Running is making it hard to have any sort of deficit

elizabethmegs

Does it get harder to lose weight the closer you get to maintenance, and the harder you train??

Within the last 3 weeks I've upped my mileage in preparation for a 10k I'll run in at the end of August. Up until this point, I've done well eating around 1400-2000 calories, depending on how much I run that day, if it's a rest day, etc.

But these past few weeks, I'm pretty much hungry, all day, every day. Running 5 days a week (17-20 miles per week) cross-training 1 day a week.

Basically I'm not satisfied until I've eaten 2500-3500 calories.

So should I figure out maintenance and just eat at that level until my race is done? (At which point I will drop back down to moderate exercise 3x a week). Then go back to my moderate deficit that's helped me lose thus far? I just can't seem to find a happy medium as far as having any sort of deficit vs. overeating.

What do other runners do, and do you experience the same thing?

Honestly, I can't remember ever experiencing hunger like this before.

veephil31

I run about 12 miles a week and ride my bicycle about 10 miles. I have not hit that problem yet, though I would suggest making sure that you are eating foods that will help keep you full (fiber and protein) and drinking a lot of water. Other than that I am at a loss, though I look forward to other peoples answers.

Runningmischka

I run 5-6 days a week and I just eat whenever I'm hungry, but always end up with a calorie deficit, so it just depends on an individual I guess. I think if you are training for a race, you should listen to your body and fuel it properly. Maintainance is probably not a bad idea for now. Good luck with your race!

Springfield1970

Have you got a heart rate monitor?

Work out your burns and eat them back. It will probably be in the mid high 2000s.

I don't do tdee.

I have a no exercise maintenance figure of 1750 ish, and my race running is 600 cals hours, training running is 500 cals and hour, swimming 4/500, cycling 4/500, I fuel those workouts 2\3 hours ahead of time to get the best performance.

Try not to be on a deficit when you're training this hard,recipe for injury and underperformance.

Save weight loss for off season.

glreim21

I usually switch to maintenance 4 weeks before a race. I need the extra calories or my training suffers.

albayin

when I take on more serious running, I end up eating at maintenance for the most of time...Everyone is different. While my friends are running to lose weight, I don't.

Same with Insanity, I can't keep my hunger in check when doing it...

Unknown

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elizabethmegs

I usually switch to maintenance 4 weeks before a race. I need the extra calories or my training suffers.

This helps me, thanks! I'm going to try this too.

jpapp13

Most people I know that are trying to lose weight, when training for a longer run will go into maintenance mode about 4-6 weeks out. I've been able to run with a deficit but definitely felt more gassed eating at maintenance.