Hi - - I just started on Jenny and forgot to ask a question at my intro meeting:

I'll be training for the Chicago Marathon (my second year) this year and will soon be adding quite a bit of mileage (long run will be 10, 11, 12 miles and more). I'm on the 1200 calorie plan but once I start adding the long miles, I'll need more calories or I simply won't physically able to complete the training runs. (I'll be running for 3 - 4 hours at a time for the longest runs)

Has anyone trained for a marathon or half marathon while on Jenny and if so, how did you handle making up for the excess calorie burn?

I actually lost some weight last year during marathon training (180 lbs down to 163), but unfortunately, I haven't been running regularly since October yet continued to eat like I was running. So now I'm back up in the 170s and at Jenny!

Any input appreciated. Thanks!!!

Jenn in Chicagoland
First Weigh-in 174

Talk to your JC about it. I'm on 1200. I have stepped up the exercise since I joined. On a workout hungry day, my JC told me to add 1 starch and 1 meat (= 1/2 turkey sandwich).

Jennrun - Welcome and that's a great goal! I ran Chicago last year (I'm sure we can share stories on how crazy of a marathon that was!!!). Was that your first marathon? If so, that is great that you are going to do it again based !!!! I have run that marathon 3 times and absolutely love it. It is by far one of my favorite races!!!

I was on Jenny for a little less than half of my training due to reaching my goal (& being tired of the food by then). I was on the 1500 calorie plan. You will definitely need to add more calories to your days especially on the days of your long runs. On those days I always seem to crave salt. I always ate what I felt was necessary b/c I don't think the consultants (unless they have run & trained for a maraton) knows what it takes & how you feel after you run those long runs. Adding a 1/2 turkey sandwich like they suggest will not cut it on those days!!! You definitely will need to listen to your body b/c you don't want to dehydrate yourself or have a lack of energy. One suggestion would be to drink the G2 instead of Gatorade on your long runs since the calories are less in the G2.

When will you start your official training? Are you starting to run now? I don't have any marathons on the schedule right now...my husband & I have talked about Chicago again!!! Right now I am running b/w 30 min & 1 hr 30 min runs and definitely can tell a difference in hunger on the days I run longer!

Did you just join this week? How is it going thus far? I "restarted" Jenny about 5 weeks ago due to gaining weight back after the marathon last year (& the holidays)!!! Sounds like we are in the same boat with post-marathon weight.

Thanks for the responses! Runkeg, I made it to mile 16 in Chicago last year before the race was called off. Sounds like you made it to the finish line, congratulations!

Yes, I am a little worried that unless my JC is a runner, there might be a lack of understanding of how many calories are burned during long runs. That was my husband's main concern when I told him I was doing this because as you know, it will be impossible to physically handle the long runs without the proper amount of calories. That said, I know I also had a tendency to overdo it too (Another piece of chocolate cake? Sure, I just ran 12 miles!)

This is my first day on Jenny and so far so good, haven't cheated yet I actually joined Jenny in 2004 after my daughter was born but wasn't very committed and also felt like I was going to a weekly sales pitch as opposed to a discussion about my eating habits. A friend of mine had great success, and a good counselor so I thought I'd give it another go.

Ran the Chicago Shamrock Shuffle (8k) last weekend but really wasn't prepared for it, so getting back in the game for the Soldier Field 10 Mile in May.

My running blog:
http://mysecondfirstmarathon.blogspot.com/

I'm glad you asked about this. I'm going to start training next month for the Columbus Marathon, and have been wondering about how much to eat when I have longer training days. It sounds like Runkeg has some good experience, and I hope others will have some advice, too. I don't think the JC program is really set up to deal with intense exercise, so we have to tweak it to meet our needs.

I switched myself from 1200 calories to 1500 about a month ago when I started calculating how many calories I was burning through exercise. So far it hasn't had any negative effect on my weight loss. I'm running my first 5K on Saturday, and planning to walk the marathon in Oct.

Thanks anyname27, glad to know I'm not alone with marathon training and JC. My first weigh-in and meeting with counselor is tomorrow so I'm going to ask about it. My running friends are really concerned about the 1200 calories knowing how many miles I will be putting in. I ran 3 miles the other night and it was the worst ever, not sure if it was b/c of low calories or other factors. Really don't think 1200 calories is going to cut it, especially on 5, 6 miles and up running days!

Good luck with your marathon training!

www.mysecondfirstmarathon.blogspot.com

I have a new plan for my marathon training: I'm going to use the Weight Watchers Activity Point system to add food to my plan. For WW, you can eat 1 extra point (very roughly 50 calories) for every 100 calories you burn. Using the belief that 1 mile = 100 calories, if I do a 12 mile long run, I'll eat an extra 600 calories above my 1500 calorie menu that day. I'll try to keep it at 50-60% carbs, 20-30% protein and fat. I'll see how that works and revise as necessary. I may need to add more.

