges, I encourage you to explore tools and resources that offer personalized insights. Embrace recovery, listen to your body, and don't be afraid to adjust your training plan based on what it needs. The path to optimal performance lies in balancing hard work with smart, informed decisions about your health and wellness.