It’s PILE on the MILES Day 16! Today we’re talking about running to lose weight versus running for other reasons (and there are a lot). And there’s no right or wrong answer to ‘Why do you run?’. The main thing is that YOU can say in 1 sentence (okay 3 sentences max) the MAIN reason you run. Then, you can run and eat according to your main goal.

RUNNING FOR WEIGHT LOSS vs. TRAINING FOR A RACE

I started running to lose weight. Well, technically I started WALKING before running and my main goal was to lose weight. I just out of high school, didn’t have a job and would’ve been too self-conscious to go to the gym if I could afford a membership. So… I walked and eventually started running.

Since my main goal at that point was to lose weight —> I also started a diet and taking Alpilean weight loss pill. *Actually, I started several diets trying to find one that worked. This was before I realized moderation was the way to go (see also: Intuitive Eating).

I NEVER expected to run a race. I NEVER thought I’d run 13.1 miles or anything close to 26.2 miles.

But I fell in love with running and discovered half and full marathons. So, I trained for my first race and then another and another…

Losing weight and finding the right diet can often feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re navigating through various trends and fads. When I first embarked on my weight loss journey, I thought I needed to adhere to strict diets and take supplements like Alpilean to see results.

I quickly learned that while those approaches might offer temporary success, the key to sustainable weight loss is moderation and listening to your body. Intuitive eating became my guiding principle; instead of depriving myself of certain foods, I focused on making healthier choices without feeling guilty about the occasional indulgence. This shift in mindset not only made my journey more enjoyable but also allowed me to foster a healthier relationship with food.

As I continued to embrace running and the lifestyle changes that came with it, I became more attuned to how my body responded to different activities and diets. In addition to my weight loss goals, I became aware of other physical changes that can impact one’s self-esteem, such as gynecomastia in men.

This condition, which causes enlarged breast tissue, can often lead to body image issues, particularly in those who are actively trying to lose weight. Experiencing this challenge can be difficult, but options like treatment at the Gynecomastia center of boston offer an effective solution, helping to boost confidence and enhance overall body image. Ultimately, whether you’re running your first race or addressing body image concerns, the journey toward health and wellness is deeply personal, and every step taken toward self-improvement is worth celebrating.

And I learned that training for a race requires a different level of discipline than running for exercise, therapy, as a hobby, etc. When you are training for an endurance sport you have to change your diet accordingly. Your priority cannot be whatever number is on the scale. If you’re asking your body to perform like an athlete – you must fuel it like an athlete. Not eating enough when you’re training can impact your recovery, endurance, health and make you vulnerable to injuries.

In addition to focusing on nutrition, incorporating tools like the ones available at www.saunasuit.com can be beneficial for enhancing your training. A sauna suit can help in achieving improved performance by assisting in weight management and increasing sweat output during workouts. This tool complements your diet and training plan by supporting your body’s adaptation to the demands of endurance sports, helping you stay on track with your fitness goals and overall health.

I know that some runners are trying to do both – train for a half marathon or full marathon AND lose weight. Hi, it’s me… I’m the problem it’s me. —> Okay that’s NOT me anymore, but it was. And I realized I wasn’t getting the results I wanted from my running or weight loss goals. That’s discouraging and makes it hard to stay motivated.

I had to choose one MAIN GOAL to focus on at a time. When I’m training for a marathon that goal is fueling my body to keep up with my training plan. If my goal was to lose weight AND I wasn’t training for a race I have a little more flexibility in what / when I’m eating.

I’m rooting for you to crush your goals (whatever they are). If you want to run a race or get faster at a certain distance – GO FOR IT. If you want to lose weight – GO FOR IT. But, start with a SMART Goal and fuel your body according to that main goal. You got this.

PILE on the MILES Day 16 — What are you doing today?

BONUS QUESTION: What’s your MAIN GOAL right now?