I know my JC consultant will be completely unable to advise me. I keep telling her I'm eating more and exercising less in order to start losing weight again (lost 1.4 lbs this week, an amazing amount for me), and she keeps congratulating me on working out more and telling me to add an extra milk to my 1200 calorie menu. Umm, it's 1500 calories, and I'm working out LESS.

Great topic! I am training for the Long Beach Marathon (California) in October. It is the same day as the Chicago Marathon. (We just moved from CA to IL in October 2007.) I've been training for a few weeks now. My longest run has only been 6 miles. This will be my third marathon.

I agree that the JCC's don't understand training for a running event and calories and what type of calories you need. You have to have carbs before your run and protein after and salt during the runs. Not only is it important for your training but you have to get your body use to it for race day. If not, your body will not know what to do with the extra salt and fluid (this is from my running coach in CA). So now the question is, how do we incorporate all this into our JC plan!

Here is what I have been doing. On the nights that I run, I eat one of my pasta dinners, like mac and cheese. Then when I get home, I eat my snack (cake or whatever). In the past when I was training, I would eat a Cliff bar before I ran or 1/2 a peanut butter sandwich. And then I would drink Gatoraide as I ran. And on the long runs, eat a couple of gels.

I weigh in this morning and I am going to try to get some information from my JCC on this. If she doesn't know, I'll ask her to contact corporate or someplace to get the information. I'll share what I come up with.

Congrats to all you runners out there! It is a huge accomplishment to train for these events and then finish them! We should all keep in touch to support our diet and training!

BTW, if you have an iPod you MUST get the Nike Sport Kit! It tracks your runs and you can download all the info to your computer. It is so cool!

Just an update...

I went to my WI today (gained .5 bummer). But I asked my JCC about the marathon training and diet. She was very up front and said she didn't know the type of nutrition for that type of training and I should call the 800-JennyCare line. So I did. The lady said she would forward my questions onto their nutritionist, who would get back to me.

Well, I received a call from the Center Director asking all kinds of questions, as if I had a complaint. I explained the entire situation, making sure she understood I did not have a problem with my JCC. She then said she would call their nutritionist and get back to me. She did call back and said she left 2 messages and would call me tomorrow.

The Director did try the old, 'oh do the 1500 calorie diet and add 1 milk and 1 fruit'. I told her that wasn't the right types of extra calories I would need for my training. And how does Gatorade and Gels fit into the plan? She of course didn't know.

Anyhow, when I get some information, I will share it. But in the meantime, if you want your own information, contact your Center Director and tell them you want the information right from their nutritionist.

Good luck everyone!

I am asking through the JC intranet - I am an employee. I asked about this in training because I knew we had runners and walkers that do distance events. I was told eat more free foods. I don't even want to talk about how an apple reacts to the tummy on long miles on a hot day. LOL!

I will update you what I hear from this side when I get a response. i am trying to help my fellow consultant to help you.

I will say that some of my clients do 1200 most days and up the calories the day before the long workouts.

I hadn't heard back from my Center today so I called to get an update. They are still waiting for a call back from the nutritionist. I guess the Marketing Director (I think that is the title) was getting involved due to the lack of response.

I did do some research on my own as well as asked my running coach from CA. He gave me a good article from Runnersworld.com to check out. Until I hear different, I am going to eat carbs (like a pasta dinner) before I run. I'll drink my Gatorade and my gels as I would normally. When I finish my long runs (over 5 miles), I'll have a 1/2 pbj sandwich.(that is what I did during previous training). Hopefully, I'll still lose.

Here is a great article on what to eat when you are running - http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120...8-1-1-2,00.html

On my 6 mile run, I burned almost 700 calories. So I don't think that the Gatorade, gels and sandwich should hurt anything.

Does anyone else have any suggestions?

Ok, needless to say I am disappointed with the information I am getting!

Today the Center Director called to give me the information the nutrionist gave her. Now why the nutritionist didn't call me directly is beyond me. I was told that on Monday, my WI day, to bring in the Gatorade I'll be using and my gels. 'We' will all call the nutritionist and give her the information. Then she will tell me which calorie plan to use, 1500 or 1700. Now I think 1700 is way too much.

Here is my thing, if they are just going to add up the calories I'll be using when I run, how about I just do that!! I don't need them to add for me.

I was hoping to get an answer related to actual marathon training. I'm thinking they really don't have an answer to this question.

Kinda crazy!

Hi Runners!

This is an awesome forum topic! I am also runner who just joined JC and am also on the 1200 calorie plan and when I immediately questioned my consultant about this she just said, "try it for a couple of weeks." No clue.

