Training & Nutrition - Well, I'm wanting to start cycling on a more competitive level..

I mainly cycle as a something to keep me in shape. Nothing really all that demanding now, since I'm 32. But I ride about 2-5 miles a day 3-4 times a week.

I joined this forum recently to acquire info about nutrition, since I have a specialized diet and a terrible medical history, which goes as..

Cancer twice before i was 1
The removal of 1 1/2 kidneys because of said cancer
One full blown stroke at 24
One TIA, or mini stroke, when i was 24 again
I'm also currently on the kidney transplant list.

Now because of my heart and 1/2 kidney, I'm having alot of stamina probs with trying to keep energy running to my legs and trying not to overheat (which is why i mainly cycle at night). This will change once I get a new kidney, but not sure to what degree.. I'm also trying to find a way to deal with alot of lactic acid because that's another reason why I don't ride that long...

With all of this I have a very select diet. I also have celiac disease, so all of my food must be gluten free. But on top of that, i have to was all my protein, phosphorus, and potassium intake because of my kidney..

All I need to hear is some words of advice that could help me bike more efficiently through conditioning and nutrition.

It sounds like you have some rather unique issues that will make it difficult to advise. One thing that struck me was the comment about lactic acid. It makes me wonder about your cadence and effort level on these 2-5 mile rides. With a high cadence, you should be able to work up to a pretty good speed without ever going anaerobic. If your legs are burning after a mile or two, you are maybe pushing too hard, or riding in a gear that is too high. Spin faster in a lower gear, and you might be able to go further.

You don't have to rely heavily on protein to ride (mostly carbs), although being short on potassium could be a problem on distance rides. Nutrition issues should not be a big deal in the first hour, although they become critical as distance gets long.

I'd say you should consult with your doctor, who will certainly understand your needs better than the rest of us. But cycling is no doubt good for almost everyone. And, with training and steady improvement, you can probably go about as far as you want. Good luck, and have fun.

With your medical issues, an internet forum is not the place to ask questions. I scares me when people think they can rely on random strangers to give this type of advice! Okay, umm, well, have you spoken with a doctor about whether you can physically handle anything more? You have a bad heart and half a freakin' kidney!

Definitely go with your doctor's advice. Also, you are already exercising at about the maximum I would expect you should tackle for your age and number of medical problems. We're all taking some risks by getting out on the bike, but if you have a heart problem (I don't think you specified the basis for this) you really can't push yourself and should really go easy IMHO.

With your medical issues, an internet forum is not the place to ask questions. I scares me when people think they can rely on random strangers to give this type of advice! Okay, umm, well, have you spoken with a doctor about whether you can physically handle anything more? You have a bad heart and half a freakin' kidney!

I realize that, but I was wondering if you could find something for me to consult my physicians about... that's all..

If you are looking to get advice on questions for your doctor I have these suggestions.

1) Ask doc about heart rate training. I would see if the doc could determine your zones, and give you the amount of time it is safe to train within each zone.

Good luck,
Richard