Krista Austin - Performance Nutrition: Applying the Science of Nutrient Timing

APPLYING THE SCIENCE OF NUTRIENT TIMING

Krista Austin, PhD, CSCS

Performance and Nutrition Coaching

Bob Seebohar, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS

Fuel4mance

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In 2009, I had the great opportunity to run personal bests in the marathon (2:09:15) and the half marathon (1:01:00). My personal best in the marathon came at the 2009 New York City Marathon, where I was the first American to win the race since Alberto Salazar in 1982. Such performances are welcome news not only because I am running my best times well into my professional career, which consists of an Olympic medal, American records, and 18 USA Track and Field championships, but also because they are coming after the worst injury I have ever had. In November 2007, I suffered a pelvis fracture during the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Although this injury most likely occurred during the race, I continued to run and finished the marathon. Despite the extreme pain and discomfort, I initially didn't recognize that the injury was as severe as it was. I knew I had pushed my body and overcompensated for my cramped calves in order to finish the race. As a result I didn't get an MRI immediately, and it was Dr. Lewis Maharani who insisted on a very specific MRI in order to diagnose the problem. Once the correct diagnosis was made, my rehabilitation process was structured and focused. The road back from that potentially career-ending injury to running personal bests has been a tremendous test of my faith and determination. Many people deserve credit for helping me make this comeback, and it would take some time to explain all of the people involved. But without a doubt, one of the key contributors to my comeback has been Dr. Krista Austin.

Interestingly, I first met Krista while taking an ice bath at the San Diego Olympic Training Center in 1999. At that time, I was a recently turned professional athlete, and Krista was a master's student at San Diego State University and an intern at the Olympic Training Center. We struck up a conversation, and 10 years later not only are we good friends but I consider Krista a key component of Team Meb as well. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and that God puts people in our lives for a reason. When I first met Krista in San Diego, I could not imagine the impact she would have on my life.

For years I have consulted with Krista about my athletic potential and how to go about realizing it. Krista's scientific knowledge and expertise allow her to analyze what a specific athlete's body can and cannot do and how an athlete can maximize his or her athletic potential. I cannot begin to convey just how highly I respect Krista for her superior knowledge in the fields of exercise physiology and nutrition. Krista communicates information directly to me and also shares her insight with my longtime coach Bob Larsen. Krista also advises my wife, Yordanos Asgedom, on the best type of meals for me based on type of training and competition schedule. Finally, in this day and age of drug cheats, I trust Krista to recommend vitamins to supplement my diet. I do not take any supplement without the prior consent and consultation of Dr. Krista Austin. I hope it is sufficient to say that Krista knows her stuff, and I trust her with this very important component of my athletic career.

Krista has earned my trust not only through the expertise in her field but also because of her unique ability and desire to help me and other world-class athletes be the best we can be. Krista has supported me through the ups and downs of my athletic career. She would come visit me and my family in Mammoth and has opened her home in Colorado Springs to me and my family. Krista is such an important person in my life that my three-year-old daughter calls her "Auntie Krista."

After my injury during the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, I worked with many doctors throughout the different stages of my rehabilitation. Throughout every step of the way, Krista was there to consult with me and refer me to different specialists. In September 2008, almost one year after my injury, Krista helped coordinate the most intensive part of my rehabilitation. She invited me to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs in order to continue my altitude training and simultaneously rehab to get my body stronger. What was meant to be a one-week visit turned out to be a two-month intensive rehabilitation and training period.

I learned many things during the almost year-long rehabilitation process. First, an athlete must work harder and must be more dedicated when injured than when healthy. Second, having a strong support group during this time is more important than having unlimited supporters when all is going well. During my recovery process, Krista exemplified the meaning of a friend and professional. As a friend, Krista hosted me in her home and then opened her home to my wife and two kids so I could continue with the productive process and not have to be separated from my beloved family for so long. As a professional, Krista helped arrange for me to take advantage of all the resources available through the U.S. Olympic Committee. During this time, Krista's consultation about the recovery process and my future outlook played a key role in preparing my mind and body for what it is doing today-running better than ever. I am very fortunate to count Dr. Krista Austin as a good friend and key advisor. I am also very glad she is able to share her amazing insight with you. Pay attention; Dr. Austin knows her stuff!

Mebrahtom "Meb" Keflezighi

Olympic silver medalist

I first met Bob in 2002. We were at an open-water swim lake in Colorado, just chatting about triathlon, and I discovered he was a sports nutritionist. I was attempting my first Ironman that year and needed some guidance on the nutrition for that event, and Bob offered to help me out. It turns out that Bob not only is an expert in this field but also has a wealth of knowledge in many other areas of endurance training. I enjoyed all our conversations, learning so much and wanting to talk for hours.

Although my humbling results at Hawaii Ironman (19th overall) led me back to the path of my Olympic Team pursuit, my nutrition there was perfect. I continued working with Bob on other aspects of my training through 2003 in my preparation for the 2004 Olympic Triathlon Trials. His guidance and advice contributed greatly to my ultimate success in that venture and beyond. In 2008, Bob helped me prepare for a winning performance at the Leadville 100-mile (160 km) mountain bike race. And in 2009 we joined coaching forces to create Elite Multisport Coaching, a triathlon community that works with youth and elite athletes of all disciplines and abilities.

Bob's first book, Nutrition Periodization for Endurance Athletes, really led athletes, coaches, and sports nutritionists to think outside the box. And since that book was published, Bob continues to push the envelope of sports nutrition, going beyond the traditional views of what to eat to focus on how to use our diets to optimize our performance and our well-being throughout the year. I think athletes of all abilities will benefit greatly from reading this new book.