Questions for runners

D

divagirl

Cathlete
Is it true that long distance running will slim the legs, waist and hips?

Also, can anyone recommend some important tips on running or some websites I can visit to get more information on proper form, attire, ways to avoid injury, etc.

I want to incorporate 1-2 days a week of running.
 
Hi Divagirl,

You can find a lot of great information on runnersworld.com.
They have information for beginners to advance runners and
also on your other questions.

Josie
 
running has helped thin down my stomach but not my legs at all. Some of the runners say it has helped their legs thin down, wished it would mine!
 
all depends on your body type. before i trained for my first marathon, everyone said i would thin out. that just isnt my body type. i am very muscular in the legs. basically, my calves get huge and so do my quads. i actually go up a whole dress size in pants when i am training for a marathon. as soon as it is over and i decrease the intensity and miles, i thin out.

runners world is probably your best bet. you also may want to look into your local runners club.

suri
 
You should get thinner and lose body fat because you're burning more calories. Many beginning runners assume they're buring tons of calories, when they're really not, so they tend to eat more food than is justified (assuming you're trying to lose fat). Read this article and you'll see what I mean: http://www.active.com/story.cfm?story_id=12783&category=eat_right&num=0

If you look at world-class distance runners you'll see that most of them are thin and not muscular. Keep track of how many calories you're burning (try a heart rate monitor) and adjust your food intake so you don't give up the calories you burn. I typically burn about 70 calories/mile. I find running is the best way to burn fat.

Make sure you go to a proper running store to have your shoes fitted. Don't buy something on someone else's recommendation -- go to a good running store. They may also give you some training ideas.

My favorite book is by Bob Glover. Look it up on Amazon. It's called "The Runner's Handbook" or something. It's very comprehensive and has all sorts training plans, especially for beginners and "fitness runners". I have lots of running books and it's my favorite.
 
my legs dont thin out with running because I am like the poster above . I have thick muscular thighs however running does help me lose a few pds like nothing else does and flatten my stomach more than it is in the winter months.
 
Oh it absolutely does for me. I'm back to it after a little hiatus and in just a short time I can tell. It whips my body into shape right away. And at my highest peak of running, my long distance runs were only 8 miles, and I was running 25 miles a week.
Brandi
 
"Is it true that long distance running will slim the legs, waist and hips?"

I wouldn't narrow it to distance running...or even running. Cardio will slim the legs, waist and hips. Running, however, is top on the list for cardio. There is a reason...it is hard...or it can be hard.

I wouldn't recommend jumping right into running to my worst enemy! Start by following a beginners program and start doing a run/walk (there is zero shame in it, I have friends who complete entire marathons this way with impressive finish times).

Running is very hard on your body, joints, tendons, ligaments, skelatal system. You must start by easing into it because the risk for injury is high. It's high impact and there is a lot more to it than most people think (your own body mechanics, etc.).

Wendy aka fitmom started running last year or so and eased into it beautifully! I am sure she'd be willing to share tips, if she hasn't already.

If you have been doing Cathe step for a while, you have a good head start. The impact of the step aerobics will make a running program easier.

As for clothing, stay away from anything that has even an ounce of cotton. Grab "wicking" fabrics (it will specify on the tag), I like polyester.

HTH!!
 
This is a good site. They even have a "Newbie Cafe" message board, and they have a program you can print out for a beginner's running plan. It is called the "Couch to 5-K".
Look around and you'll find all sorts of info.

http://www.coolrunning.com/

HTH, Julie
 
Divagirl....I agree with everything said here and I am a distance runner. Sarah also made some very good pints. 1-2 days a week of running should keep you injury free. But of course start slow and follow one of the programs thru the sites listed.

Also feel free to check in with us runners of all types and ages in the Cheetah check-in. From to beginners to veterans of running and a good group to have fun with...:)...
 
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