The Stillman Formula for optimal running weight

@KK - she talks about it in her autobiography. I was very impressed that she was so open about it.

I agree Emmy-H - it was a good read and very motiviational.

Bulimia or anorexia?

Hmm, interesting choice, give me a moment to chew it over, or not.

RicF wrote (see)

Hmm, interesting choice, give me a moment to chew it over, or not.

And what did you come up with?

Anorexia.

The book doesn't focus entirely on ED's though, but it obviously plays a part - it's  also about her schooling, training, work life etc  and more importantly what a fantastic athlete- a good read.

Yeah I do keep meaning to read it

KK, I reckon you should go for Bulimia.

Radicchio wrote (see)

Mimi Anderson was also anorexic.

My understanding of the psychology of anorexia is that it's not just about your relationship with food, as much as it's about getting a form of control over your life and sense of self-worth through exercising massive amounts of willpower to achieve something noone else can.

Which all sounds very similar to the mind-set needed to 'enjoy' and be successful in endurance sports.

Very true - most people will say it has very little to do with food - that's just the consequence of choosing a rubbish coping strategy to deal with difficult situations -whether it's a 'one off' problem or more of an 'on-going' problem. Other people may choose alcohol, drugs or not sleeping, talking to others etc for help/support.Letting go of an ED means letting go of the control which makes you feel safe (even though it's not true in reality).

Being in control seems to be the reason. One reality being that no-one really has as much conrol of things as they wish, or assume that others have more control. Coping with things is another matter. The way to go.

I've not been posting for a while, due to training and working away. Been reading all my missed posts and it looks like people don't like fat and being underweight is all bad, when it isn't.

I can still do things I did when I was heavier, maybe more, although strength is not as much, and I'm not built for it, anyway.
A neighbour from across the road commented I've lost alot of weight, although, John, her son is was only 10st 8 and started comming running with me a few months ago.. He didn't want to lose weight, as he's quite thin already, but not as tall as me. However, he's lost about 1/2 a stone, and has given up smoking. As he's lost weight, he wants to lose more and now realized why I run and keep thin.

I'm pretty fit, able to run, swim, bike etc, and do it without too much stress, even though I look skinny, as long as I'm fit, then what's wrong with that?

killermiles wrote (see)

I've not been posting for a while, due to training and working away. Been reading all my missed posts and it looks like people don't like fat and being underweight is all bad, when it isn't.

I can still do things I did when I was heavier, maybe more, although strength is not as much, and I'm not built for it, anyway.
A neighbour from across the road commented I've lost alot of weight, although, John, her son is was only 10st 8 and started comming running with me a few months ago.. He didn't want to lose weight, as he's quite thin already, but not as tall as me. However, he's lost about 1/2 a stone, and has given up smoking. As he's lost weight, he wants to lose more and now realized why I run and keep thin.

I'm pretty fit, able to run, swim, bike etc, and do it without too much stress, even though I look skinny, as long as I'm fit, then what's wrong with that?

Maybe ask your GP that question, I'm interested in their perspective on it.

I'm rather worried that you're now getting this other guy into your dangerous obsession with being ridiculously underweight.

Somewhere, there's a dog who was enjoying his sleep and is thoroughly resenting not being allowed to let lie!

Killermiles, you're not skinny. You're way beyond that. I'd suggest that you're one slight illness away from an all out collapse.

Stumbled across this thread which has made some very interesting reading - it also got me searching through my records. I'm 6'3 and back in the day a reasonably good athlete - 67 min half marathon. My optimal weight at the time was around 10st 4 and I was considered very skinny back then - unfortunately age and the beers have not been too kind since then.

Killermiles you need to seriously rethink your strategy on what an optimal weight is and as most on this thread have said - GO SEE A DOCTOR

I am still curious KM; are you losing weight to run or are you running to lose weight?

Both. Lost weight to run, but running to lose weight. However, I don't want to lose anymore, being I'm fit at my current weight, and probably losing more would be detrimental for my health and well-being. Probably put a little on over winter, get some strength training and concentrate on core strength.

Would you say that your times/performance have/has improved in a way that corresponds to the weight loss? Have you got significantly quicker?