I sat down and reviewed my stats from last year and confirmed something that I had suspected: I weighed the least (139 lbs) and my body fat was the lowest (6%) when I ran the least (19 miles per week average). And I weighed the most (148 lbs) and had my highest body fat percentages (10%) when I ran the most (60 miles per week).
Last year my goal was to run a race every month. I raced everything from milers to half marathons to ultras. As a result, I got fast and finished in the top 3 of my division (Male 30-39) each race, but I also struggled with foot injuries most the year.
According to the stats from Map My Run and My Fitness Pal, I consistently burned 6000 calories a week from recorded exercises (running, cycling, weights, boxing). However, when I couldn't run much, I compensated with the cross training.
Coulpe of observations:
• when I was running low milage - my was exercising total (cross training) was 12 hours a week (on average)
• when I ran 60 mile weeks - I was exercising a total of 8 hours a week
I was usually budgeting 2 hours a day for training and exercise, however when I was running 60 mile weeks, I completely dropped my cross training because of physical and mental energy.
On a side note: My eating was very consistent throughout the year. I eat pretty clean and pretty regimented. However, during the 60 miles weeks, I ate more (but still very clean) intentionally to keep my body nourished and not let it break down.
Now that I've analyzed the stats and numbers, I've come up with a training plan the simulates the training I was doing during my lowest weight and lowest BF% and I'm going to see if I can duplicate those results - intentionally.