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Ticked Off

Ticked Off

Posted on 21. May, 2010 by in Fitness, General, Running

I’m still ticked off. It’s been 2 days and my blood is STILL boiling. No, not about the Landis confession- FOUR years & $2 MILLION dollars, a marriage, and countless friends later. Never mind the fact that he is also dragging others in his tell-all.

But that’s for another day.

What I am really passionate about is the truth. In particular Run Truth.  I don’t watch much TV. But I happened to watch some of the Biggest Loser episode this past Tuesday. (I refuse to even link to the show, so go look elsewhere.)

On the show they had the contestants run a marathon. 26.2 miles. On 30 days of  ”training”. The one guy gained 2 pounds. Then the trainers proceeded to mock him for it.

I am surprised people didn’t  hear my cry of anger across the nation. Why? Nothing makes my blood boil more then seeing (and hearing) people talk about running a marathon like its a walk in the park. Yes, I know I make it look easy, but trust me its not.

Let me explain 2  Run Truth principles and Run Myth facts. Edition 1, episode 1.

Run Truth #1) Train Smart. To train for a marathon (26.2 miles) you need to have at least a base of 20-25 miles per week. And have to have run a long run of either 13.1 miles or  14 miles. The Biggest Loser had these poor people run 26.2 miles on 30 days of training!! This is neither smart, safe, practical or real. The body needs time to adapt to running that far over a period of time. There is a reason that the words “marathon training”  go together.

Run Myth #1) Training for A Marathon will make me skinny. This is such a load of crap! If you are overweight and sign up for a marathon and pray that the 6 months of training will make you fit into your skinny jeans or that suit coat from way back in the day, you are in for a rude awaking.

First, training for 26.2 miles requires you to eat calories (healthy ones). Because you need to fuel (food) to sustain your body while training for a race of this nature, using this as a weight lose method is not the plan for you.

Now I know some people use running as a way to lose weight. Running a perfect way to do this. But training for a marathon AND losing weight at the same time is just a recipe for disappointment.

Yes, you may lose weight while training for a marathon. Yes, you may gain weight while training for  a marathon. Remember this: Every Body is Different. What works for you, may not work for the other person. Some people may retain water. There are SO many factors that play a part in weight. I won’t go in to it today. Just remember this: Runners come in all shapes and sizes. Don’t judge someone because they aren’t a size 0/2.

Through my research neither Bob nor Jillian have run a marathon. I don’t know about you, but how can they tell or “train” someone to go run a marathon, let alone TRAIN them? If they haven’t run one, I am not sure how they can ridicule someone for gaining weight.

Bob, Jillian, I ask you to train for a marathon. Over a 4-6 month period and THEN give advice.

For the rest of you out there and you have been inspired to run a marathon, (and I will insert here, even a half marathon), please, I beg you for the love of god, hire a certified running/triathlon coach! I will write a future article on how to find the right coach for you. But for now, just know that you need a coach. (Insert shameless plug here- me).

Episode 1, part 2 will discuss more Run Truth principles & Run Myth facts and how the Biggest Loser is really the Biggest Liar. Stay tuned.

Will attempt to go about my day. Still ticked off about the Biggest Loser. Don’t be fooled people by what you see. Peace & truth to all!

Sarah Stanley is a sarcastic endurance athlete. She runs in her sleep. And is passionate about getting the nation healthy. Stay in touch with her by receiving her e-newsletter

 

Photo by aussiegall

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28 Responses to “Ticked Off”

  1. Tweets that mention Ticked Off | Sarah Stanley Inspired -- Topsy.com

    21. May, 2010

    [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Sarah Stanley, Jason, Jason, Dwight Hunter, LonnieB and others. LonnieB said: RT @RunRideInspire: Would love comments/thoughts! #BL9 #runTruth http://bit.ly/arGRXA [...]

  2. Rachel

    21. May, 2010

    A month?! That’s insane! I can only imagine how much damage there must have been on their poor joints.

  3. $bill

    21. May, 2010

    I cannot agree with you more. I kept thinking that the real reason they were so mad that he gained weight was that it makes them look like failures. I really don’t understand why people love those trainers so much.

  4. Rob Oyler

    21. May, 2010

    Oh Sarah, I agree with everything you have written here. I too have watched a few of the episodes of this show but have dismissed it as just another one of those “reality shows”, where the producers/networks are focusing more on ratings vice “reality”. With your passion though, I can understand why you are having a difficult time dismissing this series. I like to believe that folks who are truely interested in understanding the importance of their health, and how fitness plays such a vital role towards improving/maintaining their health, will also realize the importance of becoming properly educated as well. I like to maintain a little faith with folks.
    You have also made me think with regard to coaching. Although I do not regard myself as a coach, ( I am not one) I am currently training two young ladies, one to participate in a Sprint Triathlon and 1/2 marathon, the other to guide her into learning to run in proper form to become physically fit. I also incorporated cross training into their program, weight trg., swimming, biking.
    I would never have these girls do anything that I have not done, nor would I ever put them through something that I could not do.
    I have participated in both races I mentioned above, and I understand full well what training is involved, the dedication, the blood sweat and tears that are involved.
    I have never run a marathon (yet), I therefore would never attempt having the girls participate in one, (at least not under my guidance) simply because I have no experience with that distance. I have not experienced the blood, sweat and tears to try and get there.
    I know I have gone on a bit of a tangent here, but I wanted you to know that I take your words of wisdon to heart, I have so much respect for you. I now question the validity of what I am doing, and am reconsidering. Perhaps as I continue to progress to becoming a certified personal trainer, until then I should leave well enough alone.
    Thank-you for your insight Sarah, you are truely a remarkable lady.