Luckily, I am not "officially" training for a marathon this year (did one last Oct.) but I am training with a group and doing distance mileage regularly and various races from 5K to Half Marathon and a 186 mile Relay in two weeks. So, yes, I will "try it for a couple of weeks" but I think I'm savvy enough about my own body to realize if I need more fuel, I will add it myself (just make healthier choices than I have more recently)--so we'll see how this all works.

After the marathon, I had a similar experience as others who said they kept eating like they were training for a marathon but not exactly doing that mileage! So, I finally decided to get serious about losing 20 lbs. (personal goal is 25 lbs.!) and that is what brought me to JC--especially for the portion control. I do have to admit that while most of my running motivation comes from feeling good/being healthy and the social time with my friends, I also like to eat!

I would love to keep contact with all of you runners/marathoners to discuss these issues and for support with the plan and running.

Take care and Happy Running!
Joanie

I am a VERY novice runner. And running a marathon is not even fathomable right now. But I hope that one day it might be a possibility. Thanks for sharing all this information!

Angela,

Don't look a the big picture (the marathon) but just like weight loss, focus on small goals. Train for a 5K first, then a 10K, then a Half and if you still want to go the full distance, then train for a marathon. Also check out Jeff Galloway's run/walk program. It's a good way to get started too.

Good luck to you and Happy Running!

Joanie

Thanks Joanie. I had actually signed up for and was training for my first 5k. It was July 3rd. I didn't get to do it, though. I had a car accident in April and I'm still having some pain. But once everything is healed and feeling good, I'm training hard and finding another 5k to do!

Great topic. I will have to watch this post to see what the answer will be. I will be training for Tybee Island in Feb '09. Right now I'm on 1500 calories. I have to eat something small and sticks to your gut type food like a banana or 1/2 pbj before a run and I normally have GU during as well. I'm already up to 10 miles and I can feel a difference with 1500 calories. I'm hoping this marathon training doesn't affect my weight loss very much.

It is nice to see so many people interested in running! I personally love it, even though it is hard. Just thought I would give you the latest on JC and running.

My consultant did some 'research' and came up with a running plan for me. They did increase my calories only on the days I run more than 6 miles. The week of the marathon, they want me to go on a maintaince plan as well as after the marathon (not sure why??). One thing I don't agree with is they are swapping my snacks so that I can have Gatorade and gels when I run.

The other thing is suggested a protein drink, Muscle Milk Light. That would be my pre-run and recovery drink. When I went to GNC to buy it, the guys told me about a law suit against Muscle Milk. Studies have proven that the fat in the product doesn't break down the way they say and actually staying in your body as fat! So I got another protein drink. I'm still not sure I need this. I would be just as happy with the PBJ sandwich like I told them. But I was told the peanut butter has too much fat.

Anyhow, they gave me this information on Monday. My sister was here visiting so I haven't had a chance to run any distance yet.

Someone on another forum suggested a book by Stu Mittleman called Slow Burn. I might check that out.

Have a great day!!

Very interesting post. I am training to walk the Portland marathon in Oct. My JCC said to add an extra milk or fruit serving on the long walk training day's. I would agree that JCC advise is not the best because your body needs carbs for fuel to keep going.
Kristine

Hello all you long distance runners. I am so excited to report that I finished my first half marathon yesterday in Chicago. I walked the whole thing due to a knee injury and finished in 2:52:34, which is an average of 13:10 per mile. I didn't know I could walk that fast. I'm pretty sore today, but proud of myself. Now it's on to the full marathon training. Twenty-six miles still seems overwhelming.

anyname27 - Congrats on your first half! That is great time.
At my w/i on Friday I was down 6 lbs (I go every other week) so my JCC concerned about the training and not enough calories. She called the corp nutrionist but was only able to leave a message. For now I am using Clif Shot Bloks and powerbar energize bars for during training.
Has anyone had any feedback about what to add for foods on training days, actually I find myself more hungry the next day.

I'm a returning JC, and the last time I was on Jenny, I was training for the DisneyLand half. My JCC upped my calories to 1500 because I was not losing, then as soon as I maintained we went back to 1200. This time, I am training for the Rock N Roll Marathon in San Antonio, and on the week-end we (my husband and I) are to do 15, we are doing the half in Disneyland again. One suggestion my JCC had, and it was a good one, on my long run, I have the Sunshine Sandwich. I take the English muffin off and toast it and use sugarless jam/jelly before my run. That gives me some carbs, then back home I eat the egg and turkey bacon. Not that great, but it works for me. I'm learning this time, that I have to tweak the menu on my run days. I have added very thin sliced turkey, probably an ounce, and that does help. Rather than have the anytime bar, I'm using energy bars and taking my vitamins. Also a great thing to have after your run is skim milk and chocolate syrup. That was tip from Runners World and it really did help.
I Wi today, and I going to ask the JCC about the added calories.
To Munchin: Remember one step at a time. Make small goals and don't try to over do at first. That can lead to injury.
Have a good run all!


