Also guaranteed! Simple in stating often very difficult in execution, particularly because runners often become ravenous following their long runs and start pigging out on simple carbohydrates (sweets) rather than the complex carbohydrates (whole grains, fruits, veggies) that are better for good health as well as performance. Guaranteed! If you consume more calories than you burn, the opposite: you will gain weight. If you burn more calories than you eat, you will lose weight. (For good advice, consider Nancy Clark’s Sports Nutrition Guidebook.)įrom a scientific standpoint, losing weight is simple: a case of calories-in vs. And too many of them, those pushing one fad diet or another, offer truly terrible advice. Let me repeat that: Always! Nutrition and the Marathon: I’m not sure why that subject has spawned so many best-selling books. Proper nutrition (i.e., high carbs) will always be important for those participating in any endurance sport. Put training ahead of diet-or at least ahead of losing weight.

Or is it more productive to just focus on the training itself? HAL’S ANSWER I’m not planning that race because I think it will help me lose weight, but the extra calories burned might allow me to tighten up just a little bit. QUESTIONĬan you share your thoughts on weight loss and training? Should it be much of a concern as I prepare for my next marathon? When I calculate my weight/height, I am on the border of normal/overweight. You can submit your question by joining the discussions on Hal Higdon’s Virtual Training Bulletin Boards. Every Tuesday, world-renowned coach, author and athlete Hal Higdon posts and answers athlete questions here.

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