    Rob

  5. Sarah

    21. May, 2010

    Once Bob & Jillian run a marathon, then they talk. And only then!

  6. Sarah

    21. May, 2010

    Not just damage, but gives a false impression of what it is really like to run 26.2 miles.

  7. Brittany

    21. May, 2010

    Thanks for this post. I was pissed too when I heard about it on the show! I always gain a little weight during marathon training. During the times that I wanted to lose weight and so cut calories, I had really bad, energy-lacking workouts. I was in a bad mood because I was ravenous. I couldn’t handle running very long and slept extra hours because I had no energy. Its just not likely to happen.

    However, I usually tone up and look better at the end. I usually gain a few pounds. Its extra weight I’m proud of too! Healthy and fit is better than skinny :)

  8. Sarah

    21. May, 2010

    Rob, don’t stop what you are doing. The difference with you is that you are training them for what you have done. You haven’t run a marathon, so you aren’t giving them advice.

    A piece of paper doesn’t mean people are better coaches then other people. In fact, many people have a piece of paper that says they can do “XY and Z” when in fact they haven’t even done half of what other people have done without that piece of paper. Its about being knowledgeable in the sport. Having a passion for what you are doing. Asking others to help you if you don’t know something.

    Keep up the good work Rob!

  9. Sarah

    21. May, 2010

    People have this idea that to be a runner “we” must be 100 pounds dripping wet (sweat or otherwise). The fact is that we all have different body types, health issues, life stress, etc. People who specifically sign up for a marathon to lose weight will become only frustrated with the process. Especially when they GAIN weight!

    You posted excellent points why it is not safe to use marathoning as a weight lose method.

    Keep up the great work girl!

  10. runfastermommy

    21. May, 2010

    While I agree with all you’ve said….how come no one is taking into account the nights they showed Daris at home, shoveling food into his mouth, on his own attmidtance of “emotional eating?” I love the show, not a huge fan of Jillian (the diet pill pusher), and not a fan of them training (if you can call it that ) for a marathon in a month, and no I do not agree with them when they say you should always lose weight marathon training (I personally always put on my marathon 5 lbs during training). That said, I still can’t help but feel Daris was reaching for an excuse blaming the weight gain on training. Just another point of view!

  11. Ross

    21. May, 2010

    Sarah,

    I totally agree with you. I have run 16 marathons and for me they are incredibly challenging.

    I have gained weight, lost weight during training, and I have trained for every single one of my marathons.

    30 days and then run a marathon with no base. That is insane.

    That is not reality.

    Thanks for sharing your outrage! Inspired by your passion in a totally new way today.

  12. Sarah

    21. May, 2010

    Exactly. I have also been there. Yes, even training for a 100miler I didn’t lose weight. 30 days to run a marathon is just plain stupid!!!

    Keep running strong!

  13. Sarah

    21. May, 2010

    I concur with you. I am not giving Daris excuses for eating the way he did. My main problem is that they linked training, running a marathon AND gaining weight all together.

    Thanks for your comment! :)

  14. David H.

    21. May, 2010

    Well said. Thank you for posting this. You’ve definitely added to the thoughts I had about the show. I will say that the contestants are in really good shape and I think they know that a marathon is coming. I’m sure that they have some sort of base — remember that we see maybe 15 minutes a week of about 40 hours worth of training. That said, I’m not defending the marathon choice at all.

    And I really wish I could afford to hire a coach … I would suggest that people join training teams to have a support system around them. Or at least a few friends with the same goal. :)

  15. Lonnie

    21. May, 2010

    This episode killed me. Extreme weight loss and running 26.2 should never have been combined. I don’t get it. They didn’t show any of the runners staying fueled/hydrated etc.

    I’ve spent 10months on my journey of losing weight the right way (1-2lb) per week and getting into Marathon shape. I lost the majority of the weight and was at about 20mi/wk before really upping mileage for an 18 week marathon training program.

