Can I lose weight running...

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Replies

  • SparkleHorse224
    SparkleHorse224 Posts: 98 Member
    I was talking to some friends about this and they pointed out that on all the big fat loss shows and in programs for weight loss, running seems to be the top method for loss and maintenance. It's cheap and you can do it practically anywhere. I do Couch to 5K on my iphone, and I do other things, too, like Zumba and swimming.
  • KBrenOH
    KBrenOH Posts: 704 Member
    (any app suggestions are welcome, as i'm not an experienced runner)

    As I don't run (shin splints did me in), I bike instead...but if I ran, this app sounds like a blast!

    https://www.zombiesrungame.com/

    Mac

    This App is fun, but it's expensive at $8 but to me it was worth it to spend. I also recommend you trying out the C25K app. There's a free version that will let you go up to 3 or 4 weeks I think and then you can decide whether you want to fork over the $1.99 I think it was for the rest of it.
  • leslie0422
    leslie0422 Posts: 108 Member
    Yes, you can definitely lose weight running. I started C25K last year and lost the majority of my weight just from running and counting calories. After a few months, I added in some classes at the gym (BodyPump, spinning, and step aerobics) but I still burn most of my calories from running.
  • sharleengc
    sharleengc Posts: 792 Member
    You can lose just by watching calories with no exercise so yeah...the routine exercise with running shouldn't hinder you. I moved last year away from my gym and my choices are pretty much running or workout dvd's.

    I can run for my exercise for a month or so at a time and then I get sick of it and need a break or hit a nonroutine plateau. Sometimes running outside is change enough but during the summer it's too hot and in the winter it's usually too cold/snowy.

    So, I either take a 2ish weeks off for a change, change up my calories or do a different exercise for a little bit to break up the plateau but that can happen with any exercise so don't get discouraged...
  • naculp
    naculp Posts: 225 Member
    Definitely! I lost a considerable amount of weight (something like ~40 pounds) by focusing on diet and running. As others have advised, doing some strength training is wise, although not necessary. I have a full at the beginning of November, and I'm hoping to shave off about 30 minutes from last year's time. Running is fun, and you'll come to enjoy it if done properly.

    Personally, I use RunKeeper on my iPhone to log all my runs. It's free, you can have it update you as you run every X miles or minutes, and it allows you to listen to playlists without having to open your music separately. It also syncs with Fitocracy, which is quite a fun website/app that helps promote exercising in the form of leveling up like in a videogame ;)
  • leslie0422
    leslie0422 Posts: 108 Member
    (any app suggestions are welcome, as i'm not an experienced runner)

    As I don't run (shin splints did me in), I bike instead...but if I ran, this app sounds like a blast!

    https://www.zombiesrungame.com/

    Mac

    That app sounds interesting. I'll have to try it out.
  • xxvogue
    xxvogue Posts: 172 Member
    Just gonna' say I think zombies run is awesome. I literally think it's the reason I've gone from running ~1 mile with SERIOUS struggles to over 3 miles - and feeling like I could go further. My ankle is sprained so I'm sort of out of the game right now.

    When I started running the first time I used C25k and was going about 2 miles before I stopped. It does work, and if you can't do a week, just repeat it until you can, though in my experience unless you're really, REALLY out of shape (which is fine, you just need to work up slower) if you can't complete the first week you're trying to run too fast.
  • fittyfittybumbum
    fittyfittybumbum Posts: 90
    Yes, you can lose weight running. Running at a slow steady pace targets more of the viceral (spcheck) fat, which is basically the fat that lies deep under everything. How ever if you want to work smarter, not harder HIIT and weight training is where you want to be. I run two miles in between days that I lift. The only app that I use is RunKeeper but I haven't bothered with anything to vouch for it being the best.
  • Lesa_Sass
    Lesa_Sass Posts: 2,213 Member
    Yes you can lose weight running, as long as you are maintaining a calorie deficit, you could lose weight by not doing anything exercise wise.

    That being said, cardio helps burn fat (as well as muscle) so while running is great to also make your heart healthy among other things, also look into lifting weights as well. It will help you maintain your muscle mass while losing the fat and will help improve your look overall.

    If you are not a runner, I would suggest the couch to 5k program. If the first couple of weeks on it are too easy you can always skip ahead but it would be a great starting off point! Also make sure you have proper running shoes to avoid pain and injuries!


    ^^^this. And welcome to the world of running, it is addictive and the best high you will get that will not give you a hang over or the munchies.
  • sweatysambo
    sweatysambo Posts: 4
    WOW! I didn't think anyone would have read my need for help (NB: MFP - we need notifications!) so thank you to EVERYONE for your response. VERY helpful.

