Then I proceeded to lose, oh, about 25 pounds. Not because of the book mind you, and certainly NOT in a healthy way. I scared me that I could lose so much weight so quickly. More than just losing my appetite, I completely lost the will to eat. I still don't really have an appetite. Because my racing is so important to me, I force myself to eat. I'm a smart enough Pink Girl to know that I have to properly fuel my body to get it to do the things I ask of it. Duh. You gotta put calories in to make it move!
Now I'm at a weight that is around what I was in college. Funny, I didn't see myself as particularly thin back then. In fact, I was larger than I had ever been. I didn't feel big, just felt like me. Now, having been heavier, but certainly NOT heavy, I have some perspective. I see muscle definition that I didn't know was there. But honestly, I don't SEE myself as any thinner. I'm faster for sure. Some of that has to do with trianing, but it makes sense, my body works less to move less. I'm a more efficient runner these days. This is a good thing.
So where does that leave me?
Part of me would like to become leaner. I had a body fat analysis last week and I'm at the lower end of the "Fitness" range and just outside the upper send of the "Athlete" end. I admit it is very appealing, the idea of being leaner.
That would require a lot of discipline and a major diet overhaul. You can get thin on a restricted calorie diet, but you don't get lean and keep muscle mass with just calorie counting. You've got to make sure you are getting all the RIGHT foods. It's not about eating less because this type of weight loss isn't about swimsuit season. It's about the right combination of foods and frankly, eating leaner.
Not sure if I'm ready for that type of culinary discipline right now. I'm a very healthy size. I don't want to risk losing any muscle mass. I need my muscles to run!
At the end of the day, my body is a machine and it's my responsibility to fuel it properly to ensure it is able to do what I ask of it.
And sometimes, sometimes, it needs chips and cupcakes. So for now, I'll continue to eat (mostly) healthy, be content with the size that I am, and fuel with grilled cheese sandwiches when necessary!
Have you ever considered a lean diet in the name of performance?
I have not, but after reading your post it does seem appealing. I have run about 6 halfs (no where where you are, and am contemplating a full marathon). I would be interested to learn more about your eating habits! Not sure if you have discussed this in the past. I know you enjoy drinking your "green monsters"? I think that is your name for the skaes. Anywho, interesting post. Tosca Reno's Eat Clean Diet is very popular, yet not developed for runners, but for fitness models, etc.
ReplyDeleteyou know, i'm in the middle of reading racing weight as well, but my thoughts are kind of the same - i not sure i want to be leaner because i think my diet is ok - mostly healthy, sometimes cupcakes!
ReplyDeleteI know I NEED to overhaul my diet. I used to do so well with food, I lost 25lbs (with more to lose) because of it. Then life got hard and I gained it all back. I also know laziness was factored into that.
ReplyDeleteI know to become faster I need to lose a ton of weight (!!!!). Im still trying to consider where to start.
At this point, I'm just lucky to maintain my diet to lose the weight I need to lose to start pondering these questions. I keep telling myself that someday I will GET TO ponder such thoughts. someday.
ReplyDeleteI read someone else's review on this book, and found myself at Barnes & Noble the next day scoping it out. I didn't think I'm in a place right now to benefit from it myself.
ReplyDeleteYou're right that sometimes you just need a darn cupcake, I do too! I think maybe using the book as a guideline is a great idea, but don't drive yourself crazy by following every rule word for word, there's a fine line between being a regular human and a crazy-super human.
Yes, and especially for lowering those body fat numbers, but I too like the cupcakes and icecream. I am thinking of switching to a paleo friendly diet, just to see what my body does. Good post!!
ReplyDeleterecently i've been experiencing a lost of appetite too and i'm completely dumbfounded by it. i'm forcing myself to eat but i think it's having an adverse effect. thanks for the book rec, i will check it out.
ReplyDeleteI see what you're saying- it really is appealing. I am just not disciplined enough to be that strict with my diet-- plus, since I am Mama and cook- I can't make 3 other people eat like that! :) I really would like a body fat analysis done- did you do this at the gym?
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking of getting the book, but I've held off for various reasons. But, I think today is the day. I'm gonna order it!
ReplyDeleteI'm adding this book to my list of "must reads"..
ReplyDeleteI like how you think, "my body is a machine". That's a great way to look at nutrition. You have to properly fuel yourself in order to perform.
i'm still stuck with the "i eat to run, i run to eat" idea. :) sometimes it's really good stuff and at times it really bad stuff! and i wouldn't mind dropping 5 or so. i like his book RUN so i'll have to get this one and check it out!
ReplyDeleteI think I'll get this book. I've read several good reviews on it. Thanks!
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