Tendon Problems and Answers

From Endurance Corner

Loosely defined, a tendon injury which goes on for months (or years -- anyone?) with associated tenderness, limitation to range of motion and overall function may be determined to be a tendinosis. Tendinosis implies the tendon is no longer actively inflamed, but instead its tissue has entered a static phase characterized by fibrous tissue replacing healthy tendon. The situation may even be made worse by anti-inflammatory medications.

Big vs Small Athletes

From Endurance Corner

While it may seem so, the message here is not lose weight and get small at all costs. The greatest proportion of the vast majority of IM races is made up of relatively flat cycling. As previously mentioned, the prime determinant in your performance here is power:frontal area. Your frontal area is relatively fixed by your body frame and dimensions. Therefore, you need the right size engine for your chassis in order to be an effective flat cyclist and ironman. However, if you are an athlete with a larger chassis, choosing flatter, cooler courses may prove beneficial to your relative performance.

Fueling is Different for Males and Females

From NY Times

Why women respond differently seems obvious. Women are, after all, awash in the hormone estrogen, which, some new science suggests, has greater effects on metabolism and muscle health than was once imagined. Some studies have found that postmenopausal women who take estrogen replacement have healthier muscles than postmenopausal women who do not. Even more striking, in several experiments, researchers from McMaster University in Canada gave estrogen to male athletes and then had them complete strenuous bicycling sessions. The men seemed to have developed entirely new metabolisms. They burned more fat and a smaller percentage of protein or carbohydrates to fuel their exertions, just as women do.