Have you had your thyroid checked?  In our 40's unfortunately our metabolism does tend to slow down apart  from a potential thyroid issue.  Weight lifting can help increase your metabolism.  Also, if you tend to do the same workouts more or less your body adapts to what you are doing.

You know, you may be a healthy looking 140 lbs and have more muscle like you didn't want to hear.  I'd be interested in knowing what your friends think.

LASTLY!!!!  You are a true runner...not sure how and why you would think otherwise.

Being a "true runner" is more about attitude than mileage or speed, etc.  We had a discussion about this on the Marine Corps Marathon board a couple weeks ago.  I'll have to see if I can find it.  You certainly get your share of exercise.  20 - 25 miles per week is what I usually recommend as base mileage for (recreational) racing.  There are race training programs (up to marathon) that have only 3 running days a week.  As for losing weight . . . from what I've read 2000 calories is pretty much maintenance for a moderately active person of 140 pounds (not including all the exercise).  No offense, but I have to ask about your calorie counting.  Or you could be like me.  I counted calories for several months at basically maintenance level, and should have been losing weight and didn't.  Metabolic rate comes into play too, and I don't know enough about it to figure its role.

Len

No matter what you think, you are a true runner.  Maybe you should see a nutritionist about your diet.  I personally wouldn't worry so much about your weight.  You are in excellent shape and probaly have lots of energy ,  Thats what its all about.

Wow, reading your blog was a carbon copy of my very own thoughts towards myself!! I too would love how to shed even one ounce! GGRR! I have a thyroid problem, 125 mcg. Levo. Run like a wild banshee (apx 40 mpw at a 8 to 9 min pace) eat and drink only healthy options - stay about 1200 calories a day and i'll be doggone, not one stinkin' pound wants to leave me!

I want to hear the responses as well. They certainly would help me out too. Thank you for the post...thought i was alone in this frustrated state of affairs.

I too do NOT want to hear that 5'7 and 145lbs is fine. Well, ok, it is ok for some people but i have a goal of 130 and for the life of me can't achieve it! Anyone else on my regimine would be dead! and weigh about 100 pounds.

We have our own goals and it is equally frustrating when the efforts are futile.

HELP US SOMEONE!!!

Kim Runs

I have one other question for both of you.  Have you discussed this with your doctor?  I would assume you have with the thyroid issues and all, but one never knows.  Honestly I can't imagine running 40 mpw, 154 pounds and living on 1200 calories a day.  Admittedly I'm 190 pounds but I eat that much by halfway through lunch (I'm in the 3000 calorie per day range).

Len

Kim,

If you look at all the latest research out there you'll find that you will not lose weight by drastically limiting your caloric intake.  1200 calories is strict, nothing.   You need to increase your calories, eat small meals throughout the day, and implement some exercise that helps develop your large muscle groups thus increasing your metabolism.  Your body is holding on to what it has because of the decreased calories.

Teri