Running for weight loss: RUNNERS PLEASE COMMENT!

Let's see if I can answer these in the same order:

I have bad feet and I was able to ease into running with the C25K. I just graduated last week and have my first "race" this Saturday. Just take it easy and listen to your body.

I do not lift weights but I do some yoga to help me with the flexibility and specific muscle groups that I need to strengthen to help me with my running.

I only do running for cardio but I will take an occasional bike ride and not record it. Those are more for fun.

I have only worn my HRM a couple of times while running and have found that I stay below the maximum when I am running at my regular pace. There were a couple of times that I bumped above the max but it was only for a couple of sprints when I was trying to get over the boredom of running in circles. Since I am now running longer distances, I switch up my route on a regular basis to avoid the monotony.

I started my diet/exercise in January and was working with a treadmill and stationary recumbent bike. Ever since I started running outside, I don't think I will return to the treadmill. In my opinion, there is only so much you can watch on TV to distract you from the task at hand whereas when you run outdoors there are a million things to distract you (look a squirrel).

Hopefully I answered your questions.

I have a runner's knee, although since I changed my shoes it's been non existant.

I lift 4 times a week. I don't do any Cardio except from running once in a while.
I never relied on running or Cardio for weight loss, heavy lifting did the trick for me, personally.

As for the HRM question, I don't really know what to answer. I ran a couple of times with my HRM but it was to see if my Nike + was accurate. I normally run at a 11min/mi pace and I don't feel my HR going that high.

I prefer running outside, at night, with my dog

I had to find the source of my knee issue. Turns out it was my flat feet, zero dorsiflexion, weak hips, and quads. PT rehabbed my knee back from the injury it all caused. I just listen to my body, use ice, and use KT tape when needed.

I lift heavy four/five times a week.

I do HIIT along with my strength training.

I always prefer running outside rain/cold/shine. You couldn't pay me to run on a treadmill.

^^^^ This (but if someone ever offered to pay me I might just think about it ! :laugh: )

but I don't run for weight loss, I run (and lift weights, and row and cycle etc) for fitness and health. My weight loss happens in the kitchen.

What do you do if you have a bad knee but enjoy running?

And do you lift weights in addition to running for weight loss?

Also do you do any other cardio OTHER than running or have you found that running is all you need for cardio to ensure weight loss?

Does your heart rate go above the recommended range during your runs and is it safe? (HRM question)

Do you prefer running outside or inside on the treadmill?

Let me start by saying, I started with a running class back in Jan that was essentially a C25K but with a teacher. I got serious about running towards the late spring/early summer and have done: 6/2 - 4M, 6/30 - 5M, 7/21 - 10K. I'm working towards a half marathon 10 weeks from now, and ultimately qualifying for 2014 NYC marathon (9 races in 2013).

I am SUPER FAT and the running sucks...until the moment when it doesn't suck - usually about 1-2 miles in. Plus it's HOT in NYC...

I have a bad knee - back in 2004 I was diagnosed with Pigmented Villio Nodular Synovitis (PVNS). PVNS is a relatively rare disorder where there are growths in the synovial fluid behind the knee cap. I had arthroscopic surgery to remove the growths and about 6 months of PT. Then in 2008? 2009? I fell on the sidewalk and had a horrible hairline fracture in the same kneecap that went the whole width of my kneecap and was unbearably painful. I was in a brace for 8 weeks, unable to move it, followed by about 3 months of PT.

I find I have pain for that first mile or so and then the knee warms up and loosens up and the endorphins kick in - so I feel it less. Lately, I've felt it more in my lower back/*kitten* then in my knee. Of course with a bum knee you're going to feel it on longer distances...

I'm not a weight lifter but as I've lost weight, I've developed those turkey necks on my upper arms, so I've recently put a small hand weight in my bathroom and every time I use the bathroom I do 5-10 curls with each arm.

I've found actually that I've stagnated with my weight loss - as you run, even though it's cardio, depending on your body you will develop more muscle even as you drop fat. I've stagnated and just had to mix it up a little dietary wise in order to re-kickstart my weight loss.

If I had the time, resources, and a pool nearby, I would definitely swim 2 times a week - less stress on a bad knee then other exercises.

I don't track my heart rate. I don't want weight loss to be another job - I want it to be fun. I look for sweat and I know when my heart rate is up....

I much prefer running outside to running inside. Although on days where the weather is extreme - (remember I started in January?) I would like the ability to run inside (no room for a treadmill in our house).

I started running for weight loss, now it's more about the running :-)
My knee used to act up (probably because of cheap shoes & bad form) but since I've started training in 'barefoot shoes' it's gotten better. I still use 'normal' running shoes on distances over 5k, but the change in form has translated into pain free running in those as well.
I try and remember to strength train, or at least do some yoga, but if the weather is nice, running usually wins.
As for other cardio, I walk everywhere and cycle if I don't feel like walking, not enough to call it exercise though. Funnily I am more relaxed running 18k as opposed to cycling the same route (I've had a few too many near accidents to enjoy it)...

You can do specific exercises to strengthen your knee and your leg; the stronger your glutes are the less pressure running puts on your knee. Stuff like leg lifts and squats. If that doesn't help, it would definitely be good to go to a doctor and diagnose the exact problem.

I don't lift, but I'm lazy and not a good example. I also don't bike or swim or cross-train, same reason haha. Don't use an HRM because I like to just run without information, so I don't know anything about my heartrate.

I only run outside. I've run on a treadmill like 3 times in my life, all at my PT's office lol.

If you have access to a pool, running in about chest deep water (or in deep water with a water belt) is a great form of cardio, and helps to build the essential muscles needed for running.

Flexibility is also a great way to prevent injury. Try a yoga session before or after a run (or on opposite days) and see if that helps with those aches and pains.

r

What do you do if you have a bad knee but enjoy running?

And do you lift weights in addition to running for weight loss?

Also do you do any other cardio OTHER than running or have you found that running is all you need for cardio to ensure weight loss?

Does your heart rate go above the recommended range during your runs and is it safe? (HRM question)

Do you prefer running outside or inside on the treadmill?

If I had a bad knee I would probably talk with my doctor and see if I were even supposed to run and if not what alternatives I could do (elliptical maybe)

I just joined a gym and am beginning to lift weights. I can't wait to be stronger!

I don't really do any other cardio. I will say that you don't have to do cardio for weight loss at all. You just need to eat at a calorie deficit.

My heart rate is outside of the zone most of the time I am running. As long as I feel okay, I keep going.

I definitely prefer running outside. I hate the treadmill and if I couldn't run outside, I wouldn't run.