I'm embarrassed to even ask this....

since this topic is SOOOOO popular but "calorie intake vs. calorie output"....?

I am OFFICIALLY in training for the Disney Princess Half Marathon in March.  I have been maintaining my 112 - 115 (5'1", 33 YO F) weight for 6 months now eating between 1500 - 1800 cal/day.  That was with MWF strength training for 30 min and MWF running of between 3 - 5 miles.....

So anyhow, I have stepped up my fitness level to MWF strength training for 30 min, MWF spin classes for 45 minutes, Tues, Thurs run 5+ miles.  Sunday off.  I also just ran my first 15k on Sun (whoo-Hoo!!!, I can do it!!!)So my issue(s) are:  I am VERY worried about gaining.....although I understand it may be inevitable due to the training AND I am very worried that I am not eating enough to sustain this level of activity......I am so new at this and worked so hard to get this 40+ lbs off that I DO NOT want any of it back.  How do I know what is appropriate calorie intake for me at this point?  My main concern is that I remain healthy and do not enter into this "starvation mode" I keep hearing about.  Any thoughts on a "caloric number" that is more in step with my life?

(edited: moved from fitness forum)

I think you'd qualify as 'moderate' to 'very' active given that schedule.   To maintain your weight you'd therefore need between 2050 and 2300 cals a day.... 2050 on days where you're exercising lightly, 2300 on days where you've run 5 miles.  If you're running 15km again you'd need to carb-load in the days preceding but for the actual amount you'd need to speak to other runners and see what they do.

 If you've been at 1500-1800 cals a day you may see a slight increase in your weight as you increase your food intake but that would only be very temporary.  If you're doing a lot of strength training you may find you gain some muscle and that would also mean your weight increased a little. 

Thanks gi-jane!!!  I was hoping you'd respond....can always count on you!  I carb loaded for the race and it was great!  And YUMMY too!!!.  I need to be sure to balance my "in's and outs".  I knew you could help me!!!!

have you tried adding running to your activity log?

ie, running 6mph for 30 minutes is probably a little over 300 cals depending on your height and weight.  So you just eat an additional 300 cals that day. 

Heck yeah...my activitiy level is right up there with yours and I must eat A LOT to keep my energy!  If I don't eat up to about 2000+ a day all through out the week I binge horribly on the weekends.  Saturday and Sunday I eat almost 4000....if I don't maintain through out the week at a good caloric intake.  I also gain weight if I average out too 1500-1900 calories a day.  I try to keep my averages close to 2000-2400 a day.

Congrats on your achievements!

Thanks guys for your advice on this!  I appreciate it!  k-loo, I find myself wanting to binge horribly also.  That is what clued me into the fact that I increased my activity but not my intake......hmmmmm, not a good mix.  I'll  have to balance this better.  Thanks again!

k-loo, i just re-read your post.  What did you mean when you said that you gain on 1500-1900 calories? 

(edited: to clarify)

I gain because I'm not eating enough and then when I binge on the weekends it just sticks!  Then I feel like after a weekend binge I have to not eat during the week and work out like a mad woman and so begins the vicious cycle.  I must keep my balance or it's not pretty.  That is why I gain on the 1500-1900 a day intake. 

Ah Ha!  Got it!  I have a tendency of binging out also and HATE IT!!!  That is where I'll get in trouble, hence the reason for my concern about my intake.  I could tell, based on my insatiable cravings, that I was lacking.  Today at the grocery store I literally had to talk myself out of SO MANY yummy baked goods.  It's the refined carbs that I'm wanting.  Cakes, cookies, brownies, ALL OF IT!  Not good for maintenance or training.  And since I can't stop at one cookie, I can't have any.

Thanks again for your help and keep up your good work!  You look great!