That was unexpected
Awhile ago, Steven told me he felt like he needed to start eating more. The half marathon training was making him feel hungry all the time (plus he does weights and about 10 million crunches every night).
I was a bit behind Steven in the training, so I was kind of like, “Uh huh, use that as an excuse to eat more. Sure.” I mean, why would running more make you more hungry? That just doesn’t make any sense.
Uh… duh, Kim.
Now I am putting in around 16 miles a week (4 days of running) and a few miscellaneous hours here and there (walking, fencing, wii tennis [ha – can I include that?], etc.) and I am HUNGRY. HUNGRY HUNGRY HUNGRY.
I don’t know why, but I just wasn’t expecting this effect. I thought about how I would have to eat healthy, to fuel my body, but I didn’t think my body would respond by demanding more fuel. I guess it all makes sense though.
It feels really good to eat healthy food all day, then have a long run at night. When I am eating healthy, with fueling my body in mind, it doesn’t feel like work. It doesn’t feel like I am being forced to do it. It just feels good – it feels like the right thing to do. It’s the thing I WANT to do.
Will this half marathon training actually make me have a healthy relationship with food? Is that even possible?
I’ve just noticed that I seem to be less worried about how much I eat, since I am running so much, and actually feel hungry. I feel less guilty, having a treat on a rest day, because I know I will work it off. I feel like I deserve it!
Of course, I must admit that my competitive streak did kick in just a tiny bit on the work Biggest Loser Challenge. More about that tomorrow, but I do realize I need to be careful. I want to lose weight, but I don’t want to be so weak I can’t walk up a flight of stairs – I’ve exercised/eaten so little before that I’ve been in that situation, and it’s awful.
That’s not my intent. When I say I am hungry, it means I am eating more, and enjoying it!
So… we’ll see where all of this goes. I am only 6 weeks into my training. I have 10 weeks of training left – and I will be running quite a bit more during those last 6 or so weeks. Maybe the hunger will go away as my body gets used to running so much. Or maybe I will just have to keep eating more. There’s nothing wrong with that, as long as my body continues to adapt if I end up putting in less miles per week after the half marathon.
Themocracy
When I first starting my 5K training, my trainer told me running would make me really hungry. But I don’t know why. Maybe something to do with the fight or flight response?
I hope that you continue to view the healthy food as fuel because that is the best place I ever found myself in with food. Unfortunately lately it’s been too much about comfort and stress. I look forward to getting back to the place you’re at now! 🙂
I did some research and according to a BBC article, wii tennis burns about 60 calories an hour! (although by watching how much effort we have put into it it might be slightly more!) So make sure you factor in all that unexpected, but still highly important, exercise.
diane – It does feel great to finally “get here” with healthy eating. I do hope it continues. As always, I worry. But, you’ll be back to healthy eating, so if I get off track, I can get right back on too! 🙂
Kyle – I bet we were at least burning 75 an hour! So, should I aim for 2-3 hours a day? 😛
I guess that’s why some athletes opt for eating a lot of mini meals throughout the day – I guess that would keep your metabolism active, too.
Body as machine is probably one of the most important lessons I learned with all this running… the more miles, the more fuel you need. 🙂
I actually find strength training makes me ravenous.
Long distance running definitely requires more energy, thus more food. Each person is different, though, in terms of amount and time they need that energy. Listen to your body. And don’t forget once you stop all that running, you need to redact all the extra eating. That’s what got me in deep trouble after I stopped training for marathons. =(
Gina (Mannyed) – That is what I feel like I am doing now – constantly grazing on small things throughout the day. I just have to remember to constantly have healthy snacks with me!
Nat – If I ever get around to strength training, I’ll let you know 🙁 I am the only one holding me back in that regard!
SoMi’s Nilsa – That is what I am worried about – that I will get used to eating more. Hopefully I can keep the running up, with just some planned rest days, after the race.
hahah, I like grazing.
What are the best things to eat when youare preping for the running. Do you have to balance the carbs and protein?
(I posted the onion soup receipe on my comment section of my blog, let me know if you make it and what you think)
The best feeling is the world is when you actually feel like you’re not eating just to eat out of boredom, anger or some other emotion but because it’s fuel your body needs. And wow, running that much will definitely strike up some major hunger panes.
Yeah, Steven is already a pretty thin guy. He should’ve been eating more without the running. Now, though? YES! Feed the boy! 😉
Yes, you will need to eat more for sure. My son is drinking protein shakes because he lost so much weight by working out every day. I love how you write about your relationship with eating- just writing it out is going to help you conquer this little war that’s been going on for years- I can just tell you know what you are doing and I think it’s wonderful! Good for you!
Gina (Mannyed) – I think that best describes me! 😉
Christina – For me, the best thing to eat is a solid base of carbs, almost half of my diet. Then there is about… 3/8 that is fruits and veggies, and 1/8 of protein, give or take. That is what makes ME feel the best. Maybe a few more veggies would help 🙂 Thanks for the recipe! I am going to give it to my chef (husband) and see if he wants to try it! We will sub veggie for beef broth, but I bet it won’t affect the taste too much!
Emma – It is such a wonderful feeling… I am surprised I never got to this point before with any of my past running stints! 😉
kapgar – Poor Steven. Everyone thinks he’s too skinny. Except me. And him. 😛 He’s just lean and strong. But he is eating more, to build muscle.
JavaQueen – Steven is doing the protein shakes too! They seem to be helping a lot. Thank you for encouraging me to write about my eating. I feel bad for letting this all out on here sometimes. I feel embarrassed. Your envouragment means a lot! 🙂