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Click to view sunnie83's profile Rookie
sunnie83
6 posts since
Sep 6, 2004

Oct 28, 2006 5:45 PM

Weight Watchers?

I am trying to get back into my running "shape" I gained about 15-20lbs from eating bad and not running at all. So far I have lost about 10lbs of it. I have about 10-15lbs to go still to get back into my better running condition.

In order to help shed the pounds I have started WW - I am suppose to eat 20pts (1200-1600 cals) a day. I run about 6x a week now usually between 6-8 miles each, one long run of 10-12 miles every other week. I was wondering if you guys think 1200 calories is too little for how much I am running?

I seem to be doing alright (not dizzy or anything) and my running hasn't been affected from what I see. I am eating a lot of veggies, whole grains, lean protein etc. I have cut out processed foods, high fattening foods and sugary stuff. I feel a lot better overall. However my weight loss has kind of stalled a little bit...so I didn't know if I might not be eating enough to see some results. Just curious. And its not like my stomach is growling constantly either. Any suggestions?

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"Be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you." I Samuel 12:24
Click to view merigayle's profile Legend
merigayle
1,586 posts since
Aug 15, 2007
1. Oct 28, 2006 5:55 PM in response to: sunnie83
Shouldn't you have activity points as well from your running?
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Click to view wetfeetl33t's profile Pro
wetfeetl33t
91 posts since
Sep 10, 2006
2. Oct 28, 2006 5:55 PM in response to: sunnie83
The answer to this question depends on how much you weight, how tall you are, etc.

Look online for a basal metabolic rate - this is how much energy you burn, just by being you. To that, add how much energy you use running - a rough estimate is about 100 cals/mile.

Otherwise, if you feel healthy, are fine running and aren't getting sick, you should be OK. It sounds like you've focused on eating healthy, not just less, which is good.
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Click to view BethJL044's profile Rookie
BethJL044
3 posts since
Jan 15, 2006
3. Oct 28, 2006 6:05 PM in response to: sunnie83
I just recently joined WW as well and found out that a person can get major activity points for running, so make sure you are giving yourself those points especially if you are running 6 times a week.
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Click to view sunnie83's profile Rookie
sunnie83
6 posts since
Sep 6, 2004
4. Oct 28, 2006 9:29 PM in response to: sunnie83
Oh yeah, I totally forgot to say that..Yeah I have been adding my activity points too. I give myself 1 point for every mile I run each day -- not to mention I am a PE teacher so I run with my kids during the days too. So in reality with those points my days vary from 26-32 points plus the extra 35 flex points too I factor in. Thanks for the advice!

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"Be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you." I Samuel 12:24
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Click to view BethJL044's profile Rookie
BethJL044
3 posts since
Jan 15, 2006
5. Oct 29, 2006 10:02 AM in response to: sunnie83
You might want to check on that though, 1 point per mile may not be enough.
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Click to view HappyPenguin050's profile Legend
HappyPenguin050
481 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
6. Oct 29, 2006 1:29 PM in response to: sunnie83
I also do WW and count 1 AP per mile. It sounds like you are doing great! Plateaus are natural when you are much closer to your goal weight- they just seem to happen. A few things you might try-

-vary the food that you eat (we all get into ruts, and it's always good to introduce new things into your diet)
-shake up your exercise routine, maybe try a new cross training activity
-sounds like you are doing Flex, and perhaps you could try the Core plan for a couple of weeks

There's a daily Weight Watchers Runners thread over on the Newbie forum every weekday, so please join us - we talk about many of these same issues. Good luck!
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Click to view KatM's profile Rookie
KatM
3 posts since
Oct 29, 2006
7. Oct 29, 2006 1:41 PM in response to: sunnie83
i second trying core. i'm doing it and i've been just as successful, if not more, as my friends on flex. you can eat to satisfaction and still lose weight.
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Click to view asianfury's profile Amateur
asianfury
26 posts since
Jun 5, 2005
8. Oct 29, 2006 3:08 PM in response to: sunnie83
I'd say yes, 1200 cals is way too low for your activity level. Going from the low ends of your running, you're running at least 40 mi/wk along with a job that keeps you moving everyday.

I don't know much at weight watchers, but you should consume much more than 1200 cals.
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Click to view LeahC044's profile Pro
LeahC044
129 posts since
Sep 5, 2005
9. Oct 29, 2006 9:56 PM in response to: sunnie83
1 AP per mile may not be enough. WW gives activity points more for time than for distance. If I "jog" (slower than 12 min/miles) for an hour, I get 7 APs and only cover about 4 miles (yes, I'm very slow!). This is according to the online points tracker..

I'm in the 20 points range too. It does depend on your weight though. When I weigh 145, I get 4 AP for a half hour jog - if I weigh 143 I get 3 for the same jog..

Make sure you're eating all your AP and at least some of your flex points. It's important to teach your body to lose weight while eating as much food as possible.. The goal is NOT to eat as little as you can manage..
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