Expert: Ryan Hale - 9/10/2009

Question
I am a 26 year old mother of two who is running 40-50 miles per week to train for a half marathon. I am almost 5'8" and weigh 115-119 pounds. I have suffered from bulimia in my past (ages 11-22). Several months ago, I hit a wall of sorts because I was averaging 1,400 calories or so a day while running 6 or so miles per day, 6 days per week. I have been trying to eat more, but some people have suggested that with running and my active lifestyle (I don't sit still often as I have two kids, four classes and a house to keep) I may burn 3,000 calories per day.

I am in good health, thank goodness, but have come to realize that running is more of a compulsion and my lack of ability to sit still stems from my desire to constantly be burning calories.

I have not had a period since right before my first child was conceived in April 2006. After my first child was born, I went from 168 pounds - where I had been throughout most of college - to 113 pounds. I took a medication called clomid to get pregnant with my second, and had one period before getting pregnant but it was from the drug and after getting to 133 pounds.

I am trying to find a good estimate of calories that I should be eating during the day in order to restore my metabolism. I hope to keep running a good amount, but I would also like to know how to control my compulsion and if running can become damaging to the body?

Any insight would be appreciated.

Answer
At you height and activity level, you need between 1800 and 2500 cal per day (more on days you are running more).  It's impossible to tell you exactly though. It wod be wise to check you body composition and bone density. In response to you other question, in your situation you are at most risk for poor bone density. You can be sure you are addicted to running if #1 it is effecting and interfering with other important areas of your life #2 it is harming your health (which it sounds like it might be) and #3 you are doing it because you are trying to change the way you usually feel or prefer running to the feelings other things in your life give you.  If it seems like you are trying to mask your normal feelings with feelings from running and burning calories, then it might be a problem. A qualified counselor can help. They can also help with areas in your life such as past abuse or relationsips with family or friends. Often these areas have a great influence on over exercise/eating issues. I would recommend talking with a counselor.