All runners, I need your help!!?

Question

Im 17 years old. This previous summer, I ran in a crosscountry camp at my school and I went from a healthy weight of 103 pounds(I'm 5^1) to 90 pounds. I know that this is not a healthy weight for me to be at. Alot of problems started after that. I lost my period and fractured my foot, so my parents made me quit so that I could recover. Since then I have gotten my period and gained 3 pounds but cannot quite gain anymore than that. Track is starting soon and I want to start to run again, but the only problem is, my parents will not let me because they think that I am still too light and that I will break more of my bones. Like I've said before, I haven't been able to gain anymore weight. They don't understand because they think that what I eat isn't enough(they are overweight themselves). I am not anorexic or bulimic, and I refuse to deprive myself of food. I need some help trying to convince them to let me run. If anyone has had a situation similar to this, please tell me what you did.

My parents ideal weight for me is way higher than 100 pounds, which is nearly impossible because I burn so many calories while running. And the fact is, runners can't be too heavy.

Answer 1

I'm not a woman, so I would not be able to tell you exactly what you can do, but I, myself, lost 25lbs from 160lbs by running and working my *** off. That was within 6 or less months. Now, I can't get to 145, which is about right weight for me even though I'm only 5'6.
The thing is when you run and workout consistently you lose your appetite and you feel there is no need to eat. You can go with so little calories a day that some people would be amazed. I tend to be a unhealthy person by eating less than 2000 cal a day. Well, I stop working out and I usually sit in front of my computer, like now, so I wouldn't need to have so much cal in my system. I think you muscles are working too much compare to the years before and it may happened too dramatically that you body may not function the same way as before.
If you want to survive this at your age, you have to eat and eat and push yourself each day. Make sure you consume enough protein and fiber. If you are trying to gain weight, then there is nothing better than meat and potato. I'm thinking that you might be below 10% body fat, which is not good. If you want to be healthy, be at least 12% to 15%. I know that runners may be in lower fat percentile, but at your age and when you are not training, you should go back up. Make sure you eat three times a day and be consistent. If you feel tire, then you are not eating enough.
Fractured foot can occur when you are not running right. You should always think about your techniques. You want to land softly by heel first and rest of the foot. You should use the inside of your feets more than you think. If you are training, you should use grass land. It will be easier on you knees and you may find it harder to train on grass than harder grounds. You may feel lighter when you go back, but still work on you techniques.
I hope this helps.

Answer 2

I am a guy but have been a long distance runner and swimmer for 12 years. When females drop below 9 percent body fat they tend to lose their period. This is very common among female athletes especially runners. The problem you have not being able to gain weight is because you are young. Your metabolism is very high and that is hindering you gaining weight. I suggest you first go to a sports doctor. Make sure it is a sports doctor and talk to them about the situation. Once you get the doctors reccomendation then talk to your parents. As a runner I have to fight not losing too much weight. During marathon and ironman training I end up taking supplements from GNC. I take the same thing that weight lifters take. This helps increase my calorie intake which will give you more energy for distance running and also helps keep my weight under control. I am 6'4 225 pounds. I am 4.5 percent body fat and it can go lower which is leathal. Like I said start with the doc. They can usually help with the parents also.

Answer 3

Just stick with a balanced diet, athletes need to eat more often...eat a good breakfast lunch and dinner, and plan to have snacks in between.....it sounds like your metabolism is just really high. And while you run, use 'power gel' or similar product. And on the other side of things, don't over do the exercise. Remember that after the body consumes calories from food, it moves to fat, then to muscle. Ensure that your calorie intake matches the amount of exercise....The only other thing I can think of ...and its rare for your age...is hyperthyroidism...If you are eating alot..and still cant gain weight...that might be it.

Answer 4

girl, you are so lucky.
i have been an all-year-round competitive swimmer for 3 years, play lacrosse in the spring, and run 2 miles a day in the summer.
never have a lost a pound.
i'm 5 foot and weigh about 106
the best advice i can give you is drink lots of milk.. strengthen your bones.. stuff liek that. as an athlete you probably know that already... since we've all been preached to drink 3 cups of milk a day for strong bones and teeth since the day we were born.
i guess.. go for protein and carbs, stuff like that, take multivitamins, drink lots of water and eat more food so your parents will think you are capable of running after putting on some weight.

Answer 5

I would suggest maybe sitting down with them every night for a healty dinner, so that they can see that you really are eating right, and making an effort to stay healthy. Also, you could invite them to go for some walks or a runs with you, so they can see why you like to do it, and it will help them lose weight too!

Answer 6

forget about tips and tricks that will convince your parents. no reasoning anything else will help unless you actually show them you are healthy and GAIN WEIGHT! Don't stuff yourself with junk food but be sure you eat protein (when you say you are eatin are you eating only vegetables) such as meat (beef, chicken). I can't emphasize enough that you need to drink milk. Milk helps you gain weight and will do wonders for strenghtening your bones.

Answer 7

Anything & the whole thing through Phillip K. Dick, is mind-meals. I just like the long-established name higher ... Published in1968, and whose plot is the notion for "Blade Runner" (1982) "Do Androids dream of Electric Sheep?"

Answer 8

Eat, carbs. Milkshakes. Supplement vitamins. And of course keep exercising.

Answer 9

if i were you id luv it i wish i was 90lbs but im just 12 and skinny mini but i have muscel so it makes me weigh alot but what i would do is eat alot and just run around ur neighborhood or somethin and just join another track team cross country thingy mabober i hope they let you run much luv -laceypooh-

Answer 10

Run Forest Run!