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?

Having lunch and tea and supper seems like it sets you up to eat more calories than you burn.

I've lost a good amount of weight in the last year counting calories. It really does have to come from eating. It's easy to over estimate exercise calories. In fact an hour of working pretty hard with my trainer only burns 200, which isn't enough to justify a dessert unless it's just fruit.

Multiple meals is not an issue, it’s the quality of food that’s causing issues.

Eating a sugary meal last thing is the worst thing you can do for blood sugar stability.

2 of your meals contain cheese = high fat

2 of your meals had puddings = high sugar

Add in a sugary mars bar snack

A 5 mile run for me burns (roughly) 500 calories, so that's only burning off probably ONE of the desserts you ate!

You should be eating a low sugar, low fat, high protein, high carb diet to keep your blood sugar constant, to avoid crashes and avoid feeling hungry all the time.

For example instead of lasagne, have pasta with chicken and a tomato based sauce

Instead of sugary snacks on your long runs, things like malt loaf

When I started triathalon training I changed my mindset from marathon training, I eat a lot less sugar but more carbs and I "graze" throughout the day now too.

Thanks all, some good advice. Can I just add, yesterday was a higher than usual calories day although the lunch was a very small roast and my brother made tea. Also the coke, I never normally touch it but I was 20 miles Into my.run, hot and very thirsty and flagging. I bought a bottle and shook it up to loose it's fiz. I'd already had a banana at mile 8 and some nuts and water.

I realise I am a sweet addict. I will take all the advice and maybe try flapjacks and nuts on my next long run.

Get some healthy protein and light carbs in after a longer run when you're depleted, eg after a long weekend run scrambled egg on granary toast always goes down well. Your shorter runs you don't need to do anything special to refuel. Eat healthily but don't think "I'd better eat a bit more". It's not that many calories. Breakfast isn't illegal. Get on the fruit for snacks - chocolate, etc should be the exception not the rule.

Practice what you'll eat on the ultra, different stuff works for different people. I'd get fed up of gels. A bit of normal food might perk you up, hot cross bun, peanut butter sarnie, nuts. Try a few things and have options if you have bag drops.

After your ultra, treat yourself! And ignore the scales for a week - weight tends to bounce around after a big event. I think it's mostly fluid levels.

2 lb down today. Yesterdays diet was
Breakfast: slice of toast with lemon curd, cup of coffee (one sugar and milk)
Lunch: half a cheese and ham sandwich with mayonnaise (wasn't very hungry after lunch run)
Tea: chicken breast in breadcrumbs chips and coleslaw, slice of bread
Supper: about 8pm, lemon meringue (it need finishing!)
Snacks: small mars bar and nuts

Ran 6 miles in an hour.

Your running sounds fab so clearly your body is working well. Does it not bother you about the lack of veg?

OP, runner here... if it took you an hour to run six miles, how long are you out for your long runs of 25+ miles? Presumably five hours plus?
Ultra training is a whole different ball game (as you'll be well aware!) You need to be eating enough so that you don't crash, and have sugar on hand to bring you round if you do. Protein after runs to rebuild (I usually drink whole milk after my longest runs as I can't stomach solids at that point).

The time on feet you've got at the moment is huge, and not really comparable to any other forms of training. Honestly, I'd lay off the scales for a few months, but incorporate more fruit and veg into your diet in the meantime.

When's your race, and which one is it?

@ligresa I don't like veg. I will force some down occasionally . I have thought about buying a juicer and just drinking a mixture to get some in me!
If I like this ultra and I've kinda enjoyed the training, I'm hoping to do a 60 miler next year so will definitely need to rethink my diet.

Tbh your diet sounds delicious. I might have to start running

@Runningonempty84 it's at ladybower 22nd September. I was out for 5 hrs 16 mins on Saturday (slowed right down) I really struggle to eat after a long run as I'm not hungry for the rest of the day. I forced an omelette down me after Saturdays and I always have a glass of milk.
Its all trial and error as this is my first ultra. I've done lots of marathons bit this a different ball game.

@ligresa 😁 it has its advantages!

Your diet is terrible as you're aware! Where's the fruit, veg and protein? I'm surprised you can run on a diet like that.

careful adding too much veg/fibre too suddenly - unless there are plenty of bushes en route...

do that gradually.

Ah, Ladybower will be lovely! Well, as lovely as an ultra can be I think I'd struggle with the lap aspect, though, and just give up for coffee and flapjack at Fairholmes...

On the plus side for laps you might be able to stash food and leave your options open rather than carrying everything you need? Or coffee and cakes at Fairholmes :)

I struggle to eat after long runs too, OP. Especially if I've had gels, as they turn my stomach. Hence why it's about getting quick energy in, that I can keep down - even if that's a glass of milk and a pile of biscuits- as I'd throw up a "proper" meal. Nothing like training for shorter distances, where I can wolf down a healthy breakfast after only being out for a couple of hours or so.