The Crime: I have gained 12 pounds in the last two and a half months.
The Evidence:
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
Exhibit D
The Sentence:
- Running or some form of exercise six days per week.
- Veggies, veggies and more veggies.
- After finishing off the bottle of wine in the fridge, no more wine... OK, less wine. Like 1-2 glasses per week.
In all seriousness, though. I know they say that typically people don’t lose weight during marathon training. But, damnit, I want to get rid of these 12 pounds and I’m determined to do so!
I really, really, really, REALLY don’t want to go back to counting calories. Right now I’m just focusing on having tons of fruits, veggies and rounded out meals!
Here’s what I had for dinner last night: An ear of corn, a portobello-mushroom-veggie-sandwich, grilled pineapple and a baked potatoe with margarine and green onion. Please disregard the wine in the background and see the ‘finishing off the wine in the fridge’ point above 
So, go ahead, tell me, how do I do it? How do I train for a major endurance event like a marathon and make sure I don’t pack on the pounds (and ideally LOSE the extra pounds) in the meantime??
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I have no idea, I gained while training for the Half. (And I was counting calories at the time) It seems like endurance events and weight loss aren’t very compatible.
But, I do admire your approach to losing the weight. Intuitive Eating + eating clean, healthy foods seems to work well for a lot of people. Good luck Amber!
I always gain weight/eat unhealthy when I travel or get out of a normal routine. I’m sure once you just get back into the swing of things and are back to your normal eating habits you’ll be back to normal before you know it! I think you can still lose weight while marathon training.. I know you’re not supposed to really but especially in the first few weeks/first month you aren’t doing that high of mileage. As long as you listen to your body and fuel properly you should be fine. I think the main thing to avoid gaining weight while training is to not say “oh I ran 15 miles today I can eat whatever I want” – I fall into this trap a lot : )
#1 I think you should be able to lose weight in the early weeks of marathon training because thats hopefully going to be running similar to how you were (pre running break haha)
#2 I agree with Caroline, don’t fall into the I ran so I can eat anything
#3 I think the biggest thing for you is going to be making sure that the calories you eat are all healthy ones- that way you are fueling for all of your running but not having to eat extra calories to do so.
#4 Don’t feel bad because I gained at least 10 pounds when I went to Europe, I blame it on eating out 3 times a day, late night dinners (which for me meant giant snack at 5pm and then dinner later), and Italy in general…can you say pasta, pizza and gelato? It came off without effort once I was home again eating like a normal person
#5 Have you tried Kath’s oatmeal pancake? I make it the way Jenna does with 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1/2 eggwhites, 1 teaspoon baking powder and a 1 teaspoon vanilla- in the fridge for awhile (sometimes overnight sometimes five minutes haha), add half a banana to the batter, cook, and then add other half a banana to the top? I love it and it’s so filling. It takes a lot for me to be full haha.
#6 I would also recommend one treat per week or so just to reward yourself for how well you’ve done all week- but still try to make it a treat in moderation
Looks like i’m back to the long comments haha
It’s possible to lose weight while marathon training, you’ve just got to take it very slowly. If you try to do it quickly all at once you will have no energy for your runs. Focus on losing about a pound a week, doing what you’re doing. Healthy well-rounded meals, lots of fruits and veggies and the occasional treat. And eat when you’re hungry so you know you’re body is getting the fuel it needs.
I think if you focus on the “not eating whatever just because I’m in training” that hopefully some of that weight that usually isn’t there will come off.
Although I do know I’ve gained a little. I blame all the crosstraining because I like to think I’m building muscle. And, as you know, the nut butter. At least I’m hopefully taking care of that little issue… lol
Keep up with those good veggie-focused meals!
BUT you were on vacation to places that have yummy food you cant get at home. So we can let it slide this one time!! But I dont blame you at all
The weight will come off! While you may begrudge those lbs you’ve put on, you will never regret all the fabulous food you had in Europe. That is what vacations are all about! Life is too short to not enjoy life to the fullest while you are on vacation.
