Weighty Issues

My latest Runner's World magazine had an interesting article titled "Running on Empty."  It talks about cutting food to gain speed and how easy it is to cross the line from eating smart to barely eating.  One runner featured was a male college student who was six feet tall and got down to 129 pounds.  Yes, even men have eating problems.  The interesting thing about that student was when he got back to a healthier weight of 154, he broke a school record and captured the second-fastest college time in the country that year.

There are dozens of weight charts available and they don't all agree.   Of course, we all get heavier as we get older, because there's a lot more information in our heads.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it!  There are also many more factors to health that the number on the scale.  Your doctor can help you in that area.

Here is how weight affects running performance:

Overweight
Carrying excess weight puts pressure on your joints and can lead to hip, knee, and ankle injuries.  Gradually increase weekly mileage to avoid excess strain on your joints.

Slightly Overweight
You may not be able to chase down a PR (personal record) if you're carrying extra weight, but you'll certainly have the energy to run hard and are at little risk for injury. 

Average Weight
For most runners, this is the best place to be.  With proper training, your risk of injury is low and you should feel energetic, fast, and emotionally balanced.

Slightly Underweight
Stress fractures become more likely because your bones suffer from being undernourished.  Also, you'll fatigue earlier during runs and may suffer uncomfortable post exercise symptoms like headaches and lethargy. 

Underweight
If you're undernourished, your pace suffers as your body breaks down muscle for energy instead of using food as fuel.  Loss of muscle also disrupts hormone function.

Drastically Underweight
If you've basically stopped eating, you tax your heart so much that you're at risk for a heart attack or stroke.  Eating disorders are also considered psychiatric illnesses.

This is so fascinating to me.  And just so you know, I am definitely not undernourished!