Paleo and running

[Valerie Esquibel]

Should I still have energy to run while following a Paleo diet?
I went for my usual 6 mile run today and it was really hard! I'm not sure if that is normal while my body adjusts or if I just had a bad run.

[Ted Lavarias]

Hi Valerie! Good question... Keep in mind, any change in your regimen (whether diet or exercise) will require some time for your body to make positive adaptations. If we take someone who has never done exercise before & is an absolute "couch potato," going to the gym for only one or two days isn't going to give that person more energy & strength right away. Actually, after the first two days of training, most people usually feel quite the opposite with extreme soreness & can barely move! The same thing happens when you make changes in your diet. Your body needs to get used to burning different fuels (more fat), since you're not supplying it with as many carbohydrates any more. Expect your runs to be a little tough during the first several weeks when you go Paleo. If you can go completely strict for 30 days, your body will adapt faster. If you cheat, it will take longer. But just like exercise, the long term benefits are what we're after, which will take a little sacrifice during the short term... Good luck & keep the questions coming!!