Anorexic Olympic Long distance runner?

Question

Hi

I'm a recovering anorexic + a sucessful long distance runner

I want to go to the olmpics

I'm 13

Was the youngest Anorexic in NZ at age 9

Live in NZ

I have won the high school interschool cross country by about 200m, a distance of 3k in a time of 11:32

also won a inter-intermediate cross country.

At the moment I'm only allowed to do 2 runs a week but I'm building up to doing as much as I like with 2 rest days.

This includes running 5x a week 2 soccer teams and possibly swimming.

I need a coach but I don't know how to get one.

I'm going to join harriers soon too.

I'm worrying about my weight as an anorexic does...

I have to weigh in the "safe zone" of the 37.5th percentile for my age but I wonder if this is to much to be a sucessful runner

Thanks Grace

Answer 1

if you are worried about your weight as a runner, dont be. i am 5'9'' and weigh 155 lbs... and I've run a 19:17 5k and a 5:34 mile. If you have no fat on your body to burn while you run/race, your body will eat your muscles instead and you will become slower. So go put on some weight and be confident! :)

Answer 2

Getting better should be your main priority right now. We sound a lot alike. I was alse anorexic (well and bulimic) My best time in the 2 mile was an 11:33. Once I started getting back to a healthy weight I was not as good at distance running (my best 2 mile being 11:45) but I became an amazing mid distance runner and an even better sprinter. Once I got better I went on to represent the USA in an international track meet in Australia where I placed 3rd in both the 100 and 400 hurdles. If you keep your mind on what you want you should be able to get it, you sound like a very good runner. As for the coach, Keep doing the same kind of workouts you have done in the past until you can find a coach. Never settle for a just ok coach either. If you want to become that great of a runner you will need to find a coach that you like and that works with you well. Good luck with everything.