Running and salt

[Rogie55]

Hi, well tomorrow I start W9run1. So nearly made it. However my problem is that this week I started a blend fast, as I was not loosing any weight with running, so I thought I would give it a kick start.

Has anyone else experienced really bad cramp like pain. It’s usual in the first 3 days away from coffee etc., but this time day 6 and i’m Still hurting. However, might it be that i’ve had no salt.

I am very sweaty(no easy way to say it) when I run. Perhaps having a clean diet and no salt is causing the pain.

Just had a brain strike. Could it be salt. I found some protein balls that I always have with me, but don’t eat often. They are salty, tried a couple and immediately my pains are reducing. Now lots of water and I should be ready for my 30 mins run tomorrow.

Fingers crossed.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

You need to be so careful with running and fasting...to run you need the fuel. good fuel and great hydration...especially right now, with the warmer and humid conditions.... A healthy eating regime and a great exercise programme may aid weight loss or not.. but should have you feeling fitter and stronger... But it is not a quick fix...it takes time... and patience

[Rogie55 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Yes agree totally. I usually do a fast at this time of year, just an experiment to how it would work. But the salt has made me feel better this evening.

I intend to continue to train once I graduate. I have felt the increase in my health and strength for sur.

[John_W Graduate]

Salt is an essential part of our diets. Just as fat is. Completely cutting out these essentials can have dangerous consequences.

As for losing weight and running, don't hold your breath.

Did you expect to lose weight just by doing C25K ? I'm afraid it isn't that simple... and running isn't the best exercise for losing weight and burning calories. You don't get much bang for your buck. The main reason is that 1 mile of moderately quick running (eg 10 km/h) burns only 100 calories. So 5k (3.1 miles) is only 300 calories... which is half a burger or a 2-finger KitKat etc etc.

The only time I've lost weight when running is when I've consistently done *long* runs... i.e around 2 hours.

Many doing C25K find they put weight on as their legs muscles get stronger and bigger... muscle being heavier than fat.

When people do lose weight after starting C25K, it's usually because the C25K has kick-started a change in diet and/or lifestyle. AS you may know, weight-loss is much more dependent on diet than exercise. As for the most efficient exercise for weight-loss, I don't exactly, but you might want to consider weight-lifting... that burns a LOT of calories in a short amount of time.

Good luck!

[Rogie55 Graduate in reply to John_W]

Hi thanks for the update. I will be doing more big walks with running, as that is when your in the fat burn place. I am a fitness, dieting, next fad person, hence the experiment. The C25K has certainly helped me as I am just coming out of a relationship and i’m A stress eater. I’m definitely on the right course.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Rogie55]

Maybe take a peek at our sister site Weigh Loss NHS... lots of ideas and great advice there...

[Tasha99 Graduate]

I take a SIS or ZERO electrolyte hydration tablet after each run as I sweat a lot and even get salt crystals all over my face! They’re calorie free.

[Rogie55 Graduate]

Thanks might try and get some. I’m a women of a certain age and this hot weather has really made me glow!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Rogie55]

Drink more water

[Sp81 Graduate]

I’ve managed weight loss approx 2lb a week since starting with c25k by downloading a diet diary simply logging what I eat, by seeing it written down it encouraged me to make healthier choices. I was also a little embarrassed in the beginning. I’ve gone with the move more eat a little less junk food approach.

Happy running and hope your feeling a little better. X

[Rogie55 Graduate]

Thanks to all, actually I have lost 7lbs by doing my super blend. I have an under active thyroid and am on thyroxine, but it is really hard work for me to loose weight. Just completed my 1st 30 min run and am feeling good. I took a pinch of rock salt and drank 250 mil of water after my run. I certainly feel good now, so ready to go to work.😢