Weight loss for racing.....Friends? Goal advice?

comet236

Hi, MFP newbie here, I've been getting back into running over the past year and a half and am looking to lose a little weight (maybe 5-10 lbs) to give my times and my confidence a little boost.

I'm female, 20 years old, currently 128 lbs, 5' 5.5", and have no idea what to set for goals. Is it possible to lose that much weight before returning to school in September? I'm not the fastest runner, but I'm trying to fall in love with it like I was back in high school, and would love to hear from any other athletes or people getting back in shape.

Anyone out there in a similar boat, or who can offer advice?

3dogsrunning

You may want to check out the book Racing Weight. I found it pretty good.
The basic principal is there is an ideal "race weight" for your body. It gives you an idea of where that might be (be forewarned it is a lower weight than most would aim for) but the book also encourages balancing an ideal weight with performance. Losing 10 lbs might not necessarily increase performance. In some cases, adding some weight in the form of muscle may benefit.


I am also 5'5 but even at my leanest I wouldn't be near "Racing weight". I'm going to settle for getting close to it.


There is also a website, check it out.