Well, I am apparently a weirdo since I got down to my lowest weight since HS when I ran my marathon in 2006. I wasn’t even trying to lose weight. No matter how much I ate, and boy did I eat alot, the weight kept coming off. I don’t really expect that to happen this time around, but I don’t expect to gain weight either. i would be happy if I shed 5-10 lbs. If not, I’ll tackle those lbs after the marathon.
Hello Amber, just came across your site today. Great blog you have. Although I am not a runner and know nothing about training for a marathon, I do know that is possible to lose weight no matter what your circumstances. It is only impossible if you believe it is impossible. I would love to tell you about my method but its a little long winded to add here, perhaps I could email it to you, with your permission of course. Good luck on your journey.
You’ll have no problem taking it off. Vacations do that to you for SURE!
My friend gained 10 pounds on a week long cruise. Eat healthy (and healthy fats, too, like olive oil, avocados, etc), eat enough calories to keep you feeling good when running, don’t eat a lot of junk. That said, don’t deprive yourself either, but you can’t get into the attitude that “I ran a long time today, I deserve [fill in].”
Good luck!
Granted this is my first time traing for a marathon (I start next week), but I’ve lost weight during each of the half marathons I trained for. I eat a lot when training, but I do my best to make sure that I make my calories count and keep the treats to a minimum. And yes, Europe is a waistline killer – I hit my highest weight the summer I spent there in 2005 … that’s 30lbs I hope I never see again!!
I am sure you will figure it out. In the mean time though, don’t beat yourself up over that 12 pounds. You were in Europe with amazing food and wine. It needed to be experienced.
Truthfully, I think you will be okay and all that delicious gelato will melt away! But, if you really do want to lose weight, I would just recommend doing some strength training a few times a week. It doesn’t take up too much time and I always find that it makes me feel better (and STRONG, which rocks). They say the more muscle you have the more calories you burn – and we all know that the only way to lose weight is to burn more calories than we take in!
My favorite trick is to stick to low fat chocolate milk after a run to help limit any cravings/binges post run. And I like that I sort of feel like an eight year old while drinking it!
And PLEASE don’t hate on the wine. Red wine is good for you and will not destroy your weight loss!
Cutting out the weekly wine glasses will help *tremendously*! A while ago I just decided one day – okay, no wine during the week. I don’t “need’ it, and it makes it that much more enjoyable to have a glass or two once the weekend hits.
Haha, I love all the gelato pictures! Honestly, I know nothing about training for a marathon and I’m not a runner, so I’m not going to be much help here. I’d love for you to keep us all up to date of your progress though (I love reading about people’s weight loss stories, is that weird? haha).
The evidence photos above are cracking me up! Honestly I see no reason why you shouldn’t lose a little during marathon training. I think the “gain weight during marathon training” phenom happens to people at a low training weight already (like, sponsored athletes…not people like me, lol!) or people who binge when hungry after a run. I don’t even want to look at food after a long run, so it didn’t happen to me. I actually lost weight during training for 1/2′s and a whole, even though that wasn’t a goal and actually put me under my ideal weight at one point (but I was also sick so I’m blaming the illness for that one). I think fueling before running instead of afterward prevents the feeling of being famished and eating everything in site.
Oh and I have a glass of red several times a week. I look at it this way – if that’s my treat, so much better for me than a piece of cheesecake!
You crack me up… showing exhibits of your treats!!! hhahaha God i miss you
Don’t sweat it!! You were on vacation, Eric was home, it was your grad!!! It will come off. You worked hard for the weight you lost a couple years ago and its not all going to come back cause of a few pounds here and there. You look fantastic and I am coming home so we can get on the gym/exercise/running/biking train together!!
love love
J
Hi Amber,
I know nothing about counting calories, I do know that what ever you tell yourself, visualize it, WRITE IT DOWN and look at it constantly, you will achieve.
