Gaining Weight While Marathon Training: Tips, Tricks, and Strategies

Introduction

Running a marathon is an incredible experience, and one that many people strive to achieve. However, for some runners, marathon training can have an unexpected side effect – weight loss. If you’re running a marathon and trying to gain weight, you may be feeling a bit lost. Fortunately, it is possible to gain weight while marathon training. Here are some tips, tricks, and strategies to help you on your journey.

Eat Often and Eat Big

The key to gaining weight while marathon training is to eat often and eat big. You want to make sure that you’re getting enough calories to fuel your training and give your body the energy it needs to complete your runs. To do this, try to eat 5-6 meals a day, focusing on nutrient-dense foods such as lean meats, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day as well.

Choose Healthy Calorie-Dense Foods

Not all calories are created equal. To gain weight while marathon training, you want to make sure that you’re eating healthy, calorie-dense foods. These include foods like nuts and nut butters, avocados, olive oil, and full-fat dairy products. Incorporate these foods into your meals and snacks to help boost your calorie intake.

Don’t Overdo It

It’s important to remember that you don’t want to overdo it when it comes to gaining weight while marathon training. Eating too many calories can lead to fatigue, digestive issues, and other health problems. Make sure that you’re eating enough to fuel your training, but not so much that you’re exceeding your caloric needs.

Get Enough Sleep

It’s also important to make sure that you’re getting enough sleep when trying to gain weight while marathon training. Getting enough sleep helps to ensure that your body is properly rested and able to absorb the nutrients from the food you’re eating. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health and performance.