To think I shouldn't be putting weight on.

[Freesunglasses]

I've just got on the scales and I've put 4lb on since last week. The thing is I'm trying for a 35 mile Ultra marathon.
I run most days averaging 5 miles then a midweek 10 miler and weekend long run of 15 to 26 miles.

I do eat a lot of sweet things but I also run it off. I also know you can't outrun a bad diet but I ran 26 miles on Saturday.
I think I'm a bit baffled as last time I ran like this the weight dropped off me. I'm 47 could it be middle aged spread or do I need to diet? I think I need to start a food diary.

Anyone else had this?

When I think that my morning swim of 30 lengths burns approx 80-90 calories yet there are an average of 130 calories in 3 celebration chocolates gives some perspective to how much we over consume calories and under exercise in proportion.
You need to think about a more balanced diet with lean protein and carb sources for your runs. In the long term you risk causing yourself some problems by expecting your body to fulfil those demands with nothing to sustain or repair with.

Christ that days food you mention is MAHOOSIVE no WONDER you're putting pounds on running or no running 😮

5 mile isn’t a long run, could easily be less than 45 mins of exercise. If your lifestyle is otherwise inactive , then you won’t need more calories than the 1800 to 2000 a day women’s normal. Less if you are short, low muscle development and post menopausal,

And bread I love bread, I have a slice with every meal.

But you didn’t list in original list of what you’ve eaten. What else did you omit?

I'm very active. I'm a cleaner and also spin and swim. I know I need to stop eating so much!

You shouldn't be eating supper if you don't want to gain, especially at that time and especially not a sweet thing. If I don't eat after about 7pm I lose weight.

@kovemenorca I know I didn't't mention bread but I didn't have it yesterday with all.the other stodge, I meant in general. I omitted nothing else. If i was going to omit anything tis omit.the mars bar, crumble and lemon meringue 🙈

Thank you VictoriaBun, I was about to say exactly the same thing about those who insist on stating muscle weighs more than fat. It doesn't! A pound of muscle weighs the same as a pound of fat. BUT a pound of muscle takes up much less space than a pound of fat, and why those who build muscle can drop a few dress sizes/look noticeably leaner and wear smaller clothes while not actually losing weight on the scale.

Always use clothing to judge size, not the scale.

Unfortunately long distance running is an inefficient way of burning calories as your body starts going into efficiency mode after half an hour of exercise ( or something like that), therefore the amount of calories you think you've burnt is much higher than what you actually have, plus as you're doing all this exercising you're relaxing your calorie intake, it's all a bit of a recipe to put on weight if you're prone to it.

Some people aren't- lucky sods - so they need to be careful to meet their calorific needs or they will lose weight, sadly doesn't sound like you or I are that type. Energy gels are also high in calories- it's in their job description.

Well done on the running but you still need to keep an eye on what's going in your mouth.

Not run for a while as I'm heavily pregnant, but I used to do lots of long distance running. It made me ravenous and I tended to put weight on. I think if your concerned about your figure you need to lift weights as well and avoid sugary food. But of you're training for a big run then be careful what weights program you do because some of them will be counterproductive for your goal.

Another runner here. You definitely need to look at your diet. Don’t necessarily need to eat less but look at the composition eg you should be eating plenty of protein to aid muscle repair/growth also carbs are important for energy obviously but you’re better off having low GI eg wholemeal rice, pasta, also sweet potatoes are really good - try them roasted with lots of roasted garlic, onions, carrots, beetroot. Drink plenty of water, eat lots of colourful veg. Nuts are good for a snack: almonds, Brazil’s, cashews. Another fab snack for long distance runners: peanut butter eg on rice cakes plus an apple - possibly have in the afternoon instead of mars bar? Are you getting enough iron in your diet? Also Vit D - essential for bone strength - and B vitamins? I’m not an expert, these are just suggestions and things I do. There are lots of good running blogs etc online - really recommend looking up Tina Muir. Good luck with your training. Furthest I’ve raced (so far) was a marathon, so huge respect for anyone attempting more. I’d say more important to focus on feeding your body to recover and support itself during long runs, rather than your weight.

Mumsnet is a terrible place to talk about weight loss/gain, eating and exercise, people talk absolute nonsense with complete conviction. Look at some running sites/ forums.

Calories in calories out isn't nonsense.

Watch a couple of "Secret Eaters" episodes on YouTube. It's so easy to forget/omit food that is piling on the calories without realising - like the bread you mention with every meal and the full fat coke.

The day's food you list - often a pub lasagne and pudding will have more than your recommended calorie intake for the day in just in that one meal.

But I'd say listen to the runners who have posted here. I imagine it's a different world training for these sorts of events. I'd have no idea about what nutrition is required, but I imagine there are healthy ways of doing it (like the poster above listing healthy snacks) and non-healthy ways of supporting your fitness.

Also apparently muscle weighs more than fat.

It doesn't.

Runner and running coach here - it's not how much you are eating that is the issue, it's what you are eating and when. I'd suggest eating breakfast, cutting down on the amount of sugary snacks you have during the day, and getting a lot more veg and protein into your diet.

You also need to look at what you are eating during your longer training runs - the amount of sugar you put into your body during that 26 mile run is pretty horrific! The problem with using gels, coke etc during a run is that once you start on them, your body just craves more, and if you don't have more, you crash. Personally I only use real food during longer training runs, so things like nuts, cheese, and ham sandwiches. I do do carry a packet of sugary shot bloks with me but they are really only for emergencies.

There's some good reading around diet and ultra running - for example 'Eat and Run' by Scott Jurek (although it's focused on a vegan diet the principles still apply to everyone). You could also read 'Roar' by Stacey Sims which is an excellent book on endurance training and being a woman - she talks through how to train and fuel yourself effectively at all stages of life, including menopause. One of her key messages is that during endurance events, hydration should come through drinking water only (ie no energy drinks) and fuelling via real food.

With some simple changes, you could soon be feeling an awful lot better, and you'll probably run better too.

Mumsnet is a terrible place to talk about weight loss/gain, eating and exercise, people talk absolute nonsense with complete conviction. Look at some running sites/ forums.

^^this completely. You need to fuel for energy, and exercise if the amount you describe definitely does influence weight but you need to eat the right stuff. Just 'eating less' is nonsense. There are a lot of people on MN with really bad relationships with food.

Muscle weighs more than fat also, so the scales aren't necessarily the best measure.

Also apparently muscle weighs more than fat

I said that, but now I've thought about it, it is a nonsensical thing to think

Muscle doesn’t weigh more but it is denser, so when you build muscle you will gain weight (if you’re starting from doing nothing). Athletes and people who train seriously will generally weigh more than someone of comparable height who looks the same but does no exercise.

By ‘looks the same’ I mean in terms of size (have not had coffee yet).

I think you should eat what you think your body needs for this marathon. Afterwards restrict your calories and keep a food diary.

You're eating completely the wrong stuff sorry, regardless of what exercise you're doing.

Sweet sugary things are not good for you no matter how much exercise you do (and I say this as a terrible sugar/carb fiend). But a 4lb fluctuation is quite normal and probably has more to do with heat and water retention and/or processing of food(s). You’re not going to magically put on 4lb of actual fat or muscle from one day to the next, are you.

I think it all sounds ok apart from the supper and the lack of veg and protein

I agree that you're currently running your body on sugar highs and lows. Would be much better to get slower release energy from protein and healthy fats and complex carbs. It'll help with the training long term as well.