Pasta and/or adequate rest = horrible performance?

[mwalsh]

Anyone else notice that when they've had pasta and/or a good night's rest the next day's workout is particularly difficult? I've noticed this a few times now, most recently after spaghetti for dinner on Monday and a decent night's sleep- my workout Tuesday was pretty grueling and I ended up bailing from the treadmill after just 35 minutes (though I was able to do 20 minutes on the erg).

Actually when I sleep the night through and get 8 hours (which is pretty abnormal for me) I kinda feel the same way, even without the pasta. I seem to do better a bit sleep deprived (say 5-6 hours worth). Today after a "normal" night's sleep, which for me is basically 3-4 hours sleeping, then awake for 2-3 hours, then back to sleep for another 2-3 hours, I did just fine! Oh, and we had turkey burgers for dinner.

I'm probably simplifying things a bit, but I thought conventional wisdom called for a pasta party before a competition event? I really don't think it would do much for me.

[ChrisPBacon]

Perhaps related to your morning cortisol level?

[ArmandoChavezUNC]

Sounds like a very personal thing to me. Doesn't make any sense, really, within the context of what science/research shows.

Perhaps there are confounding factors you're not taking into consideration?

[jamesg]

A good warm-up can usually sort out any bugs, not that what I had for dinner 12 hours before can make much difference.

Anyway the usual rule is, if we want to fight another day, let's not kill ourselves right now. We have a choice of WOs; if a 50 minute fast UT2 at very low rating, or an even faster 5x10 UT1 both sound like slow death, a quick 2x10' or 3x7' AT can clear conscience with little bother.

[ohCanada]

... a choice of WOs; if a 50 minute fast UT2 at very low rating, or an even faster 5x10 UT1 both sound like slow death, a quick 2x10' or 3x7' AT can clear conscience with little bother.

Newb question, James:
What do you mean by "at very low rating"? What is it specifically that is at a low rating? the damper? the speed/500m? I assume the "fast" part is S/M, but is that right?
Thanks.

[jamesg]

Low rating is 18-22 spm on erg, 20-24 afloat. Rating is strokes per minute.

We train like this but with nearly the same full stroke as in racing (at >30) to reduce the CV load and consequent Lactate production. This lets us keep going for as long as we want, to train both the stroke and the lactate clearance system and so reinforce endurance.

[ohCanada]

Thank you.