Performance?
18. Nov, 2009 
5 Comments
It’s Day 11 of the Paleo Challenge! There have been, for me, 8 workouts since we started and pretty much all I can say is, “Meh.” I’ve been doing 85% paleo since August so dialing in hasn’t been a major lifestyle overhaul. That’s not to say it hasn’t been a challenge. There are things that in an 85% world I would be enjoying right now. But, for now, I’m not having those things.
When it comes to my performance during WODs I’ve been feeling weaker and less coordinated over the past couple of weeks. Last Friday I couldn’t string together more than two or three pull ups at a time. That’s incredibly odd for me. I can usually get double that when I’m really struggling. Fran on Saturday felt insanely heavy (even though I did PR). This Monday my running was a bigger chore than normal. And today, well, I scaled down (mainly because of my elbow but also because rx just wasn’t going up with good/safe form). As for coordination, I’ve hit my own head getting in and out of my car more than twice this week alone. I hold on to railings for dear life when descending stairs and I’ve been thisclose to eating sidewalk in front of cute boys numerous times. (Somebody, please tell me clumsy is endearing and make me feel better!)
I’m not sure if I’m simply going through a slump or if it’s a direct result of my diet. Most likely, it’s a little bit of everything. Hopefully, my energy and work output will both improve in Week 3. I’ll be sure to revisit with an update. Until then, it’s “Fake It Till You Make It” time!
How is everyone else’s performance being affected by going Paleo?
Author Info
Dave calls me “dropsy” during certain times of the month because when my hormones go wackadoodle (ovulation and menstruation), I get super klutzy. Like, I walk INTO instead of through doorways, I drop everything I pick up, I smack my head on things…
No need to get overly personal with us, but maybe you’re in a certain part of your cycle OR maybe there is a hormone-food connection that’s mimicking that time in the cycle? Maybe another question for Robb Wolf.
“Wackadoodle” ..another winner Mel:)
Georgia…I’ll have a couple strong days and then maybe a couple weak days.When I completed 9 days straight I was finally starting to have more consistant energy…..
Hang in there!
B
Hey Georgia – check Robb Wolf’s first podcast that Lisa posted – starting at the 6 minute mark he talks about performance in CF WOD’s suffering initially for around 3 weeks when going to a low carb, high fat-protein intake or switching diets.
He does say performance suffers initially until the body adapts and you should see better work output and strength post the 3 week mark.
Hang in there girl – you’ll be back on top soon
Remember that when we make chnages like this to our diets, our bodies are confused. We’re taking out macronutrients that we used to have, particularly carbs and fat.
Robb Wolf suggests that if you’re feeling sluggish, bump up your fat intake, and then make sure you’re eating enough carbs. After workouts, hit that dense starchy carb like a
sweet potato.
The short of it is that you have to play to see what works for you.
My body has been confused for months! LOL
My primary focus right now is to focus on eating within the guidelines and NOT paying attention to Zone blocks. I’m hoping that by simply eating when hungry, stopping when satisfied, and balancing meals but respecting the cravings will help balance my system back out.
When it comes to my performance in the box, I’m ok with it being slow/weak for a bit if it means that my hormones and body comp get corrected.