I am also training for a 1/2 in May and my coach recommended the "Alternative Plan" since it adds about 250 calories per day which I have researched and should provide some of that fuel for the endurance. I was under the impression the Athletic Plan was designed for more weight-training oriented exercise vs the endurance needs of someone running for 2+ hours.

My coach also recommeded taking a banana on runs that will last more than an hour. I eat a chunk every 3 miles or so and chug a ton of water after my run. It's going great!

In addition to running 3-4x week, I also have 2 days of yoga. I'm down 22 pounds in 5 weeks, so I don't think the Alternative Plan is slowing my loss down too much.

I was given this article yesterday about exercise and thought it was pretty interesting. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/18/ma...xercise-t.html Thought maybe you all would to.

Thanks for that info re: "Alternative Plan" -- I was only given/offered the "Athletic Plan" but it does speak to fueling for either weight training exercise or aerobic (running) exercise.

I'll certainly ask about this "Alternative Plan" though--I find that I learn more on this website and bring more to the table (questions AND information) than my "counselor" does!! However, I highly doubt anyone will recommend adding a banana. I'm glad that has worked well for you though! Thanks again!

P.S. What race are you training for?

Thanks Alaska for this great article--I'm saving it! Although I have to say for me, it's not real "new" news.

One of the main reasons I joined the IP program is because I was running and running and getting faster, eating "healthy" (so I thought) and yet my weight remained fairly constant (up/down 5 lbs.)--the ONLY other thing I could change was what/how I ate. And whoo hooo! It's worked--the pounds are coming off (if slower than I had anticipated or hoped) and I'm still loving my running. AND something new--Hot Yoga!!

Happy Friday and Keep On Keeping On Everyone!

I've decided to do the IP Alternative Protocol (IP Protocol + 3 additional foods) while marathon training to lose these last 7 pounds. I went through the regular IP and lost 28 pounds, then went a little crazy during maintence and never recovered properly and gained some weight back. I would like to get back to where I was when I went into maintence, but my marathon training has started and I don't think I can get by on the amount of calories and carbs in the regular IP. I'm averaging about 30+ miles a week. Has anyone had success doing the IP Alternative Protocol while maintaining a relatively strenuous exercise routine? Any thoughts, tips?

Hello runners,
so happy to find this thread! I too am a marathon runner...have done 9 so far and looking to start training again in August for #10!
I was told that the only exercise I can do in phase 1 is walking...I want to start jogging/ running because I miss it! I am a run/walk marathoner and much slower than any of you....however, I have been able to train and finish all 9!

I am going to ask about this athlete/alternative plan on Monday!

I used to rely on Gu and bananas throughout my longer training runs...

Thank you all for posting such great info.

Anyone out there in training or looking to start training?

I am not currently running, but I workout (Crossfit) 5-6x a week. I follow the standard IP protocol, except I add a 4th packet immediately after working out. I also use my restricted item as a pre-workout snack. A typical day looks like this:

8:30- IP Packet
12:30- Salad, 2 cups veggies, 8 oz of protein
4:00- IP restricted
5:30-6:30- Workout
6:30- IP RTD Chocolate
8:30- Salad, 2 cup veggies, IP Packet

This has been working great for me. In Sept. I am going to be scaling down on Xfit and ramping up my running as I am training for the Ragnar Relay FL Keys. I am hoping to be in Phase 3 by the time I actually start my training schedule.

If you have never heard of Ragnar Relay, check out their website. Ragnarrelay.com It is the most amazing long distance run/race I have ever done. I have completed (2) full, (1) 1/2, (2) Oly triathons.

Wow, that's great! 9 marathons!!! I'm doing my 2nd this fall. It'll be great if you could share what your coach thinks about the athlete/alternative plan while marathon training. Good luck!!

Can anyone out there share the Athletic Protocol? I have read about this in the book, but have not seen what is actually involved. If anyone has it, would you mind posting it? Thanks!

will do! Saw your other post...so stay tuned. I was hoping that someone out there who already has that plan would share it here since I am not too sure my coach will give the info to me....

thanks for the response....I think what you are doing totally makes sense. I just know from experience that I do need the carbs so that I dont bonk out on the longer runs.
I will definitely check out the Ragnar relay!