would being vegetarian make you a faster or slower runner?

Question

I completley stopped eating meat about 6 weeks ago, that is when our track season started (i'm 14), and i ran the mile/1600 soooooo slow. about a hole minute slower than last season, when i was eating meat. and my times never got better either, even though each time i ran i felt like i was going sooo fast and i was pushing my self to the fullest. Is it because my body is just getting used to not running on meat, or is being a vegetarian a bad benifit to running? will my body soon get used to not having meat, and i will run just as fast or faster than last year? -i dont want to be slow anymore-

Answer 1

im fourteen and a vegetarian also. yes, i do think it makes you run slower, since i am a very slow runner. but it is a very admirable descision to be a vegetarian, so dont drop it just because it makes you run a little slower. ive been on for three years, though, and im still a slow runner.

Answer 2

Being a vegetarian shouldn't make you slower, necessarily. BUT- when you cut out meat, did you cut out other nutrients or calories? Make sure you are eating a varied diet, with lots of iron, protein and enough calories to fuel your regular life, growing (at 14 you are still growing) and the extra energy needed to run fast. Meat is dense with energy, lots of protein and iron, which you need to run fast.

Answer 3

Not eating meat should have no effect on speed or body composition if you offset the lack of protein with supplements. Depending on the level of vegetarian you are, whey protein can be used as a meat substitute. This is a dairy based form of protein. If you are eliminating all forms of animal products including dairy, you will need to use soy protein. Without enough protein your body will be deprived and your muscles will not maintain or heal properly.

Answer 4

being a vegetarian is a dangerous thing for most people if you don't realise the nutriet values of food and how the body works to process and use these nutrients. as a veggo, you aren't getting enough protein...protein is the building block of muscle. you ran slower because you're muscle mass decreased and you no longer have the muscle power to get you to the speed you used to be. i don't recommend becoming a veggo to ANYONE unless for serious medical reasons like high cholesterol ect. get that meat back in you! or if you're super serious about remaining veggo, talk to a nutritionalist who can improve your diet so you are getting the correct amount of essential nutrients everytime you eat. this is especially important for athletes.

Answer 5

along with being a vegetarian youve gotta find yourself another source of protein, which is energy, also try not to breathe with your mouth while running.. you get tired faster and your stomach will start to hurt.. so use your nose, buy a diet supplement.. it gives you energy and gives you all the vitamins and minerals you dont get through a meal

Answer 6

Ability of one to run faster or slower depends on one's overall state of the body and has nothing to do with any specific style of food consumption!

Answer 7

As long as you are in good health and eat well balanced meals it should not matter. Are you taking a vitamin suppliment? When you had your physical did you let your doctor know of your change of diet? Your doctor could let you know what vitamins you need.