Vegan Runner

I have been following a vegan diet & lifestyle for 6 weeks now, making the transition from vegetarian mid December. Its been an interesting journey, I was always a bit "can't do without my cheese" and if I'm honest found some vegan social media sites a bit judgmental and not entirely helpful towards people trying to make that transition. I was a very much confirmed non meat eater on both animal welfare & my own health grounds - but I guess turned a bit of a blind eye on the dairy production front. A bit of research into the dairy production methods were enough to tip the scales and try to go entirely vegan - eggs were never an issue for me as they simply do not agree with me.

So we (Russ & I) started Veganuary early, to ensure enough research into foods that supported our running, I'd learnt my lessons from going from a pescetarian diet to vegetarian without a proper protein plan in place, knowledge does truly lead to success.

We went to a local "pop up" vegan cafe & were made to feel really welcomed and given great advice on diet transition and indeed lifestyle buying choices, with a really sensible attitude of use what you have ie toiletries, clothes - then simply change buying choices for new items.

So, where does this leave training & what advice can I pass on to my Clients, well firstly don't worry I have not turned into a cross-training vegan bore (well I hope not) !

My goal for 2018 is to complete the Centurion Grand Slam 100 milers - so following a slight lull in Nov/Dec - I have upped my training in January both run mileage & strength sessions in the gym. I am currently 7lb lighter than at the beginning of January, but feeling much stronger - it is almost like losing a layer of fat, with a replacement layer of muscle - I have only ever experienced this weight loss before following the 10 in 10 marathons summer 2017 - but this was really working in a negative calories balance & body break down (not healthy)!

I am putting this weight loss down 80% to change of diet, which is quite amazing from just cutting out dairy, and actually eating more food - I'm forever stuffing my face!

My first race of the year on the 13th Jan County to Capital (44 miles) was the first entirely self supported in food terms (exception of water) and first ever ultra without nausea - this may have been a fluke, I'm running the Thames Trot 50 this coming weekend - so we will see if I can manage to complete without any sickness!

I will be using my usual pick & mix bag of dried fruits & pretzels - along with cashew & ginger energy balls.

So, what advice can I give -

research your dietary requirement before making a change

if you do not wish to make a full vegan transition - try to reduce the amount of meat & dairy you consume

engage with your cooking

read labels

for distance runners - try natural energy balls for race nutrition (anything with ginger will really help with nausea)

If weight loss is a goal again try to reduce your consumption of meat, dairy

And, finally as difficult as it may be watch some of the documentries on food produuction - knowledge is power !

Happy Running xx

#vegan #ultrarunning #distancerunning #plantpower #plantdiet