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Low-carb diets

Any runners that successfully low carb?

2 replies

marvelousways · 30/01/2019 06:50

Hi all,
Last year I managed to loose 3 1/2 stone with a combination of generally cutting down, making healthier choices and starting running again! I have built up my exercise levels quite a bit and am now loving running. I did 2 half marathons (slowly!) last year and have another 3 booked for this year so far!
However I seem to have got to a point in my weight loss where I'm stuck! I want to loose another 1 1/2 - 2 stone but since beginning of December I have hoevred around the same weight - going up and down a couple of pounds endlessly! Now obviously Christmas didn't help and I did definitely over indulge, but through January I've been really good, been running 3/4 times a week plus at least 2 other exercise classes a week, but still cant shift any weight! So I'm thinking of giving low carb a try. (I am definitely a bit of a sugar addict and carby snacks are my downfall!)
However I have seen lots of stuff saying that low carb will effect my running negatively! SO - do any of you low carbers run? I am running 3 / 4 times a week. 2 x 3 miles, a 5 miles and then a longer run which is now up to 12 miles at the weekend. Do you have carbs before a longer run? Do you have more carbs in the run up to an event? Has low carbing effected your running at all?
TIA

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BIWI · 30/01/2019 22:38

I'm a long term low carber. When I was running - never the same distances as you, usually 5K - I always ran in a fasted state, and it was fine. I think, from what I've read, that if you're properly fat-adapted, then you should be fine without carbs or carb-loading.

But there's a really good book called "The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Performance" by Drs Phinny and Volek which might help you.

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marvelousways · 31/01/2019 17:44

thanks. I will look that book out. I'm now day 3 of very low carbs. Definitely have a touch of keto flu! Managed a 5k run this evening . Pace was the same as usual, but I did feel not so great. I expect this is because I'm still adjusting. I am thinking I will need some carbs before my long runs (over 8/9 miles) Ill see what the book suggests!