9.04.2014

marathon chronicles 07. roxy fitness + protein.

during marathon (endurance) training, our bodies require more protein to build and maintain lean muscle mass and to aid in muscle recovery after workouts. without enough protein, our body breaks down muscle to fuel our body, and all of our hard work becomes counterproductive.


i came across this article about warning signs that you're not getting enough protein, and lo and behold, i found myself checking off most the signals:
1)  my achy legs felt like they weren't recovering after each run.
2) i felt weak when running.
3) my once toned legs were looking, uh...flabby!
4) i was experiencing hair fallout in the shower, along with brittle nails
(check out the article for an explanation for each.)

*     *     *

so how much protein do you need?

RDA (recommended dietary allowance) for protein for women ages 19+ is 46g (56g for men).
during endurance training, the amount increases.

i used this calculation from runnersconnect:

for muscle recovery during marathon training, 1.4g of protein per kg of body weight is required.
convert lbs to kg: divide weight in pounds by 2.2
(eg: a 120 lb female is [120/2.2] 54.5 kg)
determine amount of protein needed: weight in kg multiplied by recommended protein intake
(eg:  54.5kg x 1.4g of protein = 76.4g of protein required per day)


i tried Designer Whey and Nectar, but both had that "diet" taste. i tried several protein powders before realizing that most of them have sweeteners like stevia and sucralose (splenda) to keep sugar content and calorie counts low. blech! if you usually have diet drinks, you'll have no problem with these; but i do not like that diet taste.

so....i finally picked up Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard Natural Whey, which has no artificial sweeteners, and hope that i like this one. the containers are huge and they aren't cheap. 

while i usually mix protein powder with almond milk for a post-workout drink, i have been looking for other creative ways to use the powder. i made some super easy protein bars which i'll share in the next marathon chronicles post.

see how big this 5 pounder is?!

picked up this roxy suit from their fitness line. it's meant to take you from land to sea, and i've been loving it for my long runs. not sure if all these straps are functional, but it has great support and everything stays in place!


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14 comments:

Pinkoolaid said...

nice :) always good to be fit and healthy

http://www.pinkoolaid.com/

Shybiker said...

I've never tried protein-powders, even during my early weight-lifting days. I get my protein from food. Nice suit!

Elle Sees said...

love reading your progress!! happy weekend!

cat eyes & skinny jeans said...

That Roxy suit looks amazing on you! You are making such amazing progress - congrats lady!!

xx

Samantha Mariko said...

the back detail of the bathing suit is so cute! almond breeze is one of my favorite drinks :) love the flavored ones
www.lettersimpromptu.blogspot.com

Sara said...

This is such a great post! I usually tend to not realize that I need more protein until I really look at what I eat. I have been using My Fitness Pal, this past week, and it is good to have everything right there in your face. Loving that suit!

Nicole said...

I like that top because with certain tops it would go well! I love your blue jean top!

Rowena @ rolala loves said...

The back of that suit is really cool! And it's really cool that you run in marathons :)

Rowena @ rolala loves

Shon said...

Yep, sorry you found out the hard way! I am glad, however, that you have a great plan in place now!

LoveT. said...

Love the roxy suit looks fantastic!

big Hugs <3

susan jakovina said...

Gorg suit! And I need to get running. walking. something.

Mag KP said...

Thanks for sharing, I will have to check it for me.

A Very Sweet Blog said...

I didn't know that! So interesting! Love your workout wear!

Diva In Me said...

I'm totally digging your roxy fitness suit! =D Thanks for sharing about the nutrient and protein our body need when we take up exercise routine seriously. Recently I started this 25 minutes work out and I try feeding my body with more calcium and protein. I was kind of upset my body actually gain a little more weight but my bf encourages me to go on with the diet and exercise as muscles weight more than fats. Well, I believe a better health is worth it =)

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