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Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Marathon Training & Weight Loss

In January, I started training for the marathon. Along with my goal of running 26.2 miles I also set a goal to lose 20lbs.  Well, let me share a little secret-  long distance running and weight loss do not go together. You would think that burning over 2,000 calories on a run would have you shedding weight. Not so at all!

My body holds onto all those precious fat stores for energy and recovery after each run. After a hard long run, I am typically not hungry for a big meal until late afternoon. By the afternoon, I am ravenous and can't get enough carbs! I have tried several different "diets" and strategies these past months to try and lose a few pounds. I tried keeping carbs low during the week and increase them on the weekend. This left me exhausted and grumpy during the week and eating everything in sight during the weekend. After a few weeks I decided to stop focusing on weight loss and focus solely on marathon training.


Post marathon, I have not gained any weight but I have not lost any either.  I am slowly learning to love my body no matter what the number on the scale or the size of my pants. Not everyone can say they have ran a marathon and I need to appreciate the endurance my body has. Now that marathon training is over, I am looking forward to trying different workouts and get back to eating clean. Can't wait to try more Pure Barre classes soon!

What's your favorite way to exercise? I'd love to try new workouts!

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6 comments:

  1. I've noticed the same thing! I've actually put on weight since I picked up running instead of losing it but I'm hoping it's just new muscles contributing to it. You should check out a spin or kickboxing class - both of those will keep your heart rate up for the entire time & they're really good workouts.

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  2. I am just getting back into running and hoping to lose weight, but I know that it will take a lot of time to diffuse out how my body will handle it. You have definitely done so much more for your body than weight loss, though. Marathon running is an incredible,accomplishment!

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  3. One goal at a time, the Marathon was a huge one! I completely agree I lost zero pounds while long distance training. Time to switch things up!

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  4. I think you look gorgeous, and you should FEEL like a total badass for completing that marathon.

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  5. I actually gained about 10 pounds training for my first marathon. Oops. Ever since then, I use a food diary to track what I'm eating and put in my runs so I can make sure I don't overeat on short run days or undereat on long run days. Seems to work pretty well.

    But on that note, you don't have 20 pounds to lose, girlfriend!

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  6. I found the same thing, not that I'm a true runner, but I did attempt a 1/2 marathon in 2008. I also thought I'd lose a little weight but found that all the running just left me eating twice as much! But there's a lot to be said for your endurance and strength to run and finish a marathon! {Super woman!} Being fit & healthy is far better than shedding a few pounds anyways, plus you look fabulous! : )

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