Training and gaining weight????

[babydollsea]

I am currently training for my first Marathon and have been working out with Cathe's PH and MIS twice a week during my 20 week training.

My problem is I increased carbs and noticed that I have put on weight....Even with all the extra running (50 miles per week).

I am in my 40's but I cannot believe that with all the training (running weekly mileage + 15-20 milers once a week and weight training twice-a-week) that I could put on weight. I understand carbs carry water weight but I don't look very lean for all the working out. I was cut more before the marathon training. Am I doing something wrong????

 

[FitnessGoddess]

How much water are you drinking? And what kind of carbs are you eating? Try to drink about 120 oz of water a day, that will flush your system.

Good luck in your training! I admire your ambition.

 

[babydollsea]

I am drinking 120 oz of water a day. I eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. I love berries. My complex carbs consist of oatmeal, fortified (high-fiber) cereals such as FiberOne, Kashi GoodFriends, Nature's Path Optimium; pasta; whole grains such as quinoa, kasha, etc.; endurance bars before or during my runs. I measure servings with my complex carbs. I also count calories. I also eat protein (cottage cheese, skinless turkey or chicken and variety of fish) all of which are measured.

I am told with all the training that I should be eating 2800 calories a day. I don't meet those requirements every day because of the fear of gaining weight...even though it still happens.

I must be my age. I love running, lifting..just working out in general. It helps me mentally as well as the physical benefits. I went from a size 0-1 to 3-4 though and I guess it's mine blowing with all the activity!

Thanks for your reponse!!

 

[nancy324]

Sounds to me like your gain was a muscle gain, not a fat gain. Also, it must have been hard finding clothes in a size 0, so you're probably much better off now. I'm thinking you probably did something RIGHT rather than something wrong. Good for you!

 

[twink20164]

Hi;

Your post was interesting. I trained for and ran a marathon three years ago. I was also probably runnin 30 -40 miles per week. I gained weight!!! I still don't really understand it to this day but I have found that for me at least long slow cardio everyday does not work. You definitley eat more when running this much and I think that your body gets too used to it and learns how to adapt.

I now do about 20 - 25 miles a week plus one or two step tapes and lift 4-5 times a week. I am the leanest I have ever been. I usually do 2 -3 5 or 6 mile runs a week and then two short intense interval runs for aobut 25 min.

You should stick with the trainging that you are doing now for your marathon but I would suggest changing it up afterwards with more weight lifting and interval work. GOOD LUCK

 

[babydollsea]

I am curious as to how many calories you now that you are not training for a marathon? Was it easy to adjust the calories needed once you made your transition and also, are you eating less carbs and more protein to accommodate the lifting 4-5 times a week.

Thank you.

Marla..

also, with this being my first marathon, I am still wondering about the last 6.2 miles. How did you do?

 

[twink20164]

I think part of the issue when I was training I was definitley not as concerned with how many calories I was taking in and that was probably part of the problem. I did eat alot more carbs as well. Now that I weight train I eat alot more protein, no bread and pasta is a rare occasion. I eat about 1600 calories a day in 4 to 5 small meals.

The last 6.2 are hard but I kinda thought of it in terms of sections so really I only had a 10km race left ya know. I think 12 - 20 are harder because you know you have soooo much more to go.

GOOD LUCK!! It is definitley a great experience and accomplishment.

 

[FitnessGoddess]

It sounds like you are doing everything right. I agree with whomever it was that said "the long slow cardio" might be what's doing it to you. I've actually been doing a program that has me doing NO cardio & eating myself out of house & home. I lost 2 pounds immediately & have maintained at that weight all the while increasing my calories. I'm currently eating 2340 a day. It is VERY low fat & high carb like your diet. But also high protein.

I have read that distance runners don't have much muscle definition. But they have more stamina than I'll ever have!

I wish I could give you more advice. Keep us posted on your training & when you run.

 

[Lynn M.]

Hi-

I have heard about this weird phenomena too in marathon trainers. Both my sister and best friend gained weight when they were training for their run.

Were you doing a lot of heavy duty weight training before your marathon training? Maybe you have lost some muscle, which is making your metabolism slow down some? Perhaps your body is breaking down some of its muscle to fuel itself for the long runs?

If your diet is clean, that may be what is happening.

Lynn