Runners? Cardio... HELP

ObsessivelyObsessingObsessions

Hey, so I've been doing a running chart:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/525055-running-to-lose-weight?error_user_id=6106011&error_username=ObsessivelyObsessingObsessions

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/525078-learn-to-long-distance-run-running-to-lose-weight-w-chart?error_user_id=6106011&error_username=ObsessivelyObsessingObsessions

I need some assistance on a few questions. So my appetite is up, so I haven't exactly been eating the way I should, but I haven't been eating terribly either. I've been doing the running chart from above, with a slight modification here and there, but currently I'm on the 5 mins on 3 mins off part. I do it 3 times a week, usually I do one day of rest in between one of the days and then just do two days back to back with no rest. My week really only caters to this Monday-Thursday, so that's my best option. I do other walks or runs on the other days. Since two Saturdays ago, this has been my real first day off. The other days, I'm not necessarily pushing myself, but I'm still doing anywhere from 1.30 miles - 3.5 miles of walking or I even ride my bike. Also, when I finish the day of my chart, I usually try to round it out at 2 miles no matter where I'm at when I'm finished with the daily goal. I haven't lost any weight with the chart, but I have been able to pretty much eat whatever I want while also losing inches. I know I'm losing inches because I keep getting a ton of comments and my clothes fit differently.

So, what I want to know, is everyone keeps telling me I need to add weights in.... I flipping hate weights and I don't even own any. However, I'm worried because, although I'm losing inches, I'm not losing weight. :-( Inches, I suppose is the goal, but I'm not certain if I'll eventually lose weight. I've been hanging tight to this website since March of last year and I've lost 41lbs between then and March of this year. Hence, before the chart. However, I lost probably one 10lbs after October of last year, so I've been pretty plateaued, or some say I haven't... :-( ugh SOMEONE HELP ME!!!

Also, my legs usually feel weird when I haven't ran the day after a run and the feeling goes away after I run, so... yea.


Thanks,
Kitty Kat

willismack2

You have lost a lot of weight! And the running plan looks good. Sounds like you are putting in a good effort so it is a tough workout. I think as you progress in the running more pounds should start coming off. I run a lot but I have to watch my calories pretty close to keep the weight coming off. Good Luck and hang in there.

mariobadr

Here's a recent article on the whole weights vs. cardio debate: http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/weight-training-tips#ixzz1s3FDBEvP

Ignoring all the "jazz" and marketing words, it basically boils down to this: both cardio and weights will help you lose weight. Ideally, you would do a mix of the two.

If you really do hate weights (I think you can learn to love them ), try increasing the intensity of your cardio. Run faster during your 1 minute intervals and you should see greater losses in the weight department (calories burned during a run is a function of heart rate. So running faster should push your heart rate higher).

ObsessivelyObsessingObsessions

You have lost a lot of weight! And the running plan looks good. Sounds like you are putting in a good effort so it is a tough workout. I think as you progress in the running more pounds should start coming off. I run a lot but I have to watch my calories pretty close to keep the weight coming off. Good Luck and hang in there.

Thanks! I lost the first 30 a good while ago, the last 10 in March and I just started the running program at the end of March. So the running has caused a loss of inches but not weight so far... so what should I do? I have been putting as much as I can into it. Surprisingly, nothing I've done has made me feel like "I don't want to do this" so so far, so good!

ObsessivelyObsessingObsessions

Here's a recent article on the whole weights vs. cardio debate: http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/weight-training-tips#ixzz1s3FDBEvP

Ignoring all the "jazz" and marketing words, it basically boils down to this: both cardio and weights will help you lose weight. Ideally, you would do a mix of the two.

If you really do hate weights (I think you can learn to love them ), try increasing the intensity of your cardio. Run faster during your 1 minute intervals and you should see greater losses in the weight department (calories burned during a run is a function of heart rate. So running faster should push your heart rate higher).

Teach me to love at home weights? All I have are 3lbs dumbbells... ugh. My cardio is pretty intense. I'm learning to run again. So for instance, this week, I'm running 5 minutes on and 3 minutes off. I do the 5 at 4.5mph and the 3 at 3mph. Next week, I believe, I have to run 8 minutes on, so my cardio has been a product of HIIT so far and it's also been pretty intense. ;-) However, I'd still love some suggestions!

mariobadr

Well for one, you don't actually need weights to do weights . You can just use your own body weight. Body weight squats, push ups, etc. can all complement your running quite well. And the best part is, there's a bunch of workouts on youtube that do just this!

15 Minute Full Body Workout
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQgLd1fmre4&feature=player_embedded

Part 1 of 7 a Youtube Video Series on no equipment workout
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myIisiYdqU0

Personally I would recommend you invest in something more than 3 lb dumb bells. If you don't have room check out resistance bands. It will open up a lot more exercises to you that you could do at home .

ObsessivelyObsessingObsessions

Ugh... calisthenic exercise, eh? I guess I could attempt this... haha. I will do my best!

Well for one, you don't actually need weights to do weights . You can just use your own body weight. Body weight squats, push ups, etc. can all complement your running quite well. And the best part is, there's a bunch of workouts on youtube that do just this!

15 Minute Full Body Workout
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQgLd1fmre4&feature=player_embedded

Part 1 of 7 a Youtube Video Series on no equipment workout
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myIisiYdqU0

Personally I would recommend you invest in something more than 3 lb dumb bells. If you don't have room check out resistance bands. It will open up a lot more exercises to you that you could do at home .