Cutting back on running...anyone try that?

I gined 5-6 lbs training for my half...before I start training for my next run (trying a full marathon!) I'm thinking of tapering off my running and hitting the weights more. I think my steady state cardio might be inhibiting my weight loss...Has anyone tried that with good weight loss success?

Replies

  • Nutrition is likely the culprit.
    Cardio is not going to inhibit your weight loss

    That being said incorporating strength into your training a few days a week is a very good idea. Also do some cross training to ensure you don't develop muscle imbalances.
  • aswearingen22
    aswearingen22 Posts: 271 Member
    ditto what the previous poster said. Running isn't causing you to gain weight, it's likely an increase in calories from all the cardio causing you to be more hungry and consuming more calories. Are you logging calories for all your gels, sports drinks, recovery drinks, etc?

    As far as decreasing your base mileage while heading into marathon training, yea, I wouldn't recommend that. You should have a base of 25 miles per week for a year or so before you tackle a marathon. Decreasing your base would introduce injury when you start training.

    Of course, strength training is great cross training for running and should be done a few times a week if possible. I am guilty of skipping the strength training myself and need to make it a priority as I'll be running my first marathon in October, training starts in late May and I want to be in the best shape possible when training starts.
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    In order to successfully complete a HM, you need to run. Removing running from your routine will have you far less prepared.

    It's calories in vs calories burned.
  • I totally agree to prepare for a marathon you need to run. However, the OP indicated he was wanting to cut back before beginning marathon training.

    I think this is a very good idea. A periodized plan where you focus on different fitness aspects at different times of the year is very effective. You will become much fitter over time,and less prone to injury and burnout
  • ejwme
    ejwme Posts: 318
    I agree with what the others have said, but... Is 100% of your running "steady state"? If so, it's likely you've just gotten more efficient at what you're doing, and so you aren't burning the calories per mile that you were before (unless you've also upped your caloric intake more than you should).

    I have issues when I don't run (rest days are annoying), so running less is my worst nightmare (so my advice is totally biased). Whatever you do, I don't think you should drop below ~15-20 miles a week, you want that solid base to be there before ramping up in a training program - a marathon training program is just that, a ramp up. It's not a cold start.

    I'd try doing more intervals and less slow and steady runs. Find a nice long hill and do repeats up it, do a couple mile sprints at a local track, try some fartleks. Yes, you still want one LSD day a week, but try one or two interval days too. It will both help you improve your times and help you burn off some of those calories you're collecting (for whatever reason).
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    Backing off running before ramping up for a marathon just makes a deeper hole to climb out from.

    Ease up on the calories and you will be fine. My personal experience is that byt the time I'm hitting 50 mpw in marathon training, I'm eating all I can to keep from wasting away.
  • tanetti
    tanetti Posts: 38 Member
    Yes, back off on the running (this will also help you recover from the half--some shorter, slower runs to get blood flowing to repair muscle damage). I can't lose when I'm training for a HM--I'm too hungry and I need too many simple carbs (to avoid stomach issues) before the weekly long run, so I am less satisfied overall. My last half was 12/23--before that I was running 20-25 miles/week but since then I have run about 10 mpw, in addition to relatively short elliptical sessions (20-30 minutes) and a spin class 1x/week, as well as Body Pump 2-3x/week, and I'm seeing much better losses and am not hungry like when I'm training. That said, I have another half in just over a week, so we'll see how next week's food goes with a 10-miler on Sunday and carb-loading a couple days before the race!