I have two glasses of wine a night.

What the hell are you asking about?

Running or your alcohol issues?

4/10

I prefer to give the liver a rest for a few nites a week

having said that you're not overdoing it

you can still have a problem at lower intake levels as it sounds like you're trying to manage your alcohol intake

sdfv wrote:

What the hell are you asking about?

Running or your alcohol issues?

4/10

_____________________

Hah, it is a bit of a ramble. The question is long, but it is this:

Would the reduction or removal of alcohol reduce weight, and would that, in fact make an impact also on performance?

Or, would there be a suggestion of any certain diet?

You've got aging or midlife crisis issues. It's time to decide what your priorities are and adapt accordingly. I'm an alcoholic, so the wine consumption is off limits to me, but from your description of your running right now and your stage of life, it sounds like leaving your drinking alone and accepting the fact that you're going to be a little fatter and a little slower as you age.

Cutting the booze might help you drop the weight, but it's not going to get you under 16:00 again. If you like the wine, age gracefully with enough exercise to keep you healthy--including heart-healthy red wine.

I believe the latest theory is that the red wine is not so heart healthy after all

You have alcohol dependency issues. Fix that first.

Yes, giving up the booze will result in some weight loss if all other things are kept constant (no compensating on calorie intake and keeping training the same). Wine has a lot of sugars and beer has lots of carbs. That is a lot of energy that is not easily metabolized, especially for a 50+ runner.

Also, keep in mind that fat storage patterns are genetic. For many men, fat around the midsection is the primary place for fat storage. It is also often the first and last place you will gain/lose weight. So, do not expect to see your waistline shrink over night. It will take a few months to get off the weight.

locker room observer wrote:

You have alcohol dependency issues. Fix that first.

_________________________

Doubtful, since I went for more than 5 or 6 days a couple weeks ago without a drink, but thank you for your input.

I am just wondering if a total shut off will make a difference.

The other posts have been great. Common sense it seems.

You have an alcohol dependency.

I am 65 and like to have my 2 glasses of wine most nights. My training varies in between 40-60 mpw. I have been able to keep my weight relatively constant (5'8" 130-135lbs)most of my life, but I have had to steadily improve my diet over the years to do so. At my present age staying at my weight takes a fairly strict diet. When I have drifted up to the higher end of my weight range I have found that even with a very careful diet at best I can lose 1 lb/week and usually it averages out to about 1/2 lb/week. In my early 50s I was a high 17s - low 18s 5k guy. My most recent 5k this year was a 19:20. If you want to run decently as a senior citizen I think keeping the excess weight off is critical to performance and avoiding injuries.

t wrote:

You have an alcohol dependency.

I disagree. Two drinks a day is not a problem. Many studies indicate that moderate drinking, particularly after the age of 50 is very beneficial to our health.

To the OP, keep drinking moderately and don't worry about the extra 5-10 pounds.

Find an editor to help you.

Notme wrote:

Any others here have similar issues, or any advice for me?

buy a vowel wrote:

t wrote:

You have an alcohol dependency.

I disagree. Two drinks a day is not a problem. Many studies indicate that moderate drinking, particularly after the age of 50 is very beneficial to our health.

To the OP, keep drinking moderately and don't worry about the extra 5-10 pounds.

If you can't go a day without drinking, you have an alcohol dependency issue.

2 glasses of wine is not going to make much of a difference. If it is making any difference at all, I imagine having those 2 glasses bring you more pleasure than any miniscule benefits that you will see from giving it up.

Not a Coach wrote:

buy a vowel wrote:

I disagree. Two drinks a day is not a problem. Many studies indicate that moderate drinking, particularly after the age of 50 is very beneficial to our health.

To the OP, keep drinking moderately and don't worry about the extra 5-10 pounds.

If you can't go a day without drinking, you have an alcohol dependency issue.

you sound like a little b1tch.

I don't recall the OP saying he couldn't go a day without drinking.

buy a vowel wrote:

I don't recall the OP saying he couldn't go a day without drinking.

he didn't

but his posting suggests he has a dependency issue

buy a vowel wrote:

I don't recall the OP saying he couldn't go a day without drinking.

"I usually stop at two or three beers if we go out. And, that only happens about once every other week. My drink intake is about 10-15 glasses of wine per week, or 7-9 glasses of wine per week and about 5-7 bottles of beer per week"

The above comment, if nothing else, shows the guy thinks an awful lot about booze. Also, if that is his estimate, he is probably sneaking a few more in there that he doesn't mention.

Maybe he just likes wine? I am guessing most of you spend a chunk of your day thinking about running, work, sex or whatever else you do. Some people really enjoy wine and probably think about it just like anything else. Doesn't mean there is a problem.