I just want to run!

KF1216

Back when it was winter/spring I was cool with doing exercise videos every other day - rotating Insanity, 30 Day Shred, Biggest Loser Bootcamp. But now that it's warm out all I want to do it run!!

I try to limit it to every other day and do either a long walk pushing 100lbs of stroller & kids or force myself to do a video on off days. I have at least one day a week where I run on a track and do interval/sprint training and I've heard that sort of counts as strength? I also try to incorporate hills into my workouts and vary what I do each time - one day a week I do distance, one day intervals, one day a fun 2-4m run, one day a fast 5k. I'm down 38lbs and have somewhere between 10-15 more I'd like to lose, but the actual weight loss doesn't seem *as* critical anymore. I just love running, want to get better at it and don't feel like doing anything else. How bad is that?

danimal5867

I think the entire goal here at MFP is fitness. If a love of running is fueling your desire for greater fitness then you have built-in motivation. I want to be able to run again, but the weight is still holding me back somewhat. I did go a mile this week, but I think it's going to get easier as more weight comes off.

Tan43

I don`t think it is bad at all. You are doing something that you take great joy out of at the same time as giving your heart and lungs a good workout. I love running not only for the exercise but for the "time out" it gives me from this crazy world. I have just now come back from my 6 km interval run where I run down a hill then run/walk back up it 5 times. Certainly lets me know I am alive and that`s what it is all about.

sarafil

If you love to run, then run! What I would recommend, though, is try some cross-training that is known to be good for running (ie, cycling, swimming, etc). Also do a TON of core work. Everyone needs rest days from running, but you can do other activities that will enhance your running, so you will still feel like your working towards what you love the most.

KF1216

thanks for the support!

I guess my worry is, what will my body look like? If I continue to eat my goal calories and lose weight, but running is mainly my only form of exercise - what will happen?

NoxDineen

If you love running then run! But I've read that cardio can burn muscle as well as fat, maybe try taking justb1 rest dat a week from running and lift some heavy weights for a full body strength workout?

What do you want your body to look like?

KF1216

What do you want your body to look like?

I dunno...not flabby, but still have soft edges (I think). I'd like some definition, like in the calfs and thighs, a flat tummy and less jiggle all over (especially the thighs and pesky mom-belly)

KF1216

If you love running then run! But I've read that cardio can burn muscle as well as fat, maybe try taking justb1 rest dat a week from running and lift some heavy weights for a full body strength workout?

What do you want your body to look like?

Is lifting one day a week enough to make an impact? I could probably convince myself to do that, but I was under the impression that weight lifting had to be a several day a week commitment...

spartangirl79

Go for it. Some will say if you aren't seeing what you want to see, add some strength training and that's fair enough.

I know some chubby runners (I am one, LOL) and some ripped runners. All muscle, no fat, serious hot bods -- and they don't lift.

A lot of it will depend on your body type but the nice thing is you can always change what you're doing.