FAQ’s
Q: How many calories do you eat in a typical day as you train?
Gary: “Not enough! It’s the biggest challenge. I eat about 4,000 calories and I really struggle to consume enough calories to recover and re-fuel for the next days’ training. Fluid intake is huge, but it can also give you the sensation that you are full and prevent you from eating enough. I now rely a lot on smoothies – liquid nutrition – to boost my calories and fluid at the same time.”
Q: How important is the quality of food you eat for performance?
Gary: “I have built my nutrition on tons of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains like Ezekiel Bread, eggs, and lean protein like fish and turkey. You just can’t afford to eat garbage, but every now and then I allow myself a treat – it’s more for mental relief. And sometimes I’m craving a burger so I’ll eat it because my body is probably deficient in something. I really have to listen to my body!”
Q: How do you balance the # of hours required for training with work and family priorities?
Gary: “It’s really a matter of priorities and planning. At the end of the day, family always comes first. But I have to be very strategic in using time when my wife and kids are engaged in other activities. And I also try to take advantage of the early morning hours before everyone else is up. It’s a matter of making choices every day. My wife and I take a look at the schedule for the week and fit it in. She knows how important this is to me and we work together to make it work. While most guys are out golfing, I’m on the bike, in the pool, or on the road.”
Q: How important is it to have a Coach?
Gary: The most important things my coach brings are real experience, motivation, and a plan. He has mapped out my plan so I don’t even have to think about what I have to do each day. He makes adjustments and monitors my progress. I bring the passion and he brings the science so I don’t have to make mistakes along the way.