fat is dumb.
so lah-dee-dah i'm off to the gym. i head there with the thought of "i've been running for 5 months. i will be thinner/have less body-fat"... right? i mean. that would make sense.
but......noooooooooope. i am the same. i have lost exactly ONE POUND (how that is even possible is truly beyond me) and have only lost like 2% bodyfat. or like 1%. i can't even remember.
so..... thats dumb. i mean for the love, i even gained inches around my thighs. yeah right is all i have to say about that, cuz folks, no. just.... no. (yes, i'm also the master champion of living in denial. don't mind me, i'll just be over here deciding for myself what my body fat % is!!!)
so i thought about it. and i did the math and..... (dont laugh at the following numbers)
current weight: 136 (i'm pretending i weigh 128)
current body fat: 29.blahblah% (omg. ew. i'm pretending that says 22%)
current lean body mass: 96.56
current amount of disgusting fat on my body: 39.44 (ew. ewewewew)
daily caloric intake for moderately active me: 2042
what i should aim for: 1500
so. those are the numbers.
what am i doing with these numbers?
i'm not entirely sure.
?! yes i'm also the champion of not quite complete ideas! woo me!
anyway... so, thats where i'm at..... now all i gotta do is figure out how to lose 10 pounds of fat while building muscle.
so this'll be fun.....?!
Comments
DATE: 7:06 AM
I hear ya on 'fat being dumb', sista! :)It sounds like we've both done our research on calories around the same time. About two weeks ago, I was so disappointed to learn that I had stayed at the same weight for a while...yikes, not more 'young metabolism' to save the day as it once did as an avid soccer player...Now? I'm counting calories. Surprisingly, keeping track of my calories in a little journal I have is not that big of a pain in the a** as I thought it would be - instead of being a slave to food, I just feel more in control of it. I'm one of those live to eat types :) The good news in my case is that I get the proper nutrition i.e balanced diet. However, my portions were just too large.So here are a few tips, if you don't mind the unsolicited advice:(1) Check out Runner's World Nutrition Articles on a Runner's Diet and weight loss(2) Calories needed to *maintain* current weight= CURRENT WEIGHT * 13(3) 500 calorie deficeit needed for 1 lb/week weight loss(4) 1 mile = 100 Calories(5) To determine your daily caloric intake, factor in miles run, strength training and other exercise.(6) Distribute your calories 50% Carbs 25% Protein 25% Fat Sorry for the *extremely* long post :)
Posted by: Mia | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 7:25 AM
i agree jeremy, its not about the number (but oh by the way i'm 5'2...and a half.... so ya know...there's that... ) its about the fat %...thats what i'm ewing about!!! thanks Mia!!! calorie counting always seemed like such a drag, but i can always give'er a go...
Posted by: a.maria | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 7:18 AM
Damn, Mia hit it pretty much on the head with her reply/post. The only advice I can offer it to be more aware of your measurements and less aware of your weight. Since muscle weighs more than fat you'll probablly gain weight as you slim down.Plus I resent 136lbs being considered fat (I'm 135) :).Good luck with the weight loss.
Posted by: Jeremy | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 8:15 AM
The whole thing is just crazy and I totally know what you mean. When I first started running last year (and was struggling to run 1 mile) I went from 160lbs to 134lbs in like 3 months. I got hurt and didn't run for a while but now I run for hours at a time and I'm back up to 160 (and I actually do eat pretty healthy). Mia pretty much summed it up perfectly. I know I'm not much help... but I just thought I'd jump up on your soapbox for a sec. =)You look great and OBVIOUSLY you're in great condition (cause... ya'know.. you just ran a f'n marathon)... the rest are just silly little numbers. Hang in there.
Posted by: brent d. | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 8:38 AM
If you're going to lose 10 lbs of fat while putting on muscle, remember you just might GAIN weight. Figure out where you want to be (not based on weight) and you can get there.For 3 years of running, I hovered at 195-200 lbs, despite my mileage or intensity. I was 195 just before the half marathon in September. I was 183 at my doctor visit after Chicago. My mileage had dropped, and I lost nearly 15 pounds in 3 weeks.I nearly freaked. Just keep with the programs and let the weight worry about itself. Despite the lack of real weightloss, everyone can see the difference.
Posted by: Tom | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 9:17 AM
Muscle does weigh more but it takes a lot of time to develop 1 lb of muscle. You won't loose 10 lbs of fat and gain 12 lbs of muscle.Try reading Nancy Clarks Sports Nutrition Guidebook. This details the facts, not flashy-no-worky diets.I am also trying very hard to loose 10-20 lbs and experienced very little wieght loss even though I exercise like an animal. It comes down to loggin what you eat. That is the key.It's a case of poor food choices and emotional eating. Good luck and keep us posted with your results.
Posted by: William | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 9:34 AM
Ok, honestly, I don't know you, and have never seen you in person, but I truly doubt you have 29% bodyfat. How are you calculating it? Scales and calipers that calculate bodyfat can have really large margins of error, so I'm willing to bet your bodyfat's lower than that.But yeah, I hear you on fat being dumb. And my coworkers, who keep bringing in bowls and bowls of their kids halloween candy? Even dumber. ugh.
Posted by: mouse | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 9:48 AM
I ran my first marathon (a "trail" marathon) on 10/15. I must have hurt something in my knee because I have not been able to resume running again. I certainly wasn't a runner before I started training last June but the bug has got me and I REALLY miss it. I'm in denial that there is really something going on in my stupid knee but the denial is wearing thin. As far as your weight goes, forget the scales and the numbers. I can guarantee that your clothes all fit better now that you are a runner and mentally and physically you feel great. That's all that really matters.
