Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Running and weight loss

First off, I shall start with some advice. Do not eat a high fiber snack one hour before a run. Trust me....not a good idea.

Moving on....as you all know, I have been trying to lose weight and I have been fairly successful. Well, today my husband had the afternoon off, so I was able to get out for a run. I had had a light lunch at noon (cheese and tomato sandwich, handful of Pirate's Booty and cup of cantaloupe) and then a fiber bar (UGH!) and a few cashews an hour before my run. By mile 3, I was STARVING! I tend to have blood sugar level issues, so not only was I hungry, but starting to get shaky. As soon as I reached the car, I skipped the post run stretches and headed to a Starbucks about a block away for a hot chocolate. I actually read that chocolate milk is a great post-race snack...so I had it...just hot, cause that is how I roll.

So...how do I maintain a low calorie diet and still feel good on my runs? I don't usually have a snack mid-run unless it is at least 6 miles. Maybe I should carry sport beans with my and use them if I need to? At mile 3 I would have LOVED some sport beans.

So...you experienced runners out there...any advice for me?

14 comments:

Rookie on the Run said...

I'm new at this too so I have no advice. I like your style, though. Hot cocoa from Starbucks... I think I'll roll that way on Saturday! :D

Tam said...

I would consider myself an experience runner and I still sometimes struggle with making sure I've eaten enough before a run. I would definitely recommend carrying some sports beans with you if you have blood sugar issues. One of the people I run with carries smarties candy with her because she has the same issue. You don't want to have to end a run that is going well because you don't have enough "fuel".

BeachRunner said...

Experiment with what works best for you. I would consider upping the calories a bit, since you need the fuel for your running. But I would try to spread the calories out over 4-6 small snack/meals per day.

Heather said...

I would try bringing the Sport Beans or some other little snack with, just in case. I don't have much experience in running on a low-cal diet, because, well, I just eat a lot. But you need your fuel!

Winnston said...

That is strange. Seems to me that you should not have been hungry, considering that you had a reasonable lunch one hour previous.

You are a more experienced runner than me, so I can't give you advice other than taking something along with you, as you suggested. I never take anything to eat unless I am going for more than 1 1/2 hours. Maybe you are dieting too hard, and depriving yourself too much to be running.

So much of this comes down to experiencing how your own body reacts to the process and learning how to manage it. Trial and error. But I would post this on the running board and you might get some good solid facts from the resident experts. ;-)

Wilma Lee said...

I don't run, but I do eat a HIGH fiber diet, so I know not to leave the house too soon after eating, but not because of low blood sugar, wink wink! You are doing really well with your plan.

Carly said...

LMAO at eating a high fiber snack before a run. I have made that mistake and I have NOT learned from it. Ha!

I struggle with the balance of eating to lose weight and eating to fuel a run. I haven't found it yet.

joyRuN said...

Thanks for stopping by :)

I haven't had a problem with really crashing during a run. Breakfast for me has been oatmeal/skim milk/honey/walnuts, & it's held me over well.

Anything over 10 miles, I'll bring a gel with me to keep going.

Good luck with finding out what works for you! You'll see it can be different from person to person.

Jennifer @ Mom Spotted said...

lol, run? I don't run! I just love hearing your updates! So sorry no advice from me....but I do know that PB crackers are known to help diabetics for sugar issues maybe they could help you???

I have a great giveaway going right now on my blog!!! Make sure to check it out!

Tanya said...

It's tricky, figuring what you need to eat on a run. It just takes a lot of experimenting for the right combination of what to eat and when. I know that from my own experience, my long runs are definitely better with something to eat at about half hour intervals.

robison52 said...

You asked, "How do I maintain a low calorie diet and still feel good on my runs?" For me it's a juggling act, eat enough to fuel my workouts, but not too much as to gain weight. I do eat every three hours as not to feel hungry and to maintain my energy. I should stress that during marathon training I do NOT worry about losing weight as my high mileage needs the calories. Have you tried eliminating calories from drinks, like soda, milk, coffee, etc.? I find that you can cut plenty of empty calories from beverages and still lose weight without hunger.

Shell in your Pocket said...

Oh..no advice here....sorry.
Sandy toe

Rue said...

I have absolutely no advice for you, but I love food LOL

The stories about your sleep walking cracked me up and so did that picture of your daughter! My son sleep walks too and one time he came out on all fours like a spider and I had to lead him back to bed. He doesn't remember it at all LOL

rue

ShutUpandRun said...

Yep, fiber before a run for me is deadly!!! A couple days before my marathon I steered clear of dairy and fiber and I think it was one of the only long runs I've had where my stomach didn't revolt.

I tend to run better with the least amount possible in my stomach. I usually go first thing in the morning and only have a banana and part of a protein bar before (no fiber!). If I go later in the day with more in my stomach I have more issues. I might bring a gel or some cliff blocks for the run to snack on.

You asked about Mall Cop - it was pretty bad, but the kids enjoyed it. I wouldn't pay to see it in the theater - wait for the DVD for sure.

Love the Darius Rucker song you have playing on your blog!!