Women Running into Trouble Article

twistyann

All you runners, Copy and paste in Browser...

http://articles.elitefts.com/articles/training-articles/women-running-into-trouble/

This has to be the most interesting informative article I have read on running.

p0stdramatic

BUMP! I read a little bit, but I'm getting ready to leave. I may want to comment later.

bahacca

That is a great article for those who are running, like the writer said, 20+ hours a week. But what about those of us who do 3 or 4 hours a week? What is that point where the benefit of heart health and endurance is outweighed by the risks the writer spells out?

katekrise

Not going to stop me.

thecrossfitter

Here here!

Strength. Training.

I still run because I love races. In fact, I'm running a half and full marathon this year because it's fun! But I lift 5 days a week, and am following a training schedule heavy on the cross-training.

momof3and3

I run about 20-25 miles per week, and cross train...spinning, kick boxing, kettle bells, and strength training....I am training for a 1/2 marathon...

My butt, thigh and hips have never looked better....

so, I am going to keep on running....

Ripgirl

interesting article, but I didn't see the author offer an alternative. there are several comments about running NOT being the direct route to a bikini, but they never say what they believe is. did i miss it in there somewhere?

LorinaLynn

Why does everything have to be so either/or?! Why can't people who lift accept that some people benefit from cardio, and people who love cardio accept that people enjoy lifting... and that (*GASP!*) you can do BOTH!?

I love to run, and I've lost loads of fat off my *kitten* and hips. I'd never want to run 20+ hours a week, but there's not much in this world I would want to do for 20+ hours a week unless I was getting paid for it.

thecrossfitter

interesting article, but I didn't see the author offer an alternative. there are several comments about running NOT being the direct route to a bikini, but they never say what they believe is. did i miss it in there somewhere?

Agreed.
Answers: http://www.crossfitsouthbay.com/2011/05/skinny-fat/

Also to address other posters, yes this seems to be directed at women running 20 hours a week. The author is not saying "running = bad" - just addressing why on a biological level intense running (basically marathon training) ALONE will not likely produce the results you want and will actually burn your lean muscle mass.

As I said above, I run because I ENJOY it, and it isn't stopping me - but I do far more strength training, even on my marathon training schedule, to preserve muscle and increase my strength. Look at my profile photo. The picture on the left is where I was stuck at during my marathon training last year. I looked like that the WHOLE STINKIN' TIME. I know I wasn't fat, but I didn't understand how I could run 40 miles a week and still not have a "toned" body. The photo on the left shows me the first day I started crossfit in August. The second photo is from Sept, third from Nov and last from Dec. Made all the difference... and I got WAY FASTER!

Please note as this seems to be a sensitive topic on here: I do not think crossfit is "The Answer" or the only way. It is not. But it is my way, and only mentioned it to share my own experience and honestly say what I did to get the body I have right now.

meerkat70

Most of the people I know who run do strength training alongside their running. I guess I'm puzzled why the author has it positioned as 'either / or'.

Also the article seems to see fat reduction as the main issue. To be honest, for me, it's kind of the other way round: I want to lose weight so I can run better. I like running for its own sake. It's a pleasure in its own right.

thecrossfitter

Most of the people I know who run do strength training alongside their running. I guess I'm puzzled why the author has it positioned as 'either / or'.

Also the article seems to see fat reduction as the main issue. To be honest, for me, it's kind of the other way round: I want to lose weight so I can run better. I like running for its own sake. It's a pleasure in its own right.

I do see the issue with how it comes across a bit "either/or" - however I think the article was meant to address women who are running intense milage for the purpose of losing weight - and there are many of us out there. I was one. I started running because I wanted to lower the amount of fat on my body and I thought that was how you did it. It seemed from the description of the woman on the treadmill that that was the mentality the author was targeting... I could entirely relate!

krystonite

Why does everything have to be so either/or?! Why can't people who lift accept that some people benefit from cardio, and people who love cardio accept that people enjoy lifting... and that (*GASP!*) you can do BOTH!?

I love to run, and I've lost loads of fat off my *kitten* and hips. I'd never want to run 20+ hours a week, but there's not much in this world I would want to do for 20+ hours a week unless I was getting paid for it.

Completely agree. There's always an article condemning something that another article is lauding. I say: do what makes you happy, in moderation. If you hate running, try something else. If you love running, you shouldn't feel compelled to ever stop; just maybe incorporate some strength training so that you can have balance.

So yeah. Balance and moderation!

KBGirts

Interesting article. I love lifting, but going to the gym day after day is so boring to me and that why I do cardio. Running and cycling are fun to me and I need the variety. I think it depends on the individual. I know plenty of women who are rail thin because they run and watch their diet. I run and don't watch my diet, that's why I'm fat. These "Jessica's" the article refers to may certainly be out there and it's unfortunate for them.... but I don't think the risks outweigh the benefits for most people.

ebaymommy

As I said above, I run because I ENJOY it, and it isn't stopping me - but I do far more strength training, even on my marathon training schedule, to preserve muscle and increase my strength. Look at my profile photo. The picture on the left is where I was stuck at during my marathon training last year. I looked like that the WHOLE STINKIN' TIME. I know I wasn't fat, but I didn't understand how I could run 40 miles a week and still not have a "toned" body. The photo on the left shows me the first day I started crossfit in August. The second photo is from Sept, third from Nov and last from Dec. Made all the difference... and I got WAY FASTER!

You look fantastic!

Aside from the fact that I've never done CrossFit - I agree 100%.

My first marathon (almost 4 years ago) I only ran. That was it. Followed a marathon training program to a "T" and that was it. Since then (4 marathons under my belt and training for #5 this spring) I have learned a lot about nutrition and workout out. My marathon training now includes less running and a whole heck of a lot more cross-training (read: strength training) and a less carb-heavy more protein diet that has me leaner (to the tune of 15lbs and 5-6% body fat less than I was before marathon #1.

twistyann

interesting article, but I didn't see the author offer an alternative. there are several comments about running NOT being the direct route to a bikini, but they never say what they believe is. did i miss it in there somewhere?

You didnt miss it, and your absolutely right. I dont believe they were trying to do a comparitive article, just an informative one. Im not an expert but IMO weight lifting and yoga is where it's at. Nothing is sexier than muscle.