How many people have heard one person say to another, “(S)He does not look like a runner.” I know that I have on several occasions. As a matter of fact, I have even been told that I am putting on too much muscle for my frame. Additionally, many people run to lose weight and I have met several people that have not had much success with running alone. Why? The reason is that weight loss comes as a result of burning more calories than you take in during a given period. For some, shedding off pounds can improve your performance and your self-image. For others, achieving your ideal weight by way of weight gain can do the same.

I stumbled across an interesting debate that some may or may not be familiar with. It is the argument that runners need to be lean and trim. While this may hold true for some World Class runners, that is because they can burn more energy training than I can count on my abacus. With an eight-mile run at about 150 pounds you can expect to burn probably 900 calories. That is almost equivalent to about one Chipotle burrito. Well, I can’t run eight miles every day so I go to the gym on my off days.

Working out at the gym, coupled with a running routine, can burn thousands of calories. Depending on your workout and your diet, it can increase your metabolic rate, or how many calories a day your body will require. What this means is that if weight loss is your goal, you should probably sneak some other type of exercise in there. If you are like me and you want to build strength, you’re still okay. Don’t let people tell you that you are getting too big for a runner.

I like to refer to my current weight as my “fighting weight”. My fighting weight is a weight that I more or less level out at during my training. When hitting the weights, one of the added benefits is that it actually increases your body’s oxygen efficiency. This is incredibly beneficial when running for obvious reasons. As you burn fat when running, your body will then hit up your muscles for reserves. This is part of the reason why Word Class runners are so trim.

So remember that runners come in all shapes and sizes. If you have ever been to an event, you can attest to that. Keep up the training and don’t fret if you do not notice results right away. Remember that your body has some new activity to get used to. Keep up the running and you will feel and look great!

Next up: Injuries Suck!

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