Posted by: Dorice | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 10:25 AM
I hear'ya! I expected to be a waif by the time I finished the marathon ... I don't really understand how I can run that much each week and not lose any weight ... Honestly, for me I think it is portion control, and I have to lose the mentality that I did a long run so therefore I can eat the whole bag of chips ... then dinner
Posted by: Ali | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 10:16 AM
don't feel bad. the fat in my head alone amounts to 29%
Posted by: J | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 10:25 AM
If you want to be healthy, you have to pick healthy foods and be active. I know you've been active (and a warning - when I cut mileage, by weight usually shoots up, I'm used to eating like I'm running 40 or 50/week, when it goes to 20, I need to retrain!), but have you regularly eaten healthy foods? Should you be making smater choices there? Also, don't get too fanatical (your use of the term "disgusting fat" makes me think that could happen) as some fat is necessary for good health (to say nothing of how some of the fat is attractively deposited in some locations on a woman's body). Finally, check my blog (especially the early part of it) for info on my attitude about managing weight.http://scootersweightloss.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Scooter | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 12:16 PM
one word: pilates.
Posted by: mipper | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 7:44 PM
It actually defies the law of physics. I have said this many many times. I ran a bagazillon miles, and ate (ok, maybe i ate a teensy bit more! but not a lot! plus gave up all alcohol) and I lost ... ZERO pounds. Please, some physics professor explain THIS TO ME! It's like intelligent design or gravity suddenly turning off. It. Is. Impossible. !!!
Posted by: jeanne | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 1:25 PM
Amen sista. I hear you loud and clear. I figured I would lose a pound or two from running.....but nothing, nada, zip! I have noticed however that I have lost a great deal of inches. I have stopped looking at the #'s on the scale. You should take your measurements before you start this program and do a comparison at the end.
Posted by: The Running Red Sox Fan | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 7:57 PM
Yeah, it really is weird.I've now managed to lose about 5 pounds, but this is after training for a 1/2 Ironman Triathlon, and working out like 5 days a week.Muscle is the issue.
Posted by: Okolo | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 7:02 AM
so it turns out we are each lying to ourselves about the exact same thing!let's get ready to burn fat!
Posted by: Running from my House | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 12:19 AM
I started running a few years ago to lose weight, it worked for awhile, I lost 55 lbs. But two years, 6 half-marathons, 2 marathons and zillions of miles later I still haven't lost the last 13 lbs. that would bring me down to my doctor's suggested "ideal weight"! It's frustrating I tell ya! But on the positive side I can actually see where I have replaced fat with muscle over the last two years. If I can keep this trend going I will be equally satisfied.
Posted by: Jack | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 7:40 AM
A. Maria,You sounded angry on your post on my blog. I didn't mean to piss you off, but it seems like I may have, and if so, I apologize.As I stated, some fat is both healthy and necessary. It is well proven that weight loss in most people will improve athletic performance. One post that lays it out well is here (from Vince Heminson's Boston or Bust blog):http://vanishingtattoo.blogspot.com/2005/10/great-boston-marathon-qualifier.htmlSo, I didn't mean to sound like the eating disorder police, nor to condemn you for electing to lose weight. By the way, may I ask how you got the numbers on body fat %?
Posted by: Scooter | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 8:01 AM
Most of the time, I have given up on the whole fat thing. My body likes where it is and it's not too bad of a place, actually. Plus, if you only burn 100 cals/mile, you can't even burn a pound of fat by running a marathon, which is effing unfair. But my roommates have gotten me hooked on The Biggest Loser and I'm telling you nothing makes me want to go to the gym and have a trainer kick my ass than that show. BTW, I sure must have left an impression on everyone. I'm not hung over, I'm sick! :(
Posted by: Nic | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 7:08 PM
NO way in hell you're at 29%. And you're thighs are bigger because, um, I think you've been kind of running or something lately. Find a pair of skinny jeans that you can wear, but not necessarily breathe in and use THEM instead of the scale. The scale bites. Burn the scale. Keep the tape measure and the Body Fat calipers (but let someone who knows how to measure them help you MAKE SURE that you're using them right). Hang in there, it's gonna be a long winter so you have plenty of time.
Posted by: Wil | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 12:21 PM
I'm right there with ya girl!
Posted by: ncmunchkin | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 10:25 AM
Same here, all this running and I think I've lost about 2 pounds over the past few months. However, I'm hungry a lot and so my calories have increased but I'm trying to make them healthy calories. How did you measure your body fat? I really don't think it's that high. Also, I've found when I combine weights + pilates + cardio I do lose more weight, even if the scale doesn't show it I can tell by the fit of my clothes. Don't stress about it, you're definately not fat. Would you rather look like one of the Olsons or have fantastic runner's thighs? I love the new Nike ads that say "I have Thunder Thighs", I have it posted on my desk at work for all to admire.
Posted by: Rae | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 8:14 PM
okay...lose the weight then build back the muscle...that's my advice. have i ever told you how much i love reading your blog? When are you gonna visit us folks in texas? You need to run a race here and connect with us houston-area running bloggers.
Posted by: atownrunner | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 10:40 PM
Hey, I had my body fat done at the gym a year ago... 29%. A few months later my newly-hired awesome coach measured it using the EXACT SAME method, but took more readings...16%. So... whatever.... My coach is a genius, and those gym people don't know what they're doing! That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it Baby!!!! :)
Posted by: Tammy | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 11:00 AM
first, RAE, love the costume!yeah. you're right. i know im not FAT, i just want to have 22-24% body fat. that would be my goal.so okay i guess there it is, thats my goal.anyway, so yeahhhhhh, good times.
Posted by: a.maria | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM
DATE: 11:18 AM
I have a hard time believing you are at 29% !
Posted by: Kiran | July 4, 2006 8:03 PM