    I too wrote about this BiggestLoser and how I now call it the Biggest Disappointment – http://goo.gl/fb/f7cP4

  16. Jim Cox

    21. May, 2010

    Sarah,
    Very well put and you are right on! They’re lucky they didn’t kill someone. I trained 8 months for my first one back in 1996 and had long runs up to 20 miles!
    Keep up the good work!
    Jim

  17. Mike evans

    21. May, 2010

    Amen! Although I’ve been a fan in the past,every time they have these folks run a marathon on such little training, it fires me up every time! I agree with everything you’ve said. No more a fan of the show.and another thing, those pills that Jillian markets? What happened to her all natural approach?

  18. Sarah

    21. May, 2010

    Thanks Mike:) Yeah, how can she market the diet pills when she promotes natural products? I know money talks, but this must be some serious cash!

  19. Sarah

    21. May, 2010

    Lonnie, I am so proud of you for losing weight before tackling a marathon!!! I’ll be cheering for you when you run 26.2miles!!!!

  20. Sarah

    21. May, 2010

    Thanks David. I don’t know if I would go far to say they are in good shape. They are losing an unhealthy amount of weight in an unhealthy amount of time. From my research I didn’t find a base running plan. To run a marathon in good shape you should be running 20-30 miles a week for a full year. If they have to lose 100-200+ pounds, they need to do lose it the RIGHT way and THEN tackle the proper training for 26.2 miles.

    Does that make sense? :)

  21. Doug

    21. May, 2010

    Sarah,
    Loved your post. Running is a great way to burn calories but I tend to eat more when I add distance. It is all about eating healthy. The show does some good things but they also do some crazy things.

    They do teach healthy eating, plus, hydrating. They always have a water bottle with them.

    My wife is a trainer and really dislikes Jillian. When they are working out and throwing up, it is to much. When they are falling off of treadmills, it is to much. When they are getting injured, it is to much. Finally, when they are running a marathon with no training, it is just to much.

  22. Sarah

    21. May, 2010

    Thanks for the comment Doug! Running is an awesome way to burn calories. But using a marathon to lose a lot of weight, just isn’t a smart (or safe) idea.

    The show SHOULD teach them about healthy eating, hydrating, etc. That is a part of their responsibility! I’ll cover some of these points in future articles.

  23. Debbie Voiles

    21. May, 2010

    My problems with the episode are so many and varied that I hardly know where to start. I have only rarely seen any Biggest Loser episodes, but when I have, I have been disturbed by the intense workouts these people are subjected to when, clearly, they are completely out of shape to begin with. I am certain many people are influenced to mimic their programs and end up injured. I’m sure the people on TV have access to physicians, massage therapists, etc., and, even then, they probably experience many injuries.

    This kind of program can lead people to the conclusion that they, too, can lose that ridiculous amount of wt by that same means.

    For them to subject those people to marathons with only one month of ‘training,’ is extremely irresponsible. I guess it makes good TV, but it could also permanently hobble people, who would be perfectly capable of running a marathon, without any adverse effects, if they followed a sensible marathon training plan designed by a qualified coach, one that begins with completion of an adequate base phase.

  24. Grant

    21. May, 2010

    I’ve been training for the last 5 months to run my first half-marathon at the end of next month. I had some weight to lose too, but I decided to take 3 weeks off running while I focused on weight loss. Now I’m two weeks off my diet, 30 lbs lighter and I’m eating enough to give me enough energy to run on.

    Having personally gone through that, I would not recommend trying to lose weight (via eating restrictions) and train for a long run at the same time. It’s crazy.

  25. danielle

    21. May, 2010

    after running my second marathon this past weekend (with 9 halfs and numerous smaller races under my belt as well) i am on board with your thoughts 150%. i have never watched the biggest loser start to finish until this season. ive spent many a tuesday night over the past few months in tears at what these contestants have been able to accomplish.

    this past episode made me want to throw up. i felt SO happy for daris and the rest of the contestants for being able to complete what many of us (your readers) know is not a walk in the park, only to have bob repremand daris for gaining weight! id like to see bob and jillian (who have no medical background to really know what they are doing anyway) to go out and try and run a marathon. lets see how much weight they lose while doing it (cuz i know i probably gained at least a few pounds during my training). and of course daris had an emotional breakdown and had to eat at night… he was training for a marathon and starving himself.

    i still cant even put all my thoughts together on how i accurately feel about this show and especially this past episode. from the out pour of twitter activity and blogs that are coming up, im at least confident im not alone with these feelings.

    i wont even go into how koli is now on the mindset that he is just needing to lose the weight to win the show and win money. this show is marketed to be about HEALTHY weight loss. aside from the lame advertisement throw ins throughout the show, and the unrealistic/expensive kitchen available to the contestants, this show does nothing for me in the way of “healthy” living.

    ugh.

  26. Sarah

    21. May, 2010

    Thanks so much for your comments. I will be writing a whole article on doing things for money. They should be getting healthy for THEM. Their family. Etc. NOT for money. I could talk all day about this:)

  27. Sarah

    21. May, 2010

    I agree! It is so misleading, its not even funny. I hope to shed some Run Truth on the topics.

  28. Sarah

    21. May, 2010

    Great job Grant! Keep up the good & smart work!

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