The mind is a powerful tool. Instead of saying I have to LOOSE the weight, our mind has a way of finding everything we loose… I have been saying out loud every day ‘I weigh 145 lbs’. My scale weight says different, and of course I am watching what I am eating and exercising 4-5 times a week.
So that is my tip for ya!
It’s forgivable – you were on vacation!! And a glass of wine is definitely better than a slice of cake – I think your new “sentence” will get you back on track in no time at all
I think that people more often give themselves free reign to eat whatever they want when they’re training for something like a marathon, so simply by being mindful, you’ll avoid that.
You’ve already proven that you’re totally capable of losing weight! I have no doubt you’ll do this, too—you always inspire me!
As I’m sure you’re well aware, because of how much you run and how much you will be running, the trick will be fueling your body with CLEAN foods. I skimmed over comments above, and it sounds like most of us are on the same page – the weight should come off without a lot of effort, as long as you’re not in the mindset of “I can eat whatever I want because I ran __kms today!” Also, I know you posted your training schedule, and I haven’t had a chance to look at it yet, but the more crosstraining and weight lifting you can do, the better in terms of shedding the pounds!
This made me laugh and relate at the same time. It’s great that you recognize the area in which you are uncomfortable and you’re doing your best to improve. Super Kudos to you right there, love. That being said, I’m looking forward to seeing you move forward with the weight loss (though I totally don’t even think you need to lose weight), but I know it’s a personal decision.
Rock on, Marathon!
Ha, you and me both… although, instead of gelato, I’ve become reacquainted with brownies.
I had a serious chat with myself, pretty much along the lines of “if you don’t stop inhaling said brownies, we will have to resort to the “write everything down and count points/calories” and we KNOW how happy you are when we do THAT!!”
Sigh… I’m hoping my half training aids in some lost of pounds, but I’m not banking on it!
Watch your portions, stay hydrated, and def. eat lots of fruits and veggies! And if you gained weight from Italian gelatto…it was probably worth it.
I think now that you’re back it will be easier without the gelato. For me, I gained maybe 5lbs while in Europe and just getting back into my running and regular healthy eating routine worked. And of course no wine is an easy one. Besides, you can tell yourself that you can only have 1 drink max per week because you’re marathon training. It’s better for you and your training!
Additionally, I think it’s a constant struggle to remind yourself that just because your boyfriend can eat X amount, doesn’t mean you have to. I know Eric isn’t living with you now so that should be easier, but it can be hard when you see guys inhaling so much food and not gaining. Good luck, Amber!
I would cut down on carbs and sugars. You don’t need a lot of extra calories in the first half of you training plan. Once you are getting up into the 18 + mile runs, then I would have a carb with dinner the night before and one for breakfast.
I found the best way to lose a few extra pounds was to limit my grains to one per day (slice of bread, 1/2 cup of pasta or rice) and 1 serving of starchy veg (carrot, potatoes, yam etc). Lots of veggies and protein and good fats.
My suggestion for your dinner last night would be to have either the corn or potato or pineapple, all of them are high in sugar so pick one. Make your burger open faced on one slice of bread. Then load up on salad with avocado, or green veggies.
First of all, you only gained 12 pounds? I consider that a victory, especially with all the traveling and yummy food you got to eat! Secondly, I just want to re-emphasize what everyone else has said that it has to be about fueling your body. It’s a lesson I’m constantly reminding myself about (and failing miserably this week!). The weight doesn’t come off as quickly but it’s the only way to eat the RIGHT WAY. And especially when training for a marathon. You need to eat the foods that are going to help you through your run.
This is coming from a place where I have no experience whatsoever, but maybe protein through chicken, shakes and etc so you’ll feel full and have your muscles develop in a quicker, leaner fashion? It was kind of interesting that while I was training for my race my body initially lost weight and then suddenly I hit a plateau and the 9 mile runs just didn’t cut it for weight loss anymore. The body is a strange, strange thing! Just promise you don’t deprive yourself of the nutrients you will need, k? (I mean, I know you won’t but I also know how hard it is when you have a goal and want to reach it!) I’m sure you’ll find a good balance!
