An Argument for a Runner\'s Diet - The Lunch Hour Athlete

Training Log For: 11/04/09

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Posted by Yvonne

Last week I bought a book called "Runner's World: The Runner's Diet" by Madelyn Fernstrom. I am an avid fan of Runner's World and do the daily check of their website when I need a jolt of running inspiration. About a month ago I was surfing their site when all of a sudden an ad for this book popped up. Right on the cover promised to "The Ultimate Eating Plan That Will Make Every Runner (And Walker) Leaner, Faster, and Fitter." Talk about marketing, any runner would fall for that line! I did. So, I quickly whipped out my credit card, ordered it and waited with baited breath for it to arrive at my door. A few days later it arrived and wasted no time cracking it open. I take it everywhere I go just in case I have time to read it and it's been a great read so far.

Last weekend I was talking to an acquaintance, who openly admits to never running and barely exercising (and to further provided background, he was born and raised in Siberia and claims to Babylonian). He is the typical chauvinistic male, who goes home and drinks Vodka and smokes his cheap (sometimes expensive) cigars and thinks he knows best always, especially when speaking with a woman. The first thing that comes out of his mouth when he sees me reading this book is: "Do you really believe in That?" My immediate retort "Believe in what?" I didn't understand the question. To me this topic is not a matter opinion, it just is. He might as well have asked if I believe in gravity.

He continued to explain his theory, if you are a good runner you are a good runner and nothing can make you better. His example was all the great runners that come out of third world countries and win race after race. He tried to explain that they clearly don't have nutritionists and diet plans if a diet at all. They eat what they can get and that's that.

I nodded simply to show that I heard and understood what he was getting at. Then I quickly pointed out that I am not an elite athlete and that I need all the help I can get. Furthermore, we Don't live in a third world country and places like McDonald's have to be avoided. Then I realized: why I am even arguing with this non-runner/athlete about something which he knows nothing about? Either way. I have learned quite a bit about the right fuel and intake amount for runners and have even lost a couple inches to boot! Outside of my time at the marathon finish line, that's proof enough for me.

I highly recommend reading "The Runner's Diet." But If you are in need of a quick bite, check out this article from Health.com: http://living.health.com/2009/10/27/the-right-fuel-for-your-run/