Runners - calorie question, need help

[enfuego23]

I started running last year and I'm currently training for my first half-marathon. My problem is that I'm not sure if I'm eating too many calories or not enough.

I figured out my BMR which is 1332 calories per day - I'm 5'6" and weigh 120 lbs currently.
I run 3 - 4 days a week (average 25 miles/week) and strength train and use a stairmaster (45 minutes) 2 days/week. When I calculated in my activity, my daily calorie intake should be 1850. That seems like a lot of calories to eat daily. I try to stick around 1400-1500 but I have noticed I'm up a couple pounds - i'm usually around 117-118.

Should I eat more? I'm confused because I have used a ton of daily calorie calculators and I get different numbers. I know I don't need to lose weight but I'm just curious as to the recent weight gain and if it has to do with not eating enough.

[joenali]

Are you hungry? Eat more. Are you not hungry? Don't eat.

I'm as tall as you and nowhere near your weight. I think you are in the low normal range for weight and height. You don't need to lose weight IMO.

[enfuego23]

I'm not trying to lose weight, just trying to figure out my calorie needs for how much I am running/working out and wondering about the recent weight gain.

[joenali]

It's two pounds. I would hardly call that a weight gain. Weight fluctuates daily. Eat when you are hungry, don't worry about calories when you are working out as much as you do.

[taratru]

1800 calories for what you're doing? um...how are you not starving all the time? Listen to Joenali, she is wise. Hungry = eat.

[gt7301b]

1400-1500 calories while training for a half marathon.... I'd be hungry and cranky, that isn't enough for me.

Like others said, are you hungry? I wouldn't worry about a couple pounds, that is a normal fluctuation.

[hjohnson050711]

I am training for a 1/2 and i'm similar to your size (5' 3" 115lbs) and i try to take in about 1,800 calories per day (sometimes more). i pay alot of attention to the protein and carbs though and make sure i get enough to fuel my runs. its more WHAT you are eating.

[theoriginalbean]

If you're hungry, you should eat. I'm 5'6" and hover between 122-124 depending on the day. I also follow a similar workout schedule - run 3x, cycling 2x, and cross-training (lifting or HIIT) 3-4x. I eat 1800 calories per day, at the minimum, and more on days where I get two workouts in or days that include really long runs. There's no way I could live on 1500/day.

[Brit]

I'm about your size/weight (5'7 120) and I tend to gain weight when I have a similar activity level to that and eat in that calorie range. If I shoot for 2000-2200 calories/day with that level of activity, I tend to stay the same weight. It sounds weird, but that's how it works out for me.

Also, I agree with what a PP said about what you eat. Make sure that you are eating your calories in "real" food!

[enfuego23]

Thanks for all the advice - will start eating more!

[mayflowers22]

I'd be a zombie if I ate 1332 calories a day! If you're hungry you should eat.