Tough question!! I am all about portion control … have your ice cream … but get the kids cone
That weight will come off!! I’m sure if you start counting calories and healthy again they will melt off on their own during your training! The important thing is that you had fun on your trip! I think 12 pounds was well worth it!
Amber!!! Oh my goodness, I am so jealous of your gelato binge in Italy. I have never had gelato before and know it is a MUST DO next time I am in Edmonton and it is nice out. Granted, it won’t be near as tasty as the stuff from Italy.
I can’t believe you are running a marathon still, its so exciting! I am looking forward to hearing about your experiences:)
A tip that might help you feel better with your eating is to have a “healthy plate” at lunch and dinner. Make your plate 1/4 protein, 1/4 starch and 1/2 vegetables. Snack on fruit and dairy products (the protein helps keep you satisfied). And don’t be scared of starches! You know how to pick the healthy, high fiber choices, which are our MAIN source of energy. Without them, you will be suffering through your runs.
Also, I dunno if I have officially said CONGRATS ON GRADUATING!!!!! I can’t believe we are here! It’s so great, yet I still have troubles wrapping my head around the concept.
haha, you are too cute! love your “exhibits”! honestly, I think you look fabulous in each picture! but I understand you wanting to shed the extra pounds. I really have no advice for you since I am the worst at dieting/exercising/being healthy in general, but I think eating lots of fruits and veggies and just having a well-rounded diet sounds like a good plan to me. though, it is always hard to resist when there is an open bottle of wine in the fridge
Okay, clearly you understand my post-trip stress!! lol I came back from the trip feeling like my jeans were a little tighter… and it turns out that I also gained a solid 10 lbs while we were galavanting around eating ice cream at every turn.
Damned ice cream!!
I’m starting to run as though I’m training for a 5K to burn it off, I’ve never been on a “program” before so we’ll see how it goes. And I’m counting calories. It’s lame, but my iPhone app makes it a little less lame. Just slightly.
Two words – BOOT CAMP.
We watched a documentary on marathons in clinic and the first thing they said was “people do not tend to lose weight training for marathons, as you really don’t burn as many calories as you think”. You need to build your muscle mass, and the only way to do that is to add weights to your your regimen. When I’m in marathon clinic, I do boot camp twice a week, working it in with my running schedule. For example my week usually looked like this:
M – boot camp
T – Tempo runs (and it will also be clinic night this time)
W – Tempo/Hills/Speed/Steady, depending on the week.
Th – Steady
F – boot camp
S – off
Su – LSD
If I had a boot camp, I did not run, and if I ran, I did not boot camp. And I survived my marathon injury free! Granted, I’ve let life get to me over the last few months so haven’t really lost or gained, but I do weigh 25lbs less than I did this time last year in Vancouver!
I need to lose some weight too!!! gahhhh
I’m sorry but those photos and circles were really cute! I’m shocked you would have put on anything with being overseas. I lost so much weight there. While you’re training it may be tough to lose weight but as long as you’re living healthier it’ll all balance out.
No advice, but I totally sympathise with you. I’m still trying to get into some form of an exercise routine and lose the weight I’ve regained and tone up.
Hey, at least you’re doing the marathon training, so even if you don’t shift the weight, you’ll still be getting healthier.
You just need to be hypervigilant about not over rewarding yourself for long runs. It doesn’t look like your schedule is crazy high mileage and so the only time you’ll need extra food is the day before and day of long runs. And by extra food I mean like, a snack. Not cookies or wine. You can do it- it’s just not easy. And make sure you’re eating enough healthy fats. You should read racing weight by Matt Fitzgerald. He explains it all and gives good recipes.