October 3, 2007
Ask the Expert

Q: Is it possible to go white water kayaking if you don't know how to do an Eskimo Roll? – Krista, Vancouver, BC

From Anna:
You can whitewater kayak without the eskimo roll, but it's a lot more challenging because you have to swim out of your boat and swim all of your gear to shore every time you flip over. Learning the roll helps you to be more confident on the water and makes kayaking more fun. Pool sessions are a great way to learn how to roll, especially in the winter, and taking instruction will give you a strong skill set.

Q: I hear that a cyclocross is a good option for a person seeking a road bike with versatility. In your opinion, what are the pros and cons of a cyclocross bike? - Amanda, West Virginia

From Julie:
A cyclocross bike resembles a road bike with its narrow tires and drop handles. And if you’re seeking versatility, there are numerous “pros” to choosing a cyclocross bike and not many "cons". Owning a ‘cross bike (or, its cousin, a “hybrid”) would allow you to have several bikes in one, with something as simple as a change of rubber. Use standard or “slick” road tires and you’ll have a fast, race-worthy machine that will roll nicely on paved roads. Use knobby cyclocross tires on it and you’ll be ready for dirt/gravel surfaces and all but the gnarliest off-road trails.

The generous clearances, cantilever or V-style brakes, and dropout eyelets that are typically found on ‘cross bikes will also allow you to mount fenders and/or racks on the bike. This will set you up nicely for loaded touring or daily commuting. So, you truly can cover all the bases with a cyclocross bike and a couple different sets of tires.

Q: HELP!!! I'm training for my first marathon and to my surprise, I've GAINED 10 pounds since March!!! I don't feel like my diet has significantly changed, and I'm putting in about 35 miles per week now. I'm about ready to go back to my old workout and ditch running!!! Please help!!! – Beth, Detroit, MI

From Lynn and Bob:
First of all, congratulations and best wishes on your upcoming marathon! Training for a marathon is a formidable accomplishment.

It’s difficult to answer your question without knowing additional details like height, weight, diet history, lifestyle before and after training, the intensity of your old workout, etc., but here are some thoughts for you to consider. Are you more muscular than before? Muscle weighs more than fat so increases in lean body mass may be the cause.

Your eating habits have not changed much but have you increased your portion sizes? It may be helpful to keep a food log for a week. Include everything you eat, including snacks and drinks and be fair about your portion size. Use the calorie counters that are available for free online to determine your caloric intake. As a rule of thumb, to maintain your weight, you can typically eat about 15-17 calories per pound of weight per day, plus the amount of calories expended while exercising.

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