Looking for Ultra Runners

ludgerclay

Hi!
I've been running ultras (50km+) since 2006, and at 51 years old I find it is still difficult to keep off those pounds that want to creep into my midsection. At 6'0" and 200 punds, I'm definitely in the "clydesdale" class, and would really like to lose that "last 20 pounds" so that I don't have to carry it during my 100 mile race in September. I know I can run ultras faster when I'm smaller, and I have an agressive time target for this year's run.
I've found that running is very good for my appetite, and my recent busy lifestyle (home renovations, selling the house, church committments, etc) has made sensible eating difficult.
My normal week involves a 43km run on the weekend, and two or three shorter (10-12km) runs during the week. I normally carb load on the day before a long run (mostly carbs and some protein), I don't eat much on run day, and then the day after the run I eat almost anything because I feel like I'm starving to death.
Just wondering if someone has faced a similar situation and may be able to provide some tips or feedback....
Clay

bunchesonothing

I mostly will run marathons, but I do have 3 50k's under my belt. I'm not quite sure if I'm what you're looking for.

DonPendergraft

I'm a budding ultra-runner. I ran my first one, a 50K trail race, not too long ago. I'm about the same size/weight as you. I'm 46 and can relate. I used to just be able to exercise and it would go away. Or eat only healthy foods and it would go away. But now it takes another part. The hardest of them all to me: caloric restriction. Running makes me hungry!

Here's what you have to do: calculate your basal metabolic rate (yule hafta Google-Fu for the formula). Add the activity level factor and then boom, you know what your break even point is. Now eat about 500 calories a day less than that break even point. Now the break even point can vary according to your particular activity for the day. That is where this website is helpful. Just know that their estimate in calories burned for various running activities seem to me to be wildly over-optimistic. If it says you burned 1,600 calories, you probably burned 900. Or less. So leave some calories in the bank when you finish the day. That's basically it. It's really simple. But it's NOT easy. I'm shooting for 165. Good luck!