Running is making it hard to have any sort of deficit

elizabethmegs
elizabethmegs Posts: 3 Member
edited February 27 in Health and Weight Loss
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.

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Replies

  • veephil31
    veephil31 Posts: 53 Member
    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
    Runningmischka Posts: 386 Member
    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
    Springfield1970 Posts: 1,945 Member
    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
    glreim21 Posts: 206 Member
    I usually switch to maintenance 4 weeks before a race. I need the extra calories or my training suffers.
  • albayin
    albayin Posts: 2,524 Member
    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
    elizabethmegs Posts: 3 Member
    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
    jpapp13 Posts: 73 Member
    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.
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