I am new to Low Carbing and I am concerned that I will be challenged to have enough energy for running. I am new to running but really enjoy it and I am training to run a half marathon in the fall. From all the reading I have done on this forum I hear that I should have energy.

I am thinking that it may be hard to run any distance while in the induction phase of the Atkins diet. Is this true? Or, am I brainwashed by the carb pushers?

I would love to hear anybody's personal experience on switching to a low carb diet and having an active lifestyle.

Initially it will probably be more difficult.. your body is used to using carbs first for energy. Over time it will get better at using fat for fuel, and your performance will increase. Right now I just dropped my carbs from 120 per day to 60 - I eat as I would on induction except for 1.5 hours before my workout (very intense sprints/weighted lunges etc) I have a protein shake made with milk for carbs, and after I have about 20 carbs... and performance was great. If you're training for distance lowcarb will be better in the long run.

take care,
Meg

I started my training for a September half-Marathon this February. I was a beginner runner. Without any problem after 1 month I could run 5k, after two months 10k. I run every morning 6k, every Saturday-Sunday 8-10 k-s, with empty stomach. So far I have not had any problem. Yes, I know that by increasing my milage very soon I need some carb load before running, but it seems I can do it very simply by moving my breakfast from after running to before running - without going over my 40-50 carb/day limit.
Induction phase can be hard, but you still can be ready for a fall half-Marathon, even if you cut back your miles during these two weeks.

Hey thanks for the insight! It is much appreciated!

Yesterday's run was cut short to 7k from a planned 10k. I felt so tired! I guess I should not draw any conclusions as I have only been on Induction for a couple days. No matter what you are eating, some days are better then others.

I think that once I am off the Induction phase it may be easier.

And happy training for that half marathon Galadriell!