Plant Based Running
It has been just over one month since I made the decision to adopt a plant-based lifestyle. If you had a moment to glance over at my personal Instagram page @linda_runs_naturally or my YouTube Channel (Linda Clarke) you would be aware that this lifestyle change emerged from a decision to reset at the start of the year. (Yes-I have issues with the word resolution.)
This journey started off as a twenty-one day Daniel fast. It was my opportunity to align myself mentally and spiritually by incorporating elements of a physical alignment – restructuring my diet. It was a much needed alignment. Months of long distance race training, carb loading and never truly getting back on track had me off track in many ways.
Surprisingly, as the end of the twenty-one day cycle loomed, I found myself mentally alert, organized in my business and personal life and embarking upon the best stretch of running I have experienced in years. I had finally eclipsed that stubborn PR in the half marathon which alluded me for three years. Friends, colleagues and clients alike all wanted to know “Are you going to stick with it?” I responded affirmatively.
So on the thirty-fifth day of my diet overhaul, I thought it best to answer three of the common questions I have gotten since making this transition.
Q: So what exactly DO you eat?
I have spent several hours not only educating myself but my clients and social media followers that this lifestyle is not as burdensome as it sounds. It definitely requires some planning. Some meal prep. Much creativity. Truthfully, I now found joy in coming up with creative ideas for meals. Oats, brown rice, lentil soups and tons of vegetables have been a few of my staples. My trips to the farmers market are that much more enjoyable as I have a deep love for avocados and can pretty much incorporate it into any meal. Fresh fruits and leafy greens have been amazing breakfast foods for me. All in all, my food choices have remained pretty diversified.
Q: Do I feel weak or fatigued from the absence of meat and dairy in my diet?
The transition was not a smooth one at first. That initial week brought on headaches, GI issues and breakouts. I couldn’t let those issues slow me down because I have a business to run and sessions to teach. The truth is after that first ten days, my energy level was outstanding. I was mentally focused and I immediately felt the changes in my body weight and how fluid my runs were. The fatigue factor is really something that I have been able to put in my rearview as I settle into the lifestyle change.
Q: How as a plant based diet affected my running? How have I been able to train for long distance races?
A plant based diet has affected my running for the better. At first, I wondered if perhaps it was my mind as opposed to the physical changes and improvements in my body. My pace improved. My runs have become more fluid. My recovery rate post long runs has also improved. To confirm whether what I was experiencing was real, I got on the phone with a wellness coach who assured me that eliminating the meat and dairy reduced the level of inflammation in body (hence quicker recovery). It was how I was able to run two half marathons in three days in January and feel perfectly fine. The main hiccup for me in training and race day is the fact that I use GU, Clif Bars and sports drinks as part of my race nutrition and recovery. The Daniel fast in January eliminated sugars etc from my diet and I began to slightly hit a wall at Mile 9 which I quickly overcame. I’m currently not training for any long distance races, which makes this a great time to merge my lifestyle change with my running schedule.
Do you have any other questions on how a plant based lifestyle affects your fitness goals? Let us know in the comment section.