Any Ultra runners out there?

ludgerclay
ludgerclay Posts: 95 Member
edited September 29 in Introduce Yourself
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 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....
Clay

Replies

  • goal30Lori
    goal30Lori Posts: 307 Member
    Hi! I am by no means an ultra runner, but rather a newbie (~1 year) runner hoping to work up to marathon distance in the next year or two. Last Friday I ran 10 miles with my sister, our farthest run to date, and the day after, (and every day since, to be honest) I have been RAVENOUS, so I can totally see how easy it is to eat back the progress running makes!

    Not sure how much advice I can offer, but feel free to add me as a friend, I'd love to follow along with your progress!

    Lori.
  • bloodbank
    bloodbank Posts: 468 Member
    I have little in the way of advice as I'm just a mini-runner (ha!), but maaaan I think ultra running is fascinating.

    It's seems like an extraordinarily difficult situation, because you obviously require a serious amount of fuel to keep your body going. Do you have an accurate estimate of the calories you're burning? Do you have an accurate estimate of your food intake (ie. weighed on a food scale)? If so, I would think that the smallest deficit possible (perhaps 250 calories/day or less) with an eye on the most nutrient-dense, whole foods possible might be your best bet. It will obviously be slow-going, but with having relatively little to lose plus an extremely high calorie need, it seems like the safest way possible with the least chance of impacting your endurance.

    Hopefully someone with more experience will pipe up. Good luck on your goals! :)
  • tigerbluefly
    tigerbluefly Posts: 257 Member
    One day I aspire to be like you! Until then, I'll be your pacer, your sidekick, your long dark night walking partner......LOL!

    I know there are ultra runners on here, I've seen them. Hopefully they find you. :))
  • MissAnjy
    MissAnjy Posts: 2,480 Member
    That is incredible. Those distances .... are insane, lol
  • NotAllWhoWanderAreLost
    NotAllWhoWanderAreLost Posts: 615 Member
    i just did my first 10-mile race yesterday and am doing a half in September... i admire your dedication and endurance! I am only guessing, but i would think that adding in some strength training days would help not only on your times, but also with your weight loss goals. Have you been keeping a food diary to see your status quo and do you use a HRM during your workouts to determine your caloric burns? It is possible that you consume too few calories for your level of activity and your body is holding onto its fat reserves, but then again, its possible that you are eating a bit too much/the wrong stuff as well.... The first thing i would do would be to gather 2 solid weeks of data (changing nothing from your "norm") so you can really analyze the data. Send me a friend request and i can hook you up with someone who might be of assistance in crunching the numbers with you :)

    Good luck on your goals! :drinker:
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