Hey all,

I'm new to the boards so I will introduce myself. I am 16 and currently recovering from a 20+ lb weight loss. At the beginning of the summer, I was 140 lbs and practicing the fun sport of running.

Over the course of the summer, I saw the need to cut some "extra" foods out of my diet (candy, food additives) and did so. Unfortunately, I became so obsessed with cutting it out and exercising every day that I ended up eating mostly vegetables and nearly nothing else. I could run and felt fine but dropped to 118lbs by the end of the summer.

I went back to school (part time taking only academics and keeping my own fitness routine) and once again attempted excessing. I found that I simply could not do it. I had no energy

About 4 days ago, I made a decision to change my eating habits. Being Canadian, I turned to the Canada Food Guide. For the fourth day now, I am getting full servings of all food groups for my age. I am feeling better and really want to get running.

I walked to and from school today (Carrying a book bag) about a mile each way. The weather was very nice and I had a really strong desire to go running. I got outside and just stood there. My legs didn't want to move and although I wanted to, I just felt tired.

If somebody has been in a similar situation, can they tell me if this is laziness or do I just need a bit more "recovery" time? Is my body ready to be pushed to it's limits again? I feel terrible when I don't get my runs in

Thanks very much,
SB43

I think it's your body's way of telling you to back off for a while.

It's good you started eating according to the real recommendations, and not according to whatever latest diet book/fitness mag article. That's smart. You're 16 and your body needs different things than an adult. You mentioned having more energy since starting this -I'm sure your body appreciates being well nourished.

Even athletes will tell you - listen to your body.

Your mind seems to want an excess that isn't good for you. Learn very well how to reprogram those thoughts into healthier, more productive ones. If you can't, and find yourself with an overwhelming feeling of compulsion to do what you know you shouldn't (eating and exercising to excess) - then the smart thing to do would be to talk to a professional about it. The mind can be a very tricky thing.

Listen to your body more than your mind. Always.

Chill out with the running. How tall are you? 118lbs sounds dreadfully skinny.

You should take a few weeks off and just keep resting and eatng right. Eat a clean diet, but one that includes a lot of nutrients, especially vitamins

if your not feeling better by then you should find a nutritionist to help supply you with the nourishmnet you need to keep your young body going while you run.

Thank you so much for the replies, everybody. I went for a run yesterday after taking a couple days off and felt fairly decent. Is keeping a light exercise routine good so I don't fall too far behind in my running?


I am 5 ft 9.5 in


Thanks again, everyone!

Runners need protein. Much of the time even more than bodybuilders. If you diet for the entire summer has been mostly veggies I can assure you that you were not getting enough food, protein for your activity level.

That is probably the main reason you are feeling tired.

It accumulates over time. I am sure that you hit a wall of sorts as a result.

It has been six days since you changed your diet. It will take 2 - 3 weeks for your body to completely adjust to that. So more time is needed.

You will feel a lot better after that. As long as you keep your nutrition going in the right direction you should not hit this "wall" as hard.

Yes. The operative word is light. Make sure that you keep it light if that is what it is supposed to be. A lot of people let ego take over and do things too hard on these types of days.

I run because I enjoy it. Up until recently (and even while I was losing all the weight), I still enjoyed it. Recently, it has became a serious drag because I cannot push myself the way I used to be able to.

Some days are good where I can run a good solid 2-3 km no problems and some are absolutely terrible where I can't even make it to 1.

I'm still slowly working changes into my diet, so hopefully it will begin to show.

Thank you all again!