Running and dieting

[fleur64]

I run and weight train most days so I think 1400 calories may be tight. What do other people do on very active days? (Sorry there's probably hundreds of threads on this but I haven't really got the hang of the interface yet).

[Hidden]

I stick to 1400 calories, even on my marathon training days, It can be hard so I don't worry if i go 50 calories over. I found that it helps the weight shift faster than giving my self extra calories those days,.

I tend to stick to protein rich foods on my active days, such as steak, eggs lean meats and not to many carbs. That way they my meals are really filling and help rebuild muscle and i don't seem to hungry.

[fleur64 in reply to Hidden]

Respect and noted! I'm only half marathon training so no excuses for me then

[Hidden in reply to fleur64]

its not ONLY a half marathon, that is an epic challenge! good luck!! Hope the training is going well.

I'm definitely regretting signing up for a marathon but only 10 weeks till its over and i can have my sunday lie ins back!

Some people need the extra calories on training days, so if you feel you need it go for it, id recommend trying high protein day first though. you'll be surprised how much it helps

[fleur64 in reply to Hidden]

Is it your first mara? Which one is it? I did Manchester 2 years ago but was ill last year (breast cancer - now all gone) so I'm getting back so full fitness and loving it.

[Hidden in reply to fleur64]

Yep first one, Gloucester in august, Its a new one but local so thought id tick it of my bucket list. Plus was a reason to get out running every week to help the weight loss.

Glad your all better and can back to running probably. I seem to have caught the bug just prefer the short distances i think!!

[fleur64 in reply to Hidden]

halves are great - they aren't quite such a strain on your time or your body. I was very proud to do Manchester in sub five (I'm a plodder) but I'm not sure I'll ever do another. My partner is a "good for age" marathon runner so I suffer her training every year!

[Hidden in reply to fleur64]

Im hoping for sub 6 so definetly a plodder!! Think i will stick to halfs in the future!!

[fleur64 in reply to Hidden]

nothing wrong with plodding - we get to do the distance and see the flowers!

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

I think you should put your details into the BMI calculator and see what it recommends for you personally. We're all different, so what works for one, won't necessarily work for another

I eat as many as I can get away with and have lost 5.5st so far, doing just that

[fleur64 in reply to moreless]

Yes that gives me 1600-2000 calories.

[moreless Administrator 7 stone in reply to fleur64]

Perfect! I don't obsess over calories, I know that as long as I stay within my range, I'm nourishing my body adequately, fending off hunger and losing weight! It's a win, win, win, situation and you can'r complain at that!

[Hidden]

I would also look at the bmi calculator's suggested calorie range, making sure you enter your activity levels as high. I'd also suggest saving your calories for post-run meals. As a guide, I aimed to stick to 1400cals per day like you, with 1500 as my upper limit, as the bmi suggested calorie range lower end for me was 1500. On days when I did long bike rides etc, I didn't panic if I went up as high as 1700 cals. But I found 2 or more 1700 cal days in a week normally scuppered my chances of losing. So maybe have a play yourself, find out what works for you. But as craxykitten says. If your body is asking for something more sometimes you have to give it a bit more.