losing fat during high-mileage training

[ironmysocks]

I have done many marathons, just signed up for my first trail 50k, and would like to do a 50 miler in the next year. I am currently running about 50 miles per week and plan to gradually increase that to 70-80. I usually place in the top quarter of my age group and would like to get better. I am a 5'9" female (age 35), 148lb, 23% BF, and believe that extra weight is holding me back.

 

It seems that it is nearly impossible for me to lose fat while doing high mileage training (counterintuitive, yes). I tend to burn off muscle really easily, and arrive at the start line of marathons relatively "skinny fat" and weak. The only way I have ever had success losing fat is by doing a HIIT program along with clean eating. As soon as I switch the HIIT for running, my body covers itself in a layer of fat again.

 

Does anyone have any advice on how, as a vegan, I can get lean while training as an ultrarunner? I think hormones probably have a role here, so a solution that works for a guy might not work for me.

[Mini Forklift]

Hey there, 50km is a great racing distance !!!!

 

I'll send you a PM soon ~ I'm an ultrarunner myself so I can speak from experience. Welcome to the forum as well, regards MF.

[knomad56]

Hey fork lift, I'd love to see a response to this as well. While I'm not an ultra runner, I experience similar issues as ironmysocks

[TxTom]

I have a similar problem. I have run 18-25 miles per wk for the last 3 years & still fall into the obese BMI category (5'10" 215lbs). I went vegan in April 2012 & lost 15 lbs right away, but nothing since then.

 

I switched to HIIT last week & it feels like I'm getting somewhere, but too soon to tell.

 

I sent my doctor an email this morning (before I saw this thread) asking if hormones could be part of the problem.

 

I'll report back if anything interesting comes of it!