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Does