question about Marathon training???

[castaways]

I decided to begin training for a marthon before starting Atkins. I used to be a runner (as in 10 years ago) I am in pre-training right now. Building up to the point I can actually train for a marathon. The book that I have is very big on eating carbs and using sports drinks on long runs. States you must eat carbs to be a marathon runner. I am assuming there is a way to stay on Atkins and train for a marathon?

I am new to the board. I'm in the induction phase right now-sort of, I did the initial induction but don't want to go back to my old way of eating.

I have about 35 pounds I would like to loose but really could loose around 45 pounds.

Anyone on Atkins finish a marathon or a distance run? What phase of Atkins were you in when you were running long runs, marathon? I would like to loose most of my weight before I begin formal Marathon training. I have noticed since I have gained so much weight over the past 10 years my joints are hurting and feel it is the extra 40 pounds I'm carrying. I don't know if it would be healthy to begin putting on a lot of miles before loosing the weight. Any suggestions, help, succes stories would be appreciated.

L

[Richt]

Re: question about Marathon training???

we have two members here that I know have run marathons whilst doing Atkins. I am sure its not long until one of them answers your question.

Rich

[castaways]

Re: question about Marathon training???

Thanks for your reply. I just went through the threads below and was very happy to see there was a runner who just finished a 1/2 marathon in great time on Atkins-also did I read it right, she finished a full marathon?! Feel silly I didn't read before.

Will be busy reading old posts but looking forward to hearing from those who have advice on training.

L

[iyamamaschke]

Re: question about Marathon training???

Gunna do a halfer here right away Girlie HE HE You can soooo do it I run 14 miles and eat around 40-50 grams of Carbs I feel fab I think I answered your question in the Cool running thread HE HE.

Sorry I missed this one must have been outside playing with my kids

Sarah

[more4less]

Re: question about Marathon training???

I don't post much on this board, mainly lurk. I ran my first half marathon in January at age 50. I ate about 40-50 carbs per day during the week prior to the halfer and ran just fine that day on not many carbs. I did eat an orange and a granola bar two hours before the race. When the race was over for me (2:30:45) I only had some water and a few nuts to eat and drink.
I am currently training to run another halfer in June. My carb levels right now are at about 30 per day. My long run at this point is 9 miles.You do not need to be high carb in order to run distances.

Good luck.

[BigRunner]

Re: question about Marathon training???

I'm training for my second marathon now. (Unfortunately, I wasn't on Atkins and weighed 225 pounds for the first one).

I'm up to 16 mile long runs which I run first thing in the morning with nothing to eat. No problems. Now that my runs are getting longer, I'm trying out different lower calorie/carb sports drinks.

I started running when I was at 245 pounds. So, yes you can start running carrying extra weight around. Like you've already observed, the joints take more pounding. So, just take it easy at a slower pace until some of the weight comes off.

Welcome to the exercise thread.
It's starting to fill up in here with Atkins Marathoners! How cool.

Rich

[ttdriver]

Re: question about Marathon training???

I am the "she" you referred to earlier who has completed a 1/2 marathon and a full marathon this year (in addition to a 15k just last weekend). I ran the marathon in 5+ hours totally low carb. Ran the first 25 miles without stopping (except for potty!) .. The 1/2 marathon I finished in 2 1/2 hours, again doing maintenance low carb.

So far this year, I have run nearly 600 miles in my quest for 1,500 miles by year end. I am a serious low carb runner. I do not believe that carb loading is essential for runners. What *is* essential is eating adequate amounts of healthy fat and protein to fuel your running and protect your muscle mass.

I ran the marathon on 2 eggs, 2 bacon slices, one slice of whole wheat toast and a cup of decaf coffee. I made sure I was well-hydrated throughout the 26.2 miles. Never hit the dreaded "wall". I did consume two gel packs of carb-boom which is all complex carbohydrate, along the course at mile 18 and mile 24.

So I guess the answer to your question is YES YOU CAN RUN AND FOLLOW LOW CARB. Your body learns to run on whatever fuel you give it.

Betty

[castaways]

Re: question about Marathon training???

Thank you! I appreciate all the successful low-carb running stories. What an inspirational bunch of people you are!

I was thinking there was no way to eat low-carb and train/run a marathon after reading 3 books on it and all I kept getting was the carb loading and warnings of hitting the "wall" if you don't. One book even said you could not do a long run while eating low-carb. I tried to reason that these were authors who do not understand low-carb and the science behind it. Also are preaching low-fat high carb. I was trying to put in in perspective but I was starting to get discouraged, so really appreciate all the knowledge here.

Thanks again for all of the personal experiences, very appreciate.

Also wanted to tell you all how amazing you are, can't wait to be able to say "I ran 16 miles." Or "I ran a marathon!" Very admirable.