Strange side effect of lots of walking

I've been going a little nuts with walking over the past six weeks, usually logging 3 miles per day, and sometimes as much as 6 if I have time. I started at 170, weigh 160 now, and am aiming for 140 as a goal, so I haven't got too far to go. Yesterday I realized that the nylon knee socks I always wear are now super-tight at the tops. Last night after I took them off there was still a mark around my leg three hours later. Today, luckily I'm wearing pants because I actually had to pull the socks down to my ankles because they were cutting into my legs. These are the same socks I wore when I was ten pounds heavier! I hope I don't end up with ridiculously muscular calves!

Replies

cwolfman13

pretty sure you're going to be fine...

earth_echo

My first thought is edema. Weight loss would make your lower legs smaller and gaining noticeable muscle in the lower leg takes a LONG time.

13bbird13

At first I thought it might be water retention, but since I've been eating so much better than my usual high-sodium "frat-boy" diet I discounted that idea. Maybe I should look into it further.

cwolfman13

13bbird13 wrote: »

At first I thought it might be water retention, but since I've been eating so much better than my usual high-sodium "frat-boy" diet I discounted that idea. Maybe I should look into it further.

regular exercise causes some water retention...it's not just about sodium or not sodium.

building muscle takes a very long time and honestly you're not going to build much muscle walking, even if you weren't dieting...if you're dieting, you're not putting on muscle mass as you cannot be both catabolic and anabolic at the same time.

servilia

Water retention I think. That, or you shrunk your socks.

PikaKnight

cwolfman13 wrote: »

13bbird13 wrote: »

At first I thought it might be water retention, but since I've been eating so much better than my usual high-sodium "frat-boy" diet I discounted that idea. Maybe I should look into it further.

regular exercise causes some water retention...it's not just about sodium or not sodium.

building muscle takes a very long time and honestly you're not going to build much muscle walking, even if you weren't dieting...if you're dieting, you're not putting on muscle mass as you cannot be both catabolic and anabolic at the same time.

^This

Sued0nim

You're walking 3 miles, occasionally 6?

Don't panic, you certainly aren't building muscle

Maybe some water retention from suddenly getting more active

Well done you ..it's great to walk

13bbird13

Thanks to all for the replies; I had no idea exercise would cause some water retention (but then again, I'm a very sedentary person unless I make a specific effort). I will also keep an eye on my sodium because that, rather than sweets, is my usual downfall. And I'll definitely keep walking... that and swimming twice a week are my two non-negotiable targets for December!

lucy16076

You're doing great! Keep up the good work!! You are just fine