In the past, I’ve eaten decently well for a few weeks and lose a few pounds, then ate like crap for a weekend. I’d weigh myself after my bad weekend and see that I’d gained the weight back. Instead of rededicating, I’d get frustrated that my healthy diet “wasn’t working.” How stupid is that?
So, this half marathon training cycle I’ve decided to be really serious. In addition to the runs and cross training, I’ve decided to commit to a clean diet. What does this mean? It means that I am going to try to eat as natural as possible. I’m going to avoid processed and artificial foods. I’m also going to cut out most alcohol (my birthday is next month and I can’t promise I won’t have even one drink). It’s almost like a paleo diet, but I’m not going to say that’s what it is for one simple reason: this isn’t a diet. I’m changing the way I eat. Food will be used as fuel instead of as a reward or a comfort.
I’m anticipating that this will help my half marathon training in a few ways. First, the better you fuel, the better you run. It’s that simple. After eating like crap, my runs are crap. I feel bloated and crampy and I fatigue so easily. Second, this type of eating will probably help me to lose a bit of weight. If I could lose a few pounds, though, I know I would be a faster runner. There is a ton of research that shows that losing weight helps you run faster. It makes sense. If you don’t have to carry around added pounds, you don’t have to work as hard to run, allowing you to run faster. Third, eating a healthier, more balanced diet helps your overall health. This includes your immune system, as well as your cardiovascular and digestive systems. If I can stay healthy, I won’t have to miss any training time from being sick. Obviously, less missed time would equal better running results.
I am so ready to dedicate the next 4 months to a healthy lifestyle and be a “real runner” in training for a race. Athletes make dietary and lifestyle changes to perform better. I am training to be an athlete. Therefore, I will do the same.
So far for meals this week I’ve had fish taco bowls with cauliflower rice, spaghetti squash with sauteed eggplant and turkey meat sauce, and cauliflower crust pizza. I am so ready to crush my goals. Half marathon, look out!
~Unexpected Runner~
