I went swimming today! 🏊♀️ It felt so good. It seems like it's been so long since I've felt well enough too. That sore throat I started with a few months ago turned into a serious cough that took a long time to get rid of. I went back to the doctor, and they have me medicine that finally knocked it out.
I often drink EAA's in my water and drink quite a bit before, during, and after my swim. It has electrolytes as well as the EAA's (Essential Amino Acids.) I like it for the taste, electrolytes, and helping me keep up with the Amino Acid intake in case my protein isn't quite as high as I'd like. I like EAA's better than BCAA's because EAA's contain all of the essential amino acids (including BCAA's.)
BCAA's have their place though. Anyone know what is special about BCAA's (Branch Chain Amino Acids)? I thought it was fun to learn about them in college nutrition. They are special amino acids that do not have to go through the body's security checkpoint (the liver.) Instead, they bypass the liver and get absorbed quickly. They are kind of the first on scene for building and repairing muscle when the body needs it, so they definitely have value as a standalone product.
I've been feeling stronger with the all-body workouts I have been doing. Since the workouts are long, my endurance is up even without the running and bike rides lately. I need to get out there and run on some of the nicer fall days. I have to plan it out since the days are so short and I prefer to get out mid-day (the same with swimming, like today.)
It was fun for me as well because when I looked in the mirror in the locker room, I can see that my body composition is changing and some of my definition just starting to come back! I must keep going with my deficit days and measuring it out! There were 8 days so for this month, 5 were true deficit days and 3 days were more like TDEE days. See, we don't have to be perfect and having some TDEE days is good for us. TDEE days means we are eating what our body needs! Do not beat yourself up for eating what your body really needs. This is what you will need to do most days when you are maintaining, so it's good training. ENJOY your food, it's not the enemy. But at the same time, if you need to lose some body fat you are going to have to endure a few more deficit days each week until you reach your goal.
I like the EAA's because they don't have any stimulants. Not that I don't like the typical pre-workout products. Many of you use them so I'll list them out with a little education:
This is a well-rounded pre workout. It’s high stimulant (300mg caffeine), a full serving of creatine, and has other ingredients to help with endurance as well as blood flow. If you are not "feeling it" for a workout this can really get you going. But so can the Megawatt which is up next.
This has a lower stimulant amount (150mg caffeine) and is essentially caffeine, vitamins, electrolytes and some special ingredients to help with energy and focus. It can be used pre-workout or through the day. Yes, you can mix this with enduraformance as well as alphasurge!
This has stimulant but has a full serving of creatine and loaded with ingredients to help with endurance. Even though it has no caffeine it can still help with focus. I love this product for my long bike rides.
This has no stimulant and is formulated to create more blood flow which can help deliver nutrients to muscles and help create a “pump” feeling that people like. If you want a super pump, add this to project-1! I love using this when I'm lifting weights in the evenings because it has no stimulants. This is not something you want to use for endurance activities. Save it for really pumping it with the bigger weights.
Honorable mentions: Yes, you can use things like ultra-formance, EAA's, BCAA's, and even formula-1 and ignition as “pre-workout” but those are similar to fuel sources rather than trying to help with muscular energy. I actually use these most often!
I like to have a little of each on hand depending on what I'm doing and what time of day. I don't consume stimulants in the afternoon or evening.
On any of the affiliate links I've provided above, you can check the ingredient list by scrolling down and you'll see an ingredient tab.
If you have any questions, please let me know!
Let me know which is your favorite. Mina, I know you don't have these available in Korea 😉
Roberta
Never Settle
Never Give Up
Live Your Dream
Actually I've been waiting for your photo at swimming pool! 🏊♀️ I just love to see it.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear you're finally recovered from the cough and sore throat.
Thank you very much for the list. All your precious knowledge guide me and other nibbles to better life.
Enduraformance sounds good for me. I need to reduce caffeine and some substitute instead. 😅
I have to be careful with caffeine. I just have my cup of coffee ☕️ every morning. Yum!
DeleteWhat do you think of suspending caffeine use for a week before a half marathon and then having coffee the morning of (before)???
ReplyDeleteThe past few events (maybe one a year), it has taken me several miles to mellow out and enjoy the run. I'm not sure why, other than maybe too much solo running so then being around a lot of fast people.. no bueno for my head. Thinking it's time to change sports or just stop signing up... But signing up is a good motivator. I'm happy to see you swim! Guess we gotta switch out up now and then..
Hi Judy,
DeleteI like running as well but have never tried half marathon. It's amazing you've signed up it for years. I agree. It must be a good motivator.
Hi Judy!
DeleteI think exercise variety is good, especially when we get older. I used to mainly run for several decades, then had to learn to swim when my hips were getting bad. Now I can run again, but just go 5 miles. I run, swim, bike hike, and lift weights all on a pretty regular basis. In the winter I will probably swim and lift weights a bit more because running and biking outside isn't always possible with snow. I love doing nearly all those cardio at least 1-2 times a week, there are always only 7 days per week so we can only do so much. I'm never bored!
On the caffeine, I would just keep having it with no break. We all tend to go too hard at the beginning of races. I learned to pace myself because I found I finished overall faster for the races when I could pick up the pace at the end. I always loved finishing strong. Proper training can make that feel so wonderful. And the first few miles of the races you have to be patient and let those people pass you, it's fun to pass them later when they burn out, which most will.
Glad you are staying active!