Number Shock!

[TEK224]

I decided to renew my gym membership (at a different location) so that I can add in some extra cross training to get ready for the Goofy. I had one complimentary session with a trainer. He took my general info (height, weight, age, etc.) I had to hold on to some device that measures body fat and BMI. Yikes! For my age (or any age for that matter), my body fat and BMI were off the charts!

Now I'll be the first to admit I need to lose a few pounds (or more than a few), but seeing the numbers was a bit depressing. According to their charts, my body fat is almost twice what it should be and I am considered obese. How depressing.

I know I have to watch my diet and cut out the junk food and late night eating. My goal in time for the Goofy is to lose about 10 pounds and tone up my mid-section. If I can do that, it will help me get through the marathon a little easier.

I have a lot of work to do!

Terri

 

[Hockeychic]

I hear ya Terri, I have been trying to lose weight and it just isn't working. I am also considered by the charts obese but I don't believe I am, I don't know if those take in to account muscle. You have just over 11 weeks till the marathon and I know you can do it.

 

[Grumpy McScrooge]

Don't take your BMI too serious as it does not account for muscle, it is just a generic formula for height and weight mostly used in hospitals for bed ridden patients.
The Body Fat monitor is much more reliable pending if it was electronic or calipers. The electronic machines can give you very false readings pending time of day, if you've just eating and also menstrual cycle!!

The best way to determine weight loss without numbers is when you start needing to get a new wardorobe

 

[wtpclc]

Terri - The body fat measurment is very sensitivve to water retentiontoo. DOn't let it get you down!

 

[Steffwalks]

There are over 100 calculations for BMI. The government chose the one that made the largest percentage of people obese! Almost all athletes are obese by the standard. In other words, it's hooooey!

 

[FireDancer]

I ignore BMI. Body fat on the other hand is a great number to know but you have to get an accurate measurement. The only accurate way to get your true body fat is under water weighing or air displacement but those are not cheap. The best alternative are skin calipers done by someone that knows what they are doing. Those machines that you grab or stand on are not accurate. I know my real numbers and have had those machines be off by as much as 18%.

 

[TEK224]

Thanks for the replies. It was a shock to see such high numbers!
I'm working on a schedule for training and eating (healthier), so hopefully I'll be looking for that new wardrobe in the future.

Terri

 

[Cruella de mom]

I just wanted to let you know that while training for Chicago, I was able to drop 8 pounds without any real effort. All I did was to keep my eating under control even when the added miles made me ravenous.

The first three marathons that I ran, I ate pretty much whatever I wanted to whenever I wanted. I justified it because of the miles and "needing" extra calories. And after all three marathons, I packed on 5 -6 pounds the week after the race.

You CAN lose weight while training. Your body CAN build muscle while you diet. You just have to be smart about how and when you eat.

Don't let the BMI numbers get you down. According to the government, I am overweight too. I should have diabetes and be looking to have a heart attack any minute. Thats funny considering I wear a size 4 jeans and most people describe me as "skinny."

Instead, get a blank calendar and write the numbers until Goofy on each day. Every bit of food and exercise should be taken with that goal in mind. Sure you ran 20 miles and burned 1500 calories but that extra cookie isn't going to fuel your next run - its going to slow it down. Sure you earned that cookie, but think how good it will feel the next time you slide into your jeans and they actually slide on.

My running partner lost 20 pounds while she trained for Chicago. It wasn't easy and she struggled during a few of our runs because she had to learn how to fuel without over eating. She also had a few blood sugar issues while running as she lost the weight. Anyway, She started running wearing a shirt with this saying on the back:

I'd rather be thinner than faster.

She ended up wearing it in Chicago and I can not tell you how any people agreed with her as she passed them. One lady yelled out " Amen sister! and it looks like you got thinner AND faster" She was right.

Good Luck! Running Goofy is an incredible experience. You are gonna Rock!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Terri, glad you've had everyone else offer great advice. Great WISH Team advice everyone.

You do what you can. Sounds like you've got a good plan going.

Cecelia, love what you said!