I am a runner and I need HELP!

amber_ogle82
amber_ogle82 Posts: 9 Member
in Recipes
I am a runner, I used to run half marathons, 10ks and 5k's, but have back out of running half marathons and now just do 5k's with a 10k thrown in here and there. After I run for the next week I eat like I haven't eaten in years!! I am always hungry and I can't seem to ever get full!! What can I do!? Also I need some variation to my work out routine as well. I run about 3 miles on the treadmill and then do about 15-20 minutes on the weights. I need help:) Thanks everyone! :)

Replies

  • SomeoneSomeplace
    SomeoneSomeplace Posts: 1,094 Member
    Can you open your diary so we can get an idea of what you're eating??

    More protein might be key to feeling fuller. I find I eat everything when I go on a nice long run. It's just a sign that your body needs more calories. MFP sets you at a deficient to begin with which is why we were free to eat back some or all of our exercise calories.

    As for variation run outside it is SO much better then running on the treadmill because you can vary up your rotues
  • jamimari777
    jamimari777 Posts: 101 Member
    I gained weight when training for a half marathon. Hunger was a constant battle! Now that I run 3-5 miles max once or twice a week while doing other activities it doesn't seem to be as big of an issue. Are you eating enough protein? That helps me feel full.

    As far as mixing up workouts, if you have an iPhone, download the Nike Training App. I love it.
  • Green_P0nie
    Green_P0nie Posts: 32
    I am a runner too, and after a while do get bored thinking about what else I can do... I however do have a love for running and am running my first half in a month's time, so it's something that I'm looking forward to!

    How about mixing up your runs, so doing trail runs, sprints, stairs/hills etc.

    Also, if you love the outdoors, perhaps instead of taking part in a running race, do one with an obstacle course, which will not only require running, but overall body strength - it'll give you something new to work towards to!

    I also recently found this new website/app Tribesport (http://tribesports.com/) which has tons and tons of goals that you can take on and complete - which would give you a wide variety of 'tasks' and 'goals' to work on :)

    With regards to feeling hungry all the time, your body probably needs the energy. I eat 1600 calories or more each day and not gain weight... so I think that if you're not putting on weight and doing constant exercise, it would be absolutely fine to eat a bunch of healthy foods.

    Hope some of this might help! Good luck!
  • tkillion810
    tkillion810 Posts: 591 Member
    I am less that 2 weeks away from my 6th marathon. I've definitely been in your shoes - hungry all day, especially following long runs. I worked with a certified sports nutritionist that works with some of our elite college athletes in our area. Her two rules of thumb: 1 - for every 60 minutes of exercise, consume the recommended carb/protein ratio snack 2 - consume that snack within 15 minutes of completing the workout/run.

    Many runners do not feel hungry right after running. You may find smoothies or chocolate milk might settle well. When I first tried her approach, I could barely stomach eating after running. Now, I'm craving some real food right away and my stomach has adjusted.

    Good luck!
  • jarredondo
    jarredondo Posts: 284 Member
    I just finished my first 1/2 marathon yesterday. When I first started my long runs I would come home starving. Then didn't make the best of choices because darn it I deserved a cinnamon roll after running 10 miles. At least that's how i justified it. The further I got into my training i found that if I at more and healthier the day before my long runs I was less hunger (and less tired) after my run. I also have egg whites and coffee when I get home, instead of the cinnamon roll.
  • UrbanRunner81
    UrbanRunner81 Posts: 1,207 Member
    Your goal is 1200. I think it is too low. I am runner. I have been for several years. Even though I am not really trying to lose weight my goal is usually 1850 a day. Raise your calories, eat more and you'll feel better.
  • jzammetti
    jzammetti Posts: 1,956 Member
    I have been running for 2 months (a total of 105 miles so far). I tend to be hungry after my runs, but not right away...three hours later I am ravenous!

    So,, I bough Six Star Whey Protein Isolate Decadent Chocolate protein powder (82% protein, 4g carbs) and on my run days I eat a smoothie about a half hour after my run. I add half a banana and some strawberries usually. it is 30 grams of protein (or 60 if you double the amount of protein powder) per serving. I find it kills off that ravenous hunger I typically get a few hours later and I am able to eat in my regular pattern that way.
  • kjm3579
    kjm3579 Posts: 3,974 Member
    If your are eating grains they will convert into sugar very quickly causing a sugar spike. Your pancreas will respond and bring the spike back down and you will feel hungry again. This can go on and on throughout the day. Read "Wheat Belly" for more information on this. I have gone on the Paleo diet and am able to do StrongLifts 5x5 and am working through C25K without hunger or low blood sugar problems.

Categories