Running into a wall

actusreus · #1 (**permalink**) 03-16-2008, 05:51 AM

I'm 34, male, weigh 208, at 6'4.

This week is a little better than standard, but here's what i did:

Monday: 3 miles jogging, medium intensity with lap of sprinting at the end, 45 dumbell curls after.
Tuesday: Same
Wednesday: Play basketball for 1.5 hours.
Thursday: Same as Monday and Tuesday
Friday: Same, increased run by 1 lap, also sprinting.
Saturday: Basketball, 2 hours.

I think I ate fairly healthy this week:

No eating out, very few sweets (a couple of popsicles, 1 kid's size chocolate bar, the rest medium portions of things like chicken stir fry, spinach brown rice and salmon, chicken burrito, oatmeal and raisins with skim milk or no fat yogurt and fruit every morning, tons of water.)

Here's my question: How come I can't keep my wind for any sustained period when I play ball? I guarantee I work out a lot more than most guys on that court, but after 1 or maybe 2 sprints down the court, I'm totally winded. In addition, I've lost weight at this rate (was 235 16 months ago), but I haven't seen lower than 207 since I started running.) Shouldn't som of my jogging cardio translate to the ball court? I mean, it's not like I'm loafing on the treadmill, I'm soaked and gasping for air when I get done.

Any suggestions?

Cheryl · #2 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008, 05:25 PM

Okay ! You are doing really well ! so be proud of yourself !! You don't really have a lot to lose.....Your BMI right now is at a healthy range....for now....If you want a BMI of 22 or so....then your goal weight would be around 180...

Your diet is okay.....I'd rather you eat dark chocolate than whatever the kids candy bar is.....3 dark chocolate Lindt balls are about 200 calories...and they are filled with anti-oxidants and magnesium...

I would add some beta carotene....like sweet potatoes, mangoes, cantaloupe
also some vit. C ...strawberries, grapefruit, kiwi.....
potassium...bananas...also add some vit e....almonds , avocados...

Okay!!! You are getting winded because you are not working out aerobically...you are working out anaerobically( when you're playing ball) ....quick burst of energy...which is a great way to burn the MOST calories.....the only way to improve your breathing is by pacing yourself when you jog.....and everyone is different and has different issues. Do you have allergies? or asthma? Have you ever lived with a smoker? All these factors can affect you cardiovascularly.

I really wouldn't worry about too much. But definitely get it checked out to rule out anything, especially if you are feeling any tightness in your chest. Having a low resting heart rate takes a long time of conditioning....My resting heart rate in around 54 or so....and I work out at 95% my maximum heart rate.....
Also, you should find that your heart rate comes down after about 10 minutes or so after your workout...so keep in mind that even though your heart rate spikes up there...it's the Recovery time....getting back to your resting heart rate is where the real concern is!!!

I hope I helped you out!!
CheryL : )