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kelel01

Runners' nutrition?

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Ok, so I've taken on quite a large undertaking (signed up for a half marathon in late June), and I need some advice from some runners.

See, the South Beach Diet is SO easy, but that's clearly not going to work. I guess my questions are a) overall, what do I need to be certain that I get or avoid, and b) how many and what kind of carbs do I need to incorporate?

Thank you!

P.S. Please no Debbie Downer types. I at least to be positive about this for a little while. ;)

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When I am/was training for my marathon I liked to eat Pasta (I usually get whole wheat pasta. I also liked eat fruits such as bananas, apples, etc...

In addition I usually rewarded myself after my LSD (that's Long Slow Distance for the non runners) runs by going out to get an ice cream sunday or Milkshake... (considering some of those days I burned an excessive number of calories.)


strangely even with my analytical nature I've never been so meticulous with my diet to actually keep track of the percentage of carbs vs protiens vs fats, etc...

I just generally try to maintain a balance.

I hope this is helpful... and good luck on the half marathon... :)
Livin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife...

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Quote

Ok, so I've taken on quite a large undertaking (signed up for a half marathon in late June), and I need some advice from some runners.

See, the South Beach Diet is SO easy, but that's clearly not going to work. I guess my questions are a) overall, what do I need to be certain that I get or avoid, and b) how many and what kind of carbs do I need to incorporate?

Thank you!

P.S. Please no Debbie Downer types. I at least to be positive about this for a little while. ;)



I am sure you can do it!!! I did my first one in Feb 2006. I didn't do all the training that I should have, but I was very pleased THAT I finished and where I finished.

The only piece of advice I can tell you... which I wish someone told me, DO NOT take a hot bath afterwards. If you want to help your muscles take a cold bath. It has something to do with not trapping the lactic acid inside your muscles.

Not that I would advise it... but the furthest I ran before mine was 7 miles. :$

I'm sure others have much more helpful advice.

Good Luck!
:)

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I actually just took a class on nutrition for various activities. (i.e. weight training, cardio, etc.)

As far as dieting goes, you don't want to short your body on any one item. Get a balanced diet. Get some of everything, including fats. Try and get more unsaturated fats than saturated. (Saturated fat is the type you can see on meat and that most things are fried in.)

For weight training and muscle gain, focus more on proteins. Slightly lower your carbohydrate intake and increase your protein. Try and eat leaner meats like fish (tuna sandwiches with minimal mayonaise work great.) and turkey. If you feel the need for a hamburger, get ground turkey instead of beef. Drink plenty of water and if you choose to drink Gatorade or some equivalent sports drink, do so AFTER your workout, not during and drink water with it, not just Gatorade. Instead, drink regular, good, old-fashioned water. Drink at least 2 cups every 20-30 minutes during your workout. DO NOT "CARBO LOAD".

*Warning: an increase in protein will increase the quantity and "stink level" of your flatulence.

For Cardiovascular exercises, such as running, you want an increased volume of carbohydrates. Once again, maintain a well balanced diet, but slightly decrease your protein intake and increase your carbohydrate intake. The day before a major event (i.e. Marathon;)) CARBO LOAD!!! Focus on fruits, grains, pastas, etc. for your afternoon and evening meals. The following morning, eat a light breakfast high in carbohydrates such as granola bars, (The healthy kind, not the junk food kind.) apples or apple juice, toast, cereal with only a little milk, and at least 2 glasses of water. Approximately 2 hours prior to the start of the event, drink another 2 glasses of water. During the event, drink at every water station. Don't drink too much, or you could get cramps.

I have more information regarding workout routines and more information on proper diet if you want it. Just PM me and I'll give you what I have.:)
Some people refrain from beating a dead horse. Personally, I find a myriad of entertainment value when beating it until it becomes a horse-smoothie.

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ya, it was a little long... kinda discourages some people from reading, unfortunately. Especially when it comes from someone who rarely has anything of value to offer a conversation.:D:D:D
Some people refrain from beating a dead horse. Personally, I find a myriad of entertainment value when beating it until it becomes a horse-smoothie.

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There is a book... and I have it around here somewhere and it gives you percentages and stuff and tells you about how many calories you should be eating.

One thing I have learned from experience: Attempting to lose weight (or even shed body fat) is very difficult for me when I run. I do other kinds of lower impact cardio workouts and eat much less and I lose as much as 2 pounds a week. Once I start running my metabolism cranks into 5th gear and I have to eat more to function properly... and thus I have a hard time losing weight. I can only manage to maintain my weight while running.

But for a professional source... http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9781594862052&itm=1

Eat fruits, nuts, lean meats, green veggies, etc. And read that book... it's very helpful.

Best of luck to ya!

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