Considering half marathon??

amanda_deanda01
amanda_deanda01 Posts: 43 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Ive lost about 27 pounds since I began my fitness journey. I'm 20, 5'1 and weigh about 127. Right now I workout about 6x a week for an hour doing strength training and I run about 4 miles a week (2 miles on 2 different days) However, I feel like I'm losing the passion for working out and strength training isn't enough....however, I like the results strength training gives me looks wise. I see online all the time that the way girls I admire get their bodies are from weightlifting, not running. But, the thought of running a half marathon intrigues me and is making me excited to workout. I think I'm just going to train for it and try my best but I'm curious to know what running does for the body aesthetically. By no means am I ripped or even all that toned, but I'm curious if I'll lose the muscle I've gained by running more than weightlifting, or will I shed some excess fat and still keep my muscle? I know I won't really know unless I try but I guess I'm looking to see what others think/have experienced. I've attached a picture of me now and I know I'm not oozing with muscle but I still have gained some in my legs and arms/shoulders that I'm proud of 5mh4amg3fwzm.jpg

Replies

  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Half marathon distance has a tendency to make me fat unless I keep a close eye on my calories. The runger is real when the long runs get into double figures!

    You can still strength train 2-3 times a week to retain your muscle
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    amanda_deanda01 wrote: »
    I see online all the time that the way girls I admire get their bodies are from weightlifting, not running. But, the thought of running a half marathon intrigues me and is making me excited to workout. I think I'm just going to train for it and try my best but I'm curious to know what running does for the body aesthetically.

    Most runners I know do a combination of running and strength training, it's not an either/ or question.
    ...but I'm curious if I'll lose the muscle I've gained by running more than weightlifting...

    Unlikely unless you're not fueling yourself appropriately.


  • amanda_deanda01
    amanda_deanda01 Posts: 43 Member
    edited January 2018
    amanda_deanda01 wrote: »
    I see online all the time that the way girls I admire get their bodies are from weightlifting, not running. But, the thought of running a half marathon intrigues me and is making me excited to workout. I think I'm just going to train for it and try my best but I'm curious to know what running does for the body aesthetically.
    MeanderingMammal wrote: »
    Most runners I know do a combination of running and strength training, it's not an either/ or question.

    Yes, I will be strength training 2 times a week (one upper body, one lower body) but I'm used to doing it 6x a week so that's where I'm "worried"



  • spiriteagle99
    spiriteagle99 Posts: 3,740 Member
    Build your miles gradually up to 25-30 mpw or so. Then decide whether you want to start race specific training. If you are running 4-5 days a week, you can still do weights 2-3 days, either on non-running days or on days that you do short runs.
  • JessM822
    JessM822 Posts: 73 Member
    Running will do a lot for your legs and back side. I haven’t seen any serious runners or long distance runners that don’t have great legs. It just depends on how serious you get with your training. Strength Training still plays a role in training. My strength training increases during my off season and decreases when my training begins. I’m more on the triathlon side, but getting into ultra marathons this year.
    Good for you on your interest in doing your first half marathon. The journey gets tough and lonely, but the reward will be great.
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    Consider 2 full body workouts for strength rather than a split. That way you're still hitting everything 2x week
  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,488 Member
    lorrpb wrote: »
    Consider 2 full body workouts for strength rather than a split. That way you're still hitting everything 2x week

    ^^^ This.

    Also you will only lose fat if you train in a calorie deficit during your 1/2 training, which I don't recommend. Once you increase your weekly mileage and you start doing longer runs it will become important for optimal recovery and handling the demands you are putting on your body from both running and strength training. Keep an eye on your calorie intake, energy balance will only help you reach your training and race goals.

    You won't lose your muscle mass during 1/2 training.. just know you could potentially lose some muscle if you were to train in a calorie deficit and depending on how aggressive that is, if you are not getting in adequate daily protein and stopping your strength training to effect that.

    Find 1/2 marathon training plan and follow the plan accordingly, the increase in weekly mileage should be done very slow to build up your legs and overall demands it will put on your body. Best of luck to you!! :smile:

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