Like most people, I started running for health, fitness but most importantly, extreme vanity. When I ran my first marathon last year, I ended up gaining a ton (like 4 sizes worth) of weight and swearing off the 26.2 distance “permanently”… now that I am back for round two of the LA Marathon (and 90% back to my weight) I am just as determined (if not more so) that the marathon weight doesn’t happen again.

I did some research on possible culprits for my marathon weight gain and from the looks of it, I made a lot of rookie mistakes: Falling into post long run hunger appetite (overeating after long run). Trying to hydrate with sports drinks (additional calorie intake). “Resting” more than usual. Making non-training time lethargic. Psychological Reward of training with food (treating myself for post-run donut or cookie).

Some natural things which may cause some weight gain this time around that I’m OK with:

Additional muscle mass.
Body freak out in general.
Build up of glycogen stores (causes water retention and helps with distance running).

Keeping these things in mind as I’ve been training over the past couple months, so far so good. I am mindful of what and how much I’m eating (and now I’m going to start eating healthier altogether). I’m not about to get on the scale everyday, but I do make a conscious effort to keep myself in check with the tell all favorite pair of
skinny jeans.

A good resouce I would recommend is the “Racing Weight” by Matt
Fitzgerald (a sports nutritionist) – it discusses how losing a healthy amount of weight will increase peak running performance. The book gives you a five step plan on how to manage training and proper nutrition while getting lean for your race weight. An interesting point from the book (food for thought): for a runner to get lean cutting calories is not the answer, increasing mileage is.

The true test will come when the race day photos come in. (And it’s just a little over 30 days till the big race).