The Run-To-Lose Problem
Runner's World SA|July 2018

TRYING TO SHED A FEW KILOS? YOU’LL WANT TO AVOID THESE COMMON DIETING TRAPS, SO YOU CAN RUN HEALTHY – AND HAPPY.

Leslie Goldman
The Run-To-Lose Problem

IN 2011, ALLIE KIEFFER ran 1 600m in 4:40.9, and came third in the USA Track & Field Indoor Championships 3 000-metre event. She was fast. But she wanted to be faster.

“We often hear that to run faster, you should lose weight,” Kieffer says. At 17 per cent body fat, the now 30-year-old was already lean, but “everyone seemed leaner than me”. So, as she made the jump to the elite scene, Kieffer began cutting kilojoules and fat. She lost 4.5kg, and qualified for the upcoming Olympic Trials.

She also developed a stress reaction in her tibia. Not only did running hurt, but “I spent hours a day tracking what I ate,” she remembers. “I’d lie in bed at night, hungry. Dieting basically ruined running for me.” The injury prevented her from competing in the 2012 Olympic Trials, and Kieffer didn’t run competitively again for nearly three years.

The elite runner isn’t alone in using running and kilojoule-cutting to shed weight. Among newbies, weight loss is second only to exercise as a motivator for lacing up, according to Running USA’s 2017 National Runner Survey.

But dieting doesn’t always make the best running buddy. “People think they need to restrict a large number of kilojoules to lose weight; but if you’re doing that while running, you’re burning the candle at both ends,” says dietician Tavierney Rogan. Possible fallout includes injury, burnout, and bingeing. Here’s how to side-step the biggest fuelling mistakes, and use healthier strategies to run and lose weight.

Skipping Refuelling

When you cut carbs or skip meals in an effort to drop kilograms, you’re not giving your body what it needs to avoid muscle breakdown.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 2018-Ausgabe von Runner's World SA.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 2018-Ausgabe von Runner's World SA.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS RUNNER'S WORLD SAAlle anzeigen
LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET
Runner's World SA

LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET

In the last decade, the running singlet once reserved for amateur competitors and professional athletes - has gone mainstream, not only on race day but also on everyday runs.

time-read
9 Minuten  |
May/June 2024
RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES
Runner's World SA

RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES

Banned shoes emerged at a basketball court long before they found their way onto a marathon course.

time-read
9 Minuten  |
May/June 2024
CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE
Runner's World SA

CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE

Are you an early bird or a night owl? Perhaps you've assigned yourself another animal after completing an internet quiz. Research is shedding light on the link between well-being and circadian predisposition, but there's no need to rewire yourself. Learn to lean into your biology with our guide.

time-read
6 Minuten  |
May/June 2024
THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD
Runner's World SA

THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD

Some of the world's best runners credit this unorthodox Norwegian training method for their success. Is it right for you?

time-read
9 Minuten  |
May/June 2024
THE MIND OF MASSYN
Runner's World SA

THE MIND OF MASSYN

IN 2024, LOUIS MASSYN WILL ATTEMPT HIS 49TH COMRADES MARATHON AND HE'S LEARNT PLENTY OF LESSONS ALONG THE WAY. HERE'S THE STORY OF HIS AMAZING JOURNEY.

time-read
10 Minuten  |
May/June 2024
TAKING CHARGE
Runner's World SA

TAKING CHARGE

OUTSPOKEN AND AMBITIOUS, NEW COMRADES RACE MANAGER (AND FORMER WINNER) ANN ASHWORTH IS LOOKING TO TAKE THE RACE INTO THE FUTURE.

time-read
5 Minuten  |
May/June 2024
A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES
Runner's World SA

A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES

THIS YEAR, BARRY HOLLAND WILL BE AIMING TO FINISH HIS 50TH CONSECUTIVE COMRADES MARATHON. THIS IS WHAT HAS INSPIRED HIM.

time-read
6 Minuten  |
May/June 2024
MY RUNNING LIFE
Runner's World SA

MY RUNNING LIFE

ORDINARY RUNNERS doing EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

time-read
3 Minuten  |
May/June 2024
Ageing In The Age Of Strava
Runner's World SA

Ageing In The Age Of Strava

RECENTLY MY BUDDY Sean sent a text message that said, “Been running a lot of 5:30–6:00 kays early. It feels pretty nice at that pace.”

time-read
4 Minuten  |
May/June 2024
How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It
Runner's World SA

How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It

I'VE ALWAYS FELT validation when reading a story about writers and their love of procrastination.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
May/June 2024