Addressing Weight: Does the Number on the Scale Dictate Better Running Performance?

Today I want to address an often-controversial topic but one that feels like is coming up way too much lately in my practice. Weight, weight loss during training and racing weight.

I was struck recently at my own reaction to sharing my weight in public. It was part of a test I was having done at work that a group of people were observing and to complete the test, I needed to share my weight with the person running it. I quietly blurted out the number so only the tester could hear. Like it was a secret and something I didn’t want anyone else to know. Not that I’m uncomfortable with my weight or that I should be ashamed for any reason.

As I observed the same test being done on another person at work a couple days later, I was taken aback at how quickly and matter-of-factly she shared her weight with the group observing. Which got me to thinking about why sharing out loud or even knowing the number on the scale can be so triggering for some people and less so for others.

The first time I recall being keenly aware of my weight was in third grade. As part of gym class, we were weighed in front of our peers and the number was shared out loud by the gym teachers as it was recorded. Something I’m fairly certain is not done any more (thank God) but that had a lasting impact on me. As it turns out, I was the heaviest girl in the class and as much as I wish that didn’t matter, having it shared in front of my classmates, resulted in being made fun of and the development of a very poor relationship with my growing body and weight that lasted well into my 20s. And still impacts me today.

Now, even at a healthy weight, I rarely step on the scale because I know that the number can cause me angst and stress. And for what? Why does it matter? If my clothes fit, I feel good, and my running is going well – why the obsession with being at a certain weight? The number does not define me. Nor does it mean I will perform better or worse on any given day.

Weighing yourself day in and day out can become a vicious cycle. One that can lead to burn out and frustration. Not only because our weight can fluctuate on any given day due to hydration, the meal you had the night before, the time of day or even that time of the month (for ladies). But also because you are focusing on the wrong measure of success. The number on the scale can lead to either feeling victorious or defeated which doesn’t bode well for your mental health and well-being and takes the focus off of the things we know lead to better performance.

So today, I want to challenge you to stop using the scale to determine your worth or whether you are having success in sport and start looking at more important key measures like sleep quality, workout performance and training adaptations.

But, but, but… as a runner, I thought the lower the weight, the more efficient I’ll be at racing and hence why I should reach a coveted racing weight (which is often too low for most people and not healthy or sustainable)?

Here’s the thing: your racing weight is the weight you are on the given day that you race and that is all. Yes, there is some truth that being at a lower weight helps with ease of running. BUT it doesn’t correlate to speed or ability. Someone who has trained at a high level, recovers right, gets in their strength and mobility work and who fuels adequately before, during and after workouts can and will be much faster than someone who weighs 20-30lbs less and neglects all those things.

Do you let the number on the scale dictate your life? Guess what? You are not alone at all. We all have times where we think we may need to lose a couple pounds. But that time should not coincide with a heavy training block or racing cycle because it can lead to poor performance and injury. To optimize performance, you need to fuel right and train smart. And that doesn’t happen when you are in a calorie deficit. Remember: you are so much more than that number on the scale. You are strong and capable of achieving your goals at the weight you are at right now.

Listen. I know this is a hard concept to grasp for many. Heck it’s hard for me too. Because we’ve been slammed in the face – for many since a young age – that our weight defines us. But the reality is it’s just a number and our ability to keep moving forward and push through challenges in life to become our best self is what truly matters.

Struggling with breaking free from the scale? Let’s chat! Schedule a free 30-min discovery session with me today!