After injury, surgery, and
recovery, I’m not surprised I weigh a bit more than my training and racing
weight. I usually race between 128-133
and train between 133-136, but over the past couple months I haven’t been able
to shake 148-150. I know it is healthy
to gain a few pounds in the off season, but I don’t feel comfortable being so
far off the weight I feel good training at.
I was really motivated to drop some
of the extra fat in preparation for getting back to running, but, so far, my
body is not budging. I completely cut
out sugar for 4 weeks (quite an accomplishment for me) and tracked my calories.
When nothing happened, I got pissed and stopped being so strict. Not much happened. Then I got re-motivated and did a juice
cleanse for a couple days. I dropped a
couple pounds, but then my weight gradually returned to where it was. Urggg.
I think the hardest part is trying
not comparing myself to other runners. I
feel heavy compared to the women I race against at when I’m weighing in at 130,
let alone 150. I know other women also
gain weight , but it never seems as drastic as me nor is it as hard to get off.
I know my body is smart, and there
is probably a reason it’s holding on to weight. Such as needing to recovery
from surgery…. So, I went and checked in
with a nutritionist at Bastyr Center for Natural Health. She reminded me I’m still at a healthy body
weight and having a higher body weight helps your body recover faster. Weight should come off as I start to run
more, and my body remembers there are reasons why it is helpful to be
lighter. But I can also help myself out
by minimizing processed body and the empty calories in alcohol.
Being disciplined but not freaking
out is the balance I will need to work out the next few weeks.