Running rut

HilTri

I run two days per week and lift three. When I run, I run the same paved route and approx the same distance. Do our bodies get used to the same distance/time running? I am going on a trail run today to switch it up, it won't be as many miles but hopefully the change will jump start me a bit.

stanmann571

HilTri wrote: »

I run two days per week and lift three. When I run, I run the same paved route and approx the same distance. Do our bodies get used to the same distance/time running? I am going on a trail run today to switch it up, it won't be as many miles but hopefully the change will jump start me a bit.

What's your goal? Jump start what??

If you want to get faster, you'll need at least 3 days a week. You'll need to run at the very least a varied pace/cadence, although varied distances help as well.

You didn't mention how far either.

@MeanderingMammal and I disagree on quite a few of the particulars of a running program, but if you want to get better at running you've got to run.

HilTri

I am trying to lose 5 lbs. I don't run so fast. I run 6-10 miles. I seem to be on a plateau in addition to realizing I wasn't accurately counting calories. I have been accurately counting for a week now.

stanmann571

HilTri wrote: »

I am trying to lose 5 lbs. I don't run so fast. I run 6-10 miles. I seem to be on a plateau in addition to realizing I wasn't accurately counting calories. I have been accurately counting for a week now.

For weight loss(especially such a small target) It's not going to happen fast, and It's probably not going to happen easy.

Give it 6 weeks of disciplined monitoring and deficit, and you will probably see 1-2 lbs of fat loss. Unless you're at the middle/high end of overweight, you will probably need 2-4 months to see the desired 5 lbs. Additionally, 5 lbs is well within the normal oscillation/fluctuation range of weight for most adults.

HilTri

Thx. I am 5'6" and weigh 136. I am prepared now for a longer journey to reach my goal. Thank you for the info.

sijomial

In a way your body get used to the same exercise routine in that fitness improvements will slow when your exercise no longer becomes challenging. But exercise volume still does contribute to adaptation.

If you mean do you stop burning calories then no that's just a myth. Your movement is coming from expending energy.

If you mean "jump start" your weight loss then no.
Jump start your enthusiasm for exercise / running - quite possibly.

Azdak

The actual amount of “efficiency” that occurs over time is small. What is more likely is that, over time with an unchanging routine, one’s lifestyle—ie exercise, activity, food intake—becomes “balanced”, so that intake equals expenditure.

DX2JX2

HilTri wrote: »

I am trying to lose 5 lbs. I don't run so fast. I run 6-10 miles. I seem to be on a plateau in addition to realizing I wasn't accurately counting calories. I have been accurately counting for a week now.

It takes time. The running itself actually isn't burning too much. At your your weight, 10 miles 'only' burns about 900 calories. Even without eating any exercise calories back, it would still take a solid month for that running to translate to one pound of weight loss.

Basically, get your calorie counting in order and the weight loss will come. Run for the health benefits and take the weight loss boost (or the ability to eat more per day) as a happy side effect.