Runner's Body

I do not quite have a runners body yet ... but I just saw a picture of myself from April which was about 15 pounds ago and the leaness is astounding with just that little weight loss.

I run alot ... and then I got injured from running so much so I am going to focus on cross training with some running as well. For some reason, I think cross training and doing as many different exercises as possible.

One thing you can try to avoid running injuries is to run barefoot, or with something similar to Vibram Five Fingers. Running barefoot helps build muscles in your leg that shoes prevent from being built due to all of the padding. At first you won't be able to run as far before your feet hurt, but as your foot strength increases, so too will your ability to run further without injury. Running barefoot also helps promote proper running form.

I was getting closer to what you described, but I like a more toned body than a runner's body so I do weight training. The running will help shed the fat and the weights will make your body look toned. In my opinion, if you run alone, you will just look like bones with no shape. I really don't like that look, but to each his own.

I am also 5'7" and was down to 142 - was very happy with my body. I have stopped running and started eating like a pig again so I have to make up some lost ground (now 147ish). Personally I think that my long runs were responsible for shedding most of the fat (I was running half marathons and training). I, too, get knee problems (something fairly new to me) so I'm hesitant about doing a lot of running anymore. I have decided to mix it up a bit. I've been doing Boot Camp at my YMCA and it's great for my upper body (the teacher likes push ups and pull ups!) and I push myself in that class. I am also going to incorporate at least 2 short (3 miles) runs a week with some weight training and finish off the week with one long run (between 6-9 miles). We'll see what that does.

I am going to make this question as open ended, free-for-all, willy-nilly as I can so please, GO INTO DETAIL!

How do you (or did you) get your runner's body?

My ultimate goal is that look of long, sleek, leanness where muscles can be clearly seen through the skin and I want to get it the right and healthy way! Lately I've just been getting so frustrated. If I run too much I get runner's knee and if I don't I feel utterly gross. I want the leanness and the strength but can't seem to wrench myself from where I am now.

I would appreciate any advice that anyone could give me. Right now, I think I need to try something new.

Thank you all in advance!

(By the way, I'm 5`7", 150lbish--it has been over a month since I last weighed myself because my host family doesn't have one. Last time I was at 146 but I'm upping it because I'm a realist).

In order to get leaner you need to eat a calorie deficit.

For muscles to be clearly visible you need to lose body fat (eat at a deficit) and it also doesn't hurt to gain muscle (strength train).

If you want to get it right away...can't help you there, these things take time.

As for having issues with running, have you considered other lower impact forms of cardio? Things like swimming, elliptical, biking?

Good luck to you!