New goals after Marathon for weight lifting; feedback requested

RoyalMoose11

Hi everyone. I'm hoping to use this two weeks of tapering for my 26.2 to set up my plan/goals for post-race fitness. I think it'll be a good way to fill the void and not make me want to go out and run more than I'm supposed to.

After my marathon I'd like to switch up my goals and focus on lifting and cutting body fat. Ideally, I'd love to keep up some distance running as part of the plan but would be willing to concede to shorter runs if it's better for my end goals. It seems vain to say but I'm looking to get that nice, cut, beach ready look after hitting many of my goals already.

Quick once over on me. Spring of 2013 I was 319 lbs and progressively went down to 217 lbs on a calorie deficit and a high cardio program (did Insanity and began/finished couch-to-5k). After that goal I started training for distance running and added the StrongLifts program and eating at maintenance on rest days and a small surplus on higher running days. Since May, I swapped out StrongLifts for a 4-day split and began training for a marathon. I'm now at 245 lbs; all the clothes I bought when I was 217 still fit but just better. I'm still a 36 waist and my shirts all fit my torso but my arms fill them out more, so to speak.

I'm wondering if people have tips or a plan they've found with great success. One member here (vismal) has a great YouTube channel I've been using to plan some but I'm looking for some general advice as well.

Bulk/cut cycle: Should I start on a bulk and cut in the spring to get ready for summer? Or should I start on a cut now after adding some weight from distance running?

Food: I'm a pretty regimented eater and can stick to a plan well. For example, when I was losing weight, it wasn't uncommon for me to eat the same dinner 6 night a week because it was filling, tasted good, and fit my plan well. Any foods that I should definitely include on this program (I always hear people talk about avocados and turkey- two foods I rarely eat) or foods to avoid (beyond the obvious foods). I tend to eat lots of whole wheat, nuts (almonds, peanut butter especially), broc/spinach/kale/green beans/brussel sprouts for veggies, sweet potatoes, melons/banana/berries for fruits, and I really only eat chicken for meat with the occasional Chipotle trip with steak.

Macros: Any suggestions on macro splits. I've used this as a resource lately.

Gym: Constant struggle- lift heavy? Lift lighter? High reps? Low reps? I usually do 3x8 now and add 5 pounds once the 3x8 feels like it isn't a struggle anymore. I would imagine a more disciplined approach would be helpful. I'm lighter now on leg day for obvious reasons.

Cardio: I love running but, as mentioned, can concede distance running to meet my goals. I don't want to run off all the muscle I'd like to put on. I'm also unsure about eating back calories for this new plan from what is burned during running.


Thoughts, articles, and resources appreciated.