Progress weeks 1-16. All done :)

S

sparrow

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My primary goal was to get out of "starvation mode" and increase cals to a more normal level while adopting a strength training routine and training for a half marathon. All with as minimal of weight gain as possible :) I wasn't asking for much :D

May Start:600-800 cals


8 weeks: 1300 cals




12 weeks:1500 cals




16 weeks: 3 weeks before race, last pics of training, metabolism restored
(Took after breakfast, little bit of full tummy)
 
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Look at u,u look great !!!!very lean
best of luck for the marathon:)
 
Thanks everyone! I appreciate such positive feedback. Stingo, I still feel like I'm not 100% there because its too easy now and food used to be such the enemy. I keep thinking its going to all backfire on me but mostly I feel like my body is a well oiled machine that uses what I give it and lets me know when I give it "bad" fuel or NO fuel. I used to be able to get away with missing meals, no problem. If I go more than 4 hours without something I start feeling VERY irritable and sick. I'm much more in tune with my body now and as long as I am, it cooperates. I'm very happy I took the leap of faith.
 
Glad to hear it - yes, the care and feeding of the body is something it takes many of us (myself included) a while to get right. Sounds like you're well on your way. How would you say it's affected your training?
 
I've never been in better shape. never-and I've been "training" for something or another my whole life.
I am holding 7:50 min miles for a 10 mile run! Before this my avarage best was around 8:30 for ONE mile! I've found as long as I have ample carbs afterwards, I don't get sore from long runs anymore. Previously I couldn't walk down my stairs the next morning...or days afterwards!
I also don't get as fatigued from my workouts. I can rebound much faster. Before one too-hard workout could set me back all week. Now I can do hard stuff back to back and as long as I'm smart with my post workout meal and hydration I can do it.
 
sparrow said:
I've never been in better shape. never-and I've been "training" for something or another my whole life.
I am holding 7:50 min miles for a 10 mile run! Before this my avarage best was around 8:30 for ONE mile! I've found as long as I have ample carbs afterwards, I don't get sore from long runs anymore. Previously I couldn't walk down my stairs the next morning...or days afterwards!
I also don't get as fatigued from my workouts. I can rebound much faster. Before one too-hard workout could set me back all week. Now I can do hard stuff back to back and as long as I'm smart with my post workout meal and hydration I can do it.
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Great - sounds like you're getting enough calories/nutrients for recovery now, which can only help support a hard training program like yours. Keep up the great work - stories like yours remind us (myself particularly) that it CAN be done.
 
YES it can and I would never have believed it. I was really taking a leap of faith doing the one thing I was most afraid of-eating more! This site though has some amazing support that I could not have succeeded in the least without. Y'all know who you are. thanks SO much!
 
Tremendous accomplishment, sparrow. Being where you are now compared to your earlier times. You deserve the praise you are receiving from others here. Keep it going, we'll be right there with ya. :)
 
Thank you JP. Means a lot. You, my friend, were a wonderful cheerleader and hugely motivational when I wanted to stop. Thanks a ton for sticking with me. After the race I will continue trying to make strides upwards in calorie content even as I back off on my exercise routine. I know I'm still not 100% where I should be, but at least I'm much more in the ballpark!
 
great job! i was wondering what your current strength training program is. i am also a runner and i have a hard time sticking to a consistent strength training program. keep up the good work!
 
Wow, I didn't expect this thread to ressurect ;)
Right now I'm doing a full body mostly body resistance training 3 days a week. When I do the "regular" weight exercises I seem to be predisposed to bulk more than is good for my running and my flexibilty goes out the window.
These are the base exercises I do. Some have variations I do on different days and I put those in parenthesis
Bulgarian split squats with no extra weight (walking lunges with or without weight, step ups with or without weight) 3x15
Sraight Leg Dead Lift (SLDL) 2x12 (hyperextentions)
incline barbell press 2x12 (pause bench press)
wide grip rows with a barbell 2x12
decline pushups-off a bench
body rows, using bar from squat rack (this is my favorite!)
seated DB press 2x12 superset with lateral raises 2x12
assisted chins and assisted dips 2x12 each
stability ball ab exercises
none of these are super heavy but they are challenging enough. I keep the sets low and reps high on purpose. So far its working out great and toning instead of bulking, especially the leg exercises. I also spin which is really morphing my leg shape and helping my running power.
 
ye week 16 for the win;)
 
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