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When a running hiatus packs on the pounds

Posted on May 1st 2008 9:00AM by Jacki Donaldson

Filed Under: Fitness, Nutrition & Supplements

Just had my tummy tuck one week ago. All is going well -- better than I'd anticipated, actually -- and just yesterday I went with my mom while she picked my boys up from school. I even accompanied them to the park for an afternoon play date. It was great to get out of the house and away from the recliner that doubles as my daytime resting place and my bed. It's where I sit, sleep, write, watch TV, read bedtime stories -- and worry about how all I've gained through strenuous exercise over the past year is about to be lost.

According to my doctor, I can't really exercise for six full weeks. I can walk, and I can gradually add other movements to my routine, but I can't full-out run -- my favorite fitness activity -- for quite some time. This worries me. Will I gain weight? Will I lose my muscle tone? Will I be completely out of shape by the time I lace up my running shoes? It's possible.

What ever will I do?

Women's Health magazine (May 2008) cites a study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise that reveals on average, women who resumed running after a break -- the length of time didn't matter -- started losing whatever weight they'd gained only after breaking 30 miles per week. Running less than this caused additional weight gain, either from muscle buildup or increased eating due to the added activity. Of course, I'll need to start back slow -- I certainly don't need any injuries -- so it may take a while for me to reach such ambitious mileage.

I'm hoping that my friend and fellow blogger Fitz is right when she tells me that 80 percent of weight loss and maintenance is due to diet alone. As long as I eat smart for the next five weeks, I shouldn't see much of a change on the scale. What I do notice, I'll address once my running resumes in five weeks. I can't wait to pound the pavement. And I can't wait, for once, to not have loose tummy skin flapping in the wind.

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Tags: 30, break, eating, exercise, gain, health, hiatus, Jacki Donaldson, JackiDonaldson, magazine, medicine, miles, running, science, sports, week, weight, womens

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Malia Kawaguchi 5-01-2008 @ 12:17PM

Jacki,

I had the same fears, and promise it will be fine. My tuck was after losing 72 pounds through diet and exercise, and when my exercise was taken away by recovery, I was terrified - not to mention jonesing for my run, which was funny as I'd spent the previous 30 years before my weight loss superglued to the couch. It was hard to start again, but felt so good I didn't mind getting the mileage up. And the food is what it's all about, btw. I love running and biking now, and lifting heavy things is one of the best things in the world, but my actual weight is so linked to what goes in my mouth it's not even funny. So watch your intake, get going again when you can (slow and gradual), and all will be well. Congrats and good luck!

-Malia

Jacki 5-01-2008 @ 12:19PM

Thanks, Malia!

Your words mean a lot!

Best wishes to you!

Jacki

Vishaal 5-01-2008 @ 12:27PM

You know what? I say who cares if you lose what you've gained in terms of muscle. I mean, you went through a TRAMATIC surgery and you just have to wait it out. In the long run, you'll be much more satisfied. If you gain some back, it's okay, just think of it as another motivation to KEEP going when you do start to exercise again. = ) Just relax and take in the little extra free time!