I’m taking a poll. Clearly, I drink throughout the year — as almost everyone knows. But, many people lay off the alcohol when preparing for a race. And, even I tend to tone it down in the weeks before a big target race — if for no other reason than to get down to race weight. I know there are studies saying that alcohol causes all kinds of muscle damage and/or is detrimental to training gains. It also tends to make you eat poorly and more, and make it hard to recover well, sleep enough, and get all your training in like you should. Also, it’s empty calories.
For me, though, creating arbitrary restrictions stresses me out and makes triathlon a chore, instead of fun. The last thing I need is more stress about triathlon. It’s not that I want to party hard every weekend, but I want to drink a glass of wine without worrying that means I’m throwing away a Kona spot.
Am I alone? Do you lay off the alcohol during the season? Part of the season?