Running and vegetarianism

I have recently decided to become a vegetarian (about 6 mos. ago) and I am also a runner.  I am going to be competing in 10KM races throughout the year and I am in training to run a marathon!  I would really like some input from other runners and/or other vegetarians as to what I should be eating to stay strong and energized.

what training program are you using?

is this your first marathon?

Check out tapermadness.com for marathon training and advice, there is a lot of crazy information there, and a lot of excellent advice from very seasoned runners.

I am using a training program from The Running Room.  I have done 10KM races before but never a marathon.  I am planning to train until next fall before I run the marathon.

I will check out tapermadness.com thanks!

I've been a vegetarian for about 8 yrs now and have been running races (Half Marathon, 5K, 8K, 10Ks) competively for the past year. As long as you're still eating healthy - the switch from meat eater to vegetarian won't impact your strength or energy. Most of America is OBSESSED with protein and most people can't believe you could have a meal that doesn't revolve around meat. I take Whey Protein powder mixed with water or fat free milk about once a day before or after workouts but I also do weights, run, swim, mtn. bike and yoga all week. Here's a site that may be of some help - http://www.vegparadise.com/protein.html

Where do you buy your whey protein?  I still eat eggs and fish but I also eat a lot of chickpeas, kidney beans, lima beans, etc.  I think I'm getting enough protein for a regular diet but I want to make sure I don't short change myself on run days.

I have just recently got back into running after taking about a year off due to a knee injury.  I also ride my bike (to and from work), walk my dogs every day for 45 mins, take a "bodyblasting" class that is much like yoga but with abit of cardio as well.  I have lost 20 lbs since June and hope to lose another ten before I run my 10KM race on October 4.  Is it "safe" to lose weight while I'm in training too and if so how do I go about it?  I want to be eating enough calories to stay strong but I want to lose weight too....

Thanks for your help.