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I'm a fairly young but well read athlete, and I've been reading up on eating problems in sport, and the female athlete triad as well. I have a fair knowledge in this area already as I've been doing research about it for over a year now, but what I would really like to hear are stories and support from other female athletes who have had experience with the triad, or even male athletes,doctors,psycs who know anything about it and can give any advice about overcoming these problems, and any personal accounts or sucesses anyone has had and would like to share.
I know with the eating disorder side of things, it takes a lot of courage and getting past deep inherent fears to overcome the health problems, and I would love to hear what people have done to help themselves deal with it and hopefully even get past it. For example, if one has a really restrictive diet,but is too scared to make any immediate changes, but also the person really needs to improve their health (ie eat more), what kind of steps and support should they take to improve?
This is a website that has a good explanation of the triad:
http://www.femaleathletetriad.org/faq.html
Thanks!
 | Author: | RoyMustang69 (RoyMustang69's profile, RoyMustang69's blog) |
 | Posted On: | Fri, 2008-05-23 03:44 |
 | Tags: | marathon training, cycling, running, distance running, overtraining, psychology, diet, fitness and nutrition |
 | Comments: | 1 comment, go to comments |
Comments
Eating Disorders
I have had an eating disorder for 26 years now and this initally started when I was a teenager. I have always used excessive exercise as a way of controlling my weight as well as restricting the range and amount of food I eat. My exercise has always been compulsive (3-4 hour gym sessions, 6-7 aerobic exercise classes per week). Late last year whilst undergoing CBT for anxiety and depression and having been diagnosed with ME, I finally admitted my eating problems to my psychiatrist. It was an extremely frightening time for me and certainly took a lot of courage (particlarly speaking to my family about it). CBT and the very sensitive and expert guidance of my psychiatrist has allowed me to make considerable progress over the past 9 months. My weight is still low( BMI 18) but it is stable, I now eat a wide variety of foods and eat a reasonable quantity each day. I now have a very positive body image and wear clothes with pride (instead of hiding my body away under baggy clothes). I have started running very recently (6 weeks ago) and am slowly building strength and stamina by gradually increasing my training. My weight has remained stable so far which I know is a great achievement.
I am using my goals within running to ensure that I continue to eat well as otherwise I will not progress or ultimately achieve my ambition to run a marathon. I cannot afford to lose weight and this has motivated me to keep working hard on my eating habits.
I am accutely aware that my running may get out of control (particularly taking account of my previous misuse of exercise)and I am very aware of the female triad so know that what I am doing needs to be monitored very carefully.
For anyone out there with an eating disorder- it is a very strange place you are in. It is scary but it is so comfortable, so familiar- you think you are in control but what price that control? It is such hard work all the time- striving and driving to limit your food intake, not touch forbidden foods and ignore the hunger that tests your resolve day after day. Yet somehow, no matter how hard you try you never achieve the weight you want to be or see the body you want to see. I remember it all so clearly. There is another world out here that you too can experience, it requires courage, determination and a lot of expert help. The first step is to ask for the help you need. I did and although I have a way to go, I am getting there and life is so much better than it has ever been. You too can get better. If I can do it so can you. My issues were complex and enduring but I was supported to find a way forward. So can you.
If my experience is of interest then I am happy to provide further details.