Experienced runners, I need your advice.

[Beverly Fay]

I would say now is NOT the time to go for weight loss, which will further weaken you. Bear in mind that running is catabolic (breaks down tissue) rather than anabolic (builds muscle).

I actually GAINED 20 pounds in the course of training for my first marathon because I was foolish enough to pay attention to the running magazines and eat a diet high in carbohydrates, as well as using those miserable, sugar-laden sports drinks and bars.

After a long, hard slog, I have since succeeded (drum roll -- trumpet fanfare) in losing the weight, plus some more, by the simple expedient of eating lots of protein, fruit and vegetables, and ignoring every piece of so-called nutritional advice that's ever been published for runners. And I haven't gone near a sports drink in four years!

Unless you're running at elite pace, there's no need for high GI foods. But do be sure to get enough protein, because that will help build up what gets broken down when you train hard.

Hope this helps, and again, all the very best to you.

Beverly

[Bella]

Beverly Fay is right. One can totally overestimate the amount of calories needed during and after long or short runs. I won't even smell Gatorade now after overdosing during marathon training two years ago.

It is easy to make excuses to eat overly well post running - and dive right into desserts and french fries and other bad choices like a whole bag of potato chips. This is the time to eat the right carbs in moderation. Pasta is good, but 2lbs of pasta is not good.

It is possible to lose a few pounds (but not 15) in your training. By running within your fat burning zone with use of your heart rate monitor, you will burn more, and save your knees in the process. You should take your long runs at a civil pace and save interval runs at higher tempos for midweek. Gets the heart rate in that upper zone.

This is the time not to cut your calories but to make more sensible choices about them.

Sounds so easy too - since every body and metabolism is different, you will have to find the right mechanism to burn fuel like a rocket. Good luck - see you in October!