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Jill:
I believe this happened to you because you were eating too clean.
Running thirty to forty miles a week requires a serious amount of energy. Carbohydrates and fat are great sources of energy. Restricting these fuel sources will defiantly cause you to feel sluggish and weak. It will also negatively impact you workouts.  

Running and weightlifting are entirely different animals when it comes to diet. Many weightlifters try to achieve a lean muscular body by eating very strict. They cut their fat intake down to a minimum and cycle their complex carbohydrates- bread, pasta, potatoes- from high to low in order to make their body’s burn body fat as fuel. Although this is a great system for getting lean it’s not necessarily the best eating plan for boosting your energy level.

On the other hand runners can afford to eat a more complete diet. In fact runners and other athletes should include more carbohydrates and fat in their diet than the average person because they will burn them as energy.

Carbohydrates are important because they help you through tough workouts. They are stored in your muscles as glycogen. Glycogen provides your body with the fuel it needs to function. When your glycogen levels are low so is your energy level. You wouldn’t think of driving a long distance without first filling up your car with gas? So why deprive your body off the fuel it needs to get a good workout?

Fats are also important because they too provide your body with a good source of fuel. They also help to maintain healthy skin hair and joints. Eating little to no fat is just as bad as eating too much.

Over the years I have met many runners that have tried to eat too clean. They are easy to spot. They look unhealthy and emaciated with very little muscle tone.

In summary your idea of eating healthy should be much different than your boyfriends. He is more interested in looking lean and muscular. You are more interested in looking fit and having the energy you need to run long distances. You diet should not be as strict as his.

Try to eat a good combination of complex carbohydrates consisting of oatmeal, potatoes, wheat products, pasta, fruit and vegetables. Add some good sources of fat such as olive oil, flaxseed oil, peanuts and fish. Last but not least, don’t be afraid to treat yourself to some occasional sweats. Due to your activity level you can afford to eat them once in a while.

Remember bodybuilders are more concerned with looks than performance. If you don’t believe me take your boyfriend along with you on your next eight mile run and see how well he fairs. My guess is that he won’t have the energy to finish.