'Bonking' or running out of energy

[Rockid]

 

 

I recently competed in a race and bonked.  I crawled along to the finish.  I guess I went out to fast and did not eat right.  Is this good or bad for my training?  Does it toughen up your body, or simply put it under so much stress that it is bad for training?  Can an occasional bonk be beneficial?

 

 

 

 

[porky]

A bonk is never beneficial, you just ran out of fuel and your body shut down.

 

Bonking dosnt have as much to do with under training, as with fuelling your system for the entire length of the event, once you bonk, thats it, its very hard to catch up again even if you load up with Gu and energy drinks afterwards.

 

Dos it toughen you up - NO

 

Can it be beneficial - NO

 

Is it bad for training - maybe in the sense it may take you a bit longer to recover than normal in the short term - a dat or two, but it wont do your long term goal any harm.

 

I bonked badly at Two oceans a few years ago, ended up walking and sitting and walking the last 10 kms,it was hell, took me a week to feel better again.

 

I feel for you, its awefull.

 

porky2008-10-18 07:49:59

[Iwan Kemp]

Useful pro advise on the topic here:

 

http://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/article/training-running-on-empty-18071

[Rockid]

Thank you.  Interesting article.

[Dirtbreath]

Bonking and over training have the same detrimental effect on your immune system. That's why many people get sick when they are training hard.

I make sure I stay well away from over training. Better safe than sorry.

[porky]

Bonking and over training have the same detrimental effect on your immune system. That's why many people get sick when they are training hard.

I make sure I stay well away from over training. Better safe than sorry.

 

Yeah, cant agree more, I read that "rest" is directly related to athletic  performance, .................so for the last two years I have been "resting" myself into shape.!