Ladies' advice on half marathon training and weight gain

mrslizfrye
mrslizfrye Posts: 7 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi There!

Ok, so I've been training for my first half marathon since early December and I've lost a little bit of weight and have maintained that weight. Well...I weighed myself yesterday morning and saw that I've GAINED a little over 4 pounds, which happened within week and I'm 5'4" so it definitely took me by surprise. I usually gain around 2-3 pounds around my TOTM but that's not for another two weeks. I've measured myself and everything is the same as it was a couple of weeks ago when I last measured, so maybe my body is just retaining water? I also didn't eat the absolute best this week with date night on Saturday and the Superbowl on Sunday. But I'm just wondering if any other runners have experienced this. With my mini freakout I've lowered my calories to 1500 from 1700 and as of right now my plan is to try and not eat back too many of my exercise calories...but I guess I just don't know what to do and would really love some advice!:smile:

Replies

  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    Its likely just water gain. I've never had an issue with REAL weight gain while training. I have had weeks where I mysteriously gained 5 lbs (not related to TOM). It's generally gone by the next week.
  • mousemom18
    mousemom18 Posts: 172 Member
    You said you "didn't eat the best" for two days in a row. That can do it, especially salty Superbowl food and alcohol.

    Don't freak out. Spend a few days drinking a lot of water and herb teas and go back to your normal pattern of monitoring calories and training and those pounds will find their way off again.
  • janinermt
    janinermt Posts: 15
    I have just started training for a 1/2 marathon.....I have worked out 4-6 days a week, only go over my calorie goals on a Saturday and I have stayed the same and only flucuated 2lbs up and down. I am not sure what to tell you......throw away the damned scale, it just messes with your mind!
  • janinermt
    janinermt Posts: 15
    (keeping in mind I am trying to lose the last 10lbs which hasn't come off in over a year no matter what I try!)
  • mrslizfrye
    mrslizfrye Posts: 7 Member
    Thanks for the advice everyone!

    Although I did endulge over the weekend I'll admit that I usually eat a little unhealthy every weekend but I always always always log it so I hold myself accountable. I did run 9 miles on Saturday so I'm hoping that has something to do with it considering I have never ran that far in my life. I'll adjust my calories this week and see what that does. I know I shouldn't worry about what the scale says and should just go by measurements but I guess I find it easier and more convenient to weigh myself when I want rather than taking the time to measure every day
  • majope
    majope Posts: 1,325 Member
    I would not reduce your calories to "make up" for what might well be water retention, if you ate a lot salty foods and ran farther than ever before (sore muscles also hold onto water). Trust the process: set MFP for a workable deficit--when I'm training I don't try to lose more than a pound a week--and eat back your exercise calories. You need fuel to run!

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