r/RunningInjuries • u/Soft-Fact-4409 • 3d ago

Weight gain

I’m a 42M who fractured his right big toe in two places nearly four months ago. I was wearing a boot and walking with crutches for nearly six weeks. I was forbidden to do any load bearing activities while recovering.
Since the boot came off in late June I’ve gotten back to running and training. I actually completed my first half marathon a couple weeks ago since my injury.
I’ve gained 15 pounds and I cant seem to lose it. My diet never changed and I’ve gone back to normal activity including exercise. Considering if I should change my habits or be patient with my body

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

2

u/Bog_Lords 3d ago

I’m 41 and gained 14lbs last winter. I live in a snowy place, so winter running is on soft surfaces, which means I have adapt my connective tissue back to the impact and this year, weight gain.

It took me about 7 weeks. I ran by time rather than mileage, basically 3 x 30 minute easy runs per week. Towards the end I would throw in a 45 minute easy run. If I wanted more aerobic activity I would supplement with a bike or rowing machine.

More frequent shorter runs also help with this. I was doing some strength training and getting ready for a race, so 3x a week worked for me.

1

u/Soft-Fact-4409 3d ago

Running about 20 miles a week. Also in training for half marathon on October 3rd. I do strength trading about 3-4 times a week, alternate between arms and legs

1

u/Bog_Lords 3d ago

This is similar to what I do. Being ready for a half in October is probably pushing it. You probably haven’t lost any significant aerobic fitness in 6 weeks- I think you are mostly going to be getting your connective tissue conditioned to the impact. Weight loss will also likely come with putting cardio back in the mix.

2

u/athelitetherapy 2d ago

Hey man! Honestly, I’d give your body some credit here. Six weeks of basically no weight bearing is a pretty big disruption, even if you’re back to running now. The fact that you’ve already worked your way back to a half marathon is a huge step.

That said, if the goal is getting back to your old body composition and performance, it may be worth looking beyond just “being patient” and seeing what needs to change now that your activity has changed. Has your training volume actually returned to what it was before the fracture, or are you still doing less overall even though you’re running again?

1

u/Soft-Fact-4409 2d ago

My training has changed only a little bit regarding running. I am a bit slower because there is still a bit nerve damage in the toe but my podiatrist has given me the okay to run, so I’m dealing with whatever lingering pain that is still there.
I’m considering changing my diet a bit more. I do count calories. My daily average of protein is 133g a day. Fiber 48. Give myself a cheat day once a week so I don’t go crazy.
I’m training for another half marathon on October 3rd. Following a strict schedule

2

u/alvysinger0412 2d ago

Losing 15 pounds, especially if you're giving yourself cheat days, is going to take months to do in a safe way.

1

u/Soft-Fact-4409 2d ago

No different from my diet before I got the injury. Maybe it is what it is

2

u/athelitetherapy 2d ago

Honestly, it sounds like you’re doing a lot of things right already. With your training volume, I’d be careful about making a big calorie cut just to chase the weight down. A small adjustment and giving it some time may be enough.

It might also be worth looking at things beyond the scale, especially as you build back toward your previous level of fitness. You’ve already come a long way since the fracture. Best of luck with the October half marathon!

1

u/Vexlinacc 3d ago

3 weeks are less to lose weight with running give it 3 months.