Thanks very much Dylan for that great information. Very interesting timing for me as well, because just 2 weeks ago I found this blog, where he talks about actually doing less exercise but yet still getting better results.
http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/20 ... -and-more/So I actually started cutting back on my intensity 2 weeks ago along with a couple people I know to see how it goes. I am only doing an interval workout 1 time a week instead of 3 and during my other workouts try to keep my heart rate at a 60-65% range of my max. It actually is pretty hard for me to do especially on my bike rides. I really didn't realize how almost subconciously I would attack every hill I encountered, it takes a conscious effort to back off.
Exercising causes a certain amount of oxidative stress as well, so that is even more reason for active people to eat healthy getting plenty of phytonutrients and antioxidants. There has been a few long distance runners who have died from heart attacks over the years who appeared to be in great shape but weren't eating optimally.