Have a good run all.

First i want to say that I admire you all for training and doing distance running !!! I am not a runner ( 3 mile max) but I do plyometric & super circuit training for my sport. i found this thread interesting and informative given i ahve the same problem w JC & energy for workouts. My JCC told me to exchange a snack for protein shake. i did this and still not enough energy. So i used it in addition to my normal menu plan and felt a little better. i freaked when i read the info about muscle milk and switched to myoplex lite and whey protein. i add some PB and a banana and that fuels me without any weight gain so far. basically what I always followed for training is that carbo loading alone does not cut it and it needs to be balanced with protein. runners world is actually recommending that protein is a better fuel in it's self than the goos which just give you a pike ( like the pasta) espeacially in long workouts your body uses up it's carb supply and than requires a protein source which extends the energy even longer.

I look forward to reading what the JC powers that be come up with. It appears that they should have a special plan for athletic lifestyles.

Wooo! Glad to have found this topic! I have decided to take on the unfathomable goal of participating in the Chicago Accenture 2009 Triathalon... yep... and I have never raced a day in my life! I live in Miami, and will be training in Miami, alone at the moment, since my lady friends that are doing it live in other states. I am a little daunted at the training that lies ahead of me. I printed a schedule that is a 22 week "from couch to sprint" schedule, and it seems conservative and gradual enough so that I maintain and stay on it, but I'm nervous anyway! To be involved in something that huge is going to be awesome, and scary! I'm thinking I should start looking locally to find mini marathons, biathalons, and even triathalons so I can start getting into racing mode, so that I am not totally shocked out of my socks come next August in Chicago!!

~Erica

Erica - Welcome to the world of training. I read so much about how to walk a marathon. So people think it is a bit silly after all ONLY walking but I started in July and feel I am as ready as I will be for the marathon in Portland 10/5. I do 5k's with my youngest son and it is great to get familiar with how it all works. Now a triathalon is AWESOME so congrats! I think having the mindset and the goal is a great inspiration.
Best of luck to all in your training and I would say listen to your body for sure.

Nobody has posted in this thread since September.

I was just wondering how all the fall half and full marathons went. Are any of you runners/walkers/triathletes still around? How did the event go, for those of you who have finished, or how is the training going for those of you training for 2009?

My marathon went great for the first 19 miles. Then I slowed to a crawl for miles 19-23. I finished strong. I went home, took an ice bath, then fell asleep in the middle of the afternoon. When I woke up that night, I could barely walk and swore I'd never do another marathon.

Now, I'm planning to run a Spring half marathon (I was a walker before). And I'm starting to think I may want to do another marathon next Fall. But maybe not.

Hi Everyone,

I completed my second 1/2 marathon (Long Beach CA) in October. It was so much and I finished faster than last year.

My running girlfriends and I are planning on doing it again next year. However, I would love to do the full marathon. Hopefully I can train for it and do it.

I started back on JC right before Thanksgiving and then we went on vacation and then Christmas... needless to say I have only lost like a pound! This past Tuesday, I am back on the plan 100%. My goal is to start my outdoor training much lighter.

Congrats to everyone that ran a race in 2008. I have to say that I love and plan on getting a few more in this year.

On a side note, I just ordered a Pilates machine. Anyone have any experience with one? I hear so many runners say how great they are.

After walking the Portland marathon in October I was encouraged to "run" the Seattle half in the end of November. I had never run more than 3.1 miles..I had six weeks to train but was in good mind set after the Portland marathon. We ran about 2 days per week and cross trained the other 4 days. I was ready on the day of the race. After crossing the finish line I got a pain in my right foot that was unbelievably painful. Lucky "crocs" was offering a free ice bath which felt great. We went to lunch and discussed our next 1/2 marathon in March.
Well unfortunatly I will not be able to do the run in March. After seeing my doctor I wore a boot for 2 weeks and after that I returned to walking and the gym but my ankle flared up on a short walk. I had a MRI on NY's eve and as the doctor thought I had a tear in a tendon in my foot. I will be in a boot for 4-6 weeks...I was really bummed to hear that as I wanted to get back to training. I just started using the rowing machine, my only way to get cardio and then I do strength training. I guess the one good thing is I am forced to try new things and to work on strength training more.
There is a Rock n Roll here in Seattle in June I may do but I will have to see how my recovery is. I also plan on doing the Portland marathon again this year.
I sure miss the fresh air runs!