Running & Eating

Hey everyone I'm very new to this message board. I just had my surgery in February and have dropped 40 pounds. I've always wanted to run a marathon and feel now that I'm loosing I'll be able to accomplish my goal. I've been walking and would now like to start running. Do any of you have any advice for beginner runners. Also....someone in one of the posts mentioned that sometimes people don't eat enough. Can someone tell me how we know we are getting enough. Thanks again to all....this board is VERY insperational. Tami~

Hi Tami! Welcome aboard! You have come to the right place...Hey, where are ya John?? He's the runner around here. He can head you in the right direction on that one. Earl and I are the powerlifters in the group. In the beginning.... you won't get enough in and that's the miracle of the surgery. You literally starve off the weight. This will go on for about the first 4 to 6 months. After that, depending on what your total loss has been will determine how much you should get in. Runners generally need more calories because they burn it. Serious weight training requires much more protein because you are constantly tearing down muscle. The best tools to use to help you out are getting a Resting Metabolic Rate, and a body fat % completed at various stages of loss. It lets you know how much fat is going away, how much lean muscle mass you are developing, and how many calories you can consume at a resting state. Usually most larger hospitals have them in their nutrition departments, or can point you in the right direction. They are really good guides as to how you are doing. Plus follow up with a good nutrionist. I also do random diet audits on myself just to make sure I am getting enough of what I need in. Hope this helps. Increasing activity will increase weight loss. Find something you love to do and know you will go back to it again and again. It running is your thing...go for it. I would love to but I don't think I have the knees for it, and honestly (no offense John) I think that is THE most boring thing in the world. But, I love to train hard core...most people hate that...so see...find what you love! My office mate loves to swim...so I am getting her to go to the pool every chance she gets and it is helping her big time (yep she had it done too). So, good luck to you...come back often, this board is a great place to inspire you, and keep it positive. Lots of love here. Hugs, Val