Low Carb and High Performance

[Steve Shafley]

When we're talking about "bonking" during metcon and low carb, what are we talking about here?

I've had it two ways

The first was like a dramatic build-up of lactic acid, and I had to stop to let it clear, then I could move on.

The second felt like complete and utter substrate depletion, probably akin to the classic bonk. It felt very much like when I would perform depletion work when experimenting with Duchaine's BodyOpus diet.

[Craig Cooper]

My experience with bonking has always been of the complete and utter substrate depletion variety. It's like I've all of a sudden gained 50lbs, and my lungs are being compressed.

The most vivid of these experiences was my complete breakdown during Fight Gone Bad. I ended up with a 247.

[Mike ODonnell]

My idea of bonking is trying to sprint or accelerate and I have nothing....no speed and my athletic performance is hindered.....all depends on the activity as some events you may be able to sustain at a lower intensity....but for pure explosiveness and speed short term I need that fuel.....the key word being more short term than sustained.

[Brad Hirakawa]

(Small world.. I just saw the ketogenic diet article at work, before reading this thread.)

I like Robb's idea.... if a lower carb diet does affect athletic performance but allows for better overall health, I'm okay with that. I'm okay with not being the biggest bad ass at the gym (my garage) if it will increase my chances of living a longer and healthier life.

Brad

[Brad Hirakawa]

Robbsan... so... keeping yourself in a ketogenic state will not necessarily keep you in a glycogen depleated state?

Are metcon workouts the only way to test the idea, or is there a blood biochem test I can run at the lab? I do have access to some fancy blood-serum-plasma machines. If it requires me taking a biopsy of liver or muscle, I'll pass!

Sorry for the entry level questions, but this sort of science is new to me. We become very specialized in the lab, and this is way out of my realm.

Thanks

[Robb Wolf]

Brad-

I "think" one can have muscular glycogen topped off but remain in ketosis by putting carbs into the post WO period and intermittent fasting. I think I mentioned to you a few people have noted ketones via ketostrips under this approach.