Where did my stamina go?

[Justwannaloseafewlbs]

Before starting Atkins, I used to run four consecutive miles in about half an hour, 4 or 5 days a week. Now I am into the low-carb WOE, and I struggle to complete two miles. During my runs, my muscles feel like they have absolutely nothing left to give during the first quarter mile. The energy to keep running just doesn't seem to be there. I am completely depleted afterwards. Has this happened to anyone else? Does anyone have any idea what is causing this to happen? How can I fix this problem? Thanks.

[Kent]

Re: Where did my stamina go?

Yes, this is very common. Your body was acclimated to burning an easy fuel source, the stored glycogen in the muscles, and now it has to burn a more powerful fuel source -- fat. It takes a while (3 weeks or so) to get fully adjusted to burning this new fuel source and get back to the same level of performance. Dr. Stephen Phinney did a study about this acclimation with bikers that demonstrated this initial period of poor performance followed by return to same athletic levels. (http://www.network-admin.net/?p=407)

Be patient it will definitely get better. I just completed a half marathon yesterday, and we have other full marathoners like Betty. The only real solution is stick with the diet, drink your water, and do what you can in the mean time. Your body will adjust.

[ttdriver]

Re: Where did my stamina go?

Absolutely .. Kent is dead on ! Hang in there, eat plenty of good fats, lean proteins and non-starchy veggies...your body WILL adjust !

One of my favorite quotes is "you can teach your body to run on whatever fuel you consistently give it ..." EMPHASIS ON 'CONSISTENTLY'....

You can do it!

Betty

[Justwannaloseafewlbs]

Re: Where did my stamina go?

Kent & Betty: thank you both for answering my pressing question. It appears that you two really "go the distance" so to speak! I will definitely hang in there! Perhaps because I am having such a hard time exercising lately, I am intrigued that you are able to run so far. I do have faith that my stamina will improve, which leads me to a follow up question. Do people acclimate faster on a low-carb diet if they push themselves to exercise at least close to their former glucose-fuel level? Or rather, is acclimation something that simply happens over time whether you exercise or not? Or perhaps there is another explanation that I have not thought of.

Kent, I found your video very interesting, and I am looking forward to reading the research linked. Thanks.

[Kent]

Re: Where did my stamina go?

Do people acclimate faster on a low-carb diet if they push themselves to exercise at least close to their former glucose-fuel level? Or rather, is acclimation something that simply happens over time whether you exercise or not?

I think that a certain component like Induction Flu just take time to complete. The body will only give up its glycogen stores so quickly as I think it adjusting to using strictly fat for fuel will take time. However, I do believe if you are pushing your body by continuing to run or do cardio even during this acclimation period you may speed up the period.

For instance, if you stopped exercising during this period, fueling for a run and fueling for daily living are two totally different things. The "run" mode requires a much quicker burning of fat to get you through the first few miles. I have no studies to back this theory up, but it would just seem to be logical.

[Justwannaloseafewlbs]

Re: Where did my stamina go?

Kent: thank you for answering my follow up question. What you have said makes a lot of sense. I totally value your experienced opinion.