    I've hit a bit of a slump and was going to cancel my gym membership, as they're not open for me to go in the morning, hence the running thought, but have woken up today and thought nooooo, keep it on, I am new to the area and should keep the membership to fill my evenings with classes / gym floor efforts.

    You've all definately given me the excitement for running though, sounds like you all love it! I'll try and get used to one of the apps whilst using the treadmill, before a class... Then when the downpours of rain slow down, i'll get in to going for an early morning run.

    My 'fault' is, I tend to get addicted very quickly, and want to go every day, but am constantly in competition with myself, as I got a really bad back injury last year, putting me out of all sorts of action and now I can get back in the game, I just wanna attack it mornings and evenings, and beat myself up if I don't manage it, but know I have to have rest days...

    Oh the exercise circle of a singleton! ;)

    Thanks again everyone - you've all really helped - lift my spirits if anything!! xxx
  • missyjg99
    missyjg99 Posts: 246 Member
    (any app suggestions are welcome, as i'm not an experienced runner)

    As I don't run (shin splints did me in), I bike instead...but if I ran, this app sounds like a blast!

    https://www.zombiesrungame.com/

    Mac

    ^^Thanks for that app recommendation. I used it this morning and it's so much fun.

    But OP, yes I only run now. I also add weight lifting in 3x weekly, but I run as my main cardio daily. I have had good success dropping the pounds with running.
  • fittyfittybumbum
    fittyfittybumbum Posts: 90
    WOW! I didn't think anyone would have read my need for help (NB: MFP - we need notifications!) so thank you to EVERYONE for your response. VERY helpful.

    I've hit a bit of a slump and was going to cancel my gym membership, as they're not open for me to go in the morning, hence the running thought, but have woken up today and thought nooooo, keep it on, I am new to the area and should keep the membership to fill my evenings with classes / gym floor efforts.

    You've all definately given me the excitement for running though, sounds like you all love it! I'll try and get used to one of the apps whilst using the treadmill, before a class... Then when the downpours of rain slow down, i'll get in to going for an early morning run.

    My 'fault' is, I tend to get addicted very quickly, and want to go every day, but am constantly in competition with myself, as I got a really bad back injury last year, putting me out of all sorts of action and now I can get back in the game, I just wanna attack it mornings and evenings, and beat myself up if I don't manage it, but know I have to have rest days...

    Oh the exercise circle of a singleton! ;)

    Thanks again everyone - you've all really helped - lift my spirits if anything!! xxx

    Yea...I gave up on my 6:30am workouts 2wks ago...BUT for the past 2wks I have been faithful to my 6pm (9pm when I have night class) workouts 6night/wk. It doesn't matter when you do it...just as long as you do it
  • brittamarie4
    brittamarie4 Posts: 48
    I did the Couch to 5K program and it was incredible. The actual C25K app was a little too "busy" looking for me, so I downloaded RUN5K app ... I loved it. I ran my first 5k two weeks ago and it was amazing! I am so proud that I was actually able to complete the program. on 7/7/12 I couldnt even run for a minute without losing my breath. In a little under 8 weeks I was running 10min miles (6mph) ... definitely give it a shot! I didnt lose any weight, but I toned in my legs BIGTIME
  • sweatysambo
    sweatysambo Posts: 4
    I'm on to a winner (early days, but I think i'm right!)... I've downloaded the '10k for Pink' App, and put it to use Wednesday evening and for the first time ever, my first morning road run today! I found it tough, but equally enjoyable!

    Reducing the food intake, and sticking to 3 to 4 runs a week, i'll be running the show in no time, haha :) xx
  • south001
    south001 Posts: 19
    Hey everyone!

    I used to be addicted to a morning bootcamp, but since relocating 2 months ago, there isn't anything similar in my new area and the 3 stone has piled back on. The gyms don't offer much here either, so was looking at running in the morning, before work (any app suggestions are welcome, as i'm not an experienced runner) with a Saturday morning outside bootcamp, and a Hot Yoga class every now and then.

    Obviously the food needs to ease up too, smaller portions and cutting out the self pity sugar binges.

    But, what I want to know is, could the weight reduce if I work on the routine mentioned? Hoping to shake off 20kgs...

    Thank you in advance!! :) x
    its been proven that u need a mix of cardio and weights, there is an article in mens fitness about this i just read.

    you will lose weight but then you hit adaption phase and stop.

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