"There’s a reason for the inflammation” in the body after exercise, she says. “It’s part of the regenerative process and not a bad thing.” In fact, at the cellular level, she says, “it does look as if no pain means no gain.”
thats what I've long believed, and why I've never used NSAIDs before, during, or after hard training or racing efforts. Tylenol, yes. Inflammation is what allows the body to heal itself after micro damage
I've read articles R/T strength training and NSAID use .... largely deletes the training effect from lifting heavy for strength ..... one of the reason i stopped using IBU years ago
My Doc (also a triathlete and an ironman) suggested them on race day when the training effect doesn't matter any more. 2 before start, 2 at 1/2 way on bike and 2 1/2 way on the run.
I probably took 6 to 8 enteric coated aspirin a day for two decades. In the last decade, I started reducing that as new studies have shown the counter effects. Now I take 1 to 2 a day if any, and I've never taken one during an IM because of the dangers of kidney failure.
I think if you feel the need for pain meds DURING a race, this should tell you one of two things:
You need to reassess the quality and/or quantity of your training and/or
You're working too hard/going to fast relative to the preparation your body had for the race.
You are a tougher man than I Al. I have felt the need for pain meds in every IM Ihave ever done. Haven't taken them mind you, but I have certainly felt the need. Lower back on the bike in the last hour and ankles and knees for the last hour of the run.
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thats what I've long believed, and why I've never used NSAIDs before, during, or after hard training or racing efforts. Tylenol, yes. Inflammation is what allows the body to heal itself after micro damage
Don't forget caffeine! It's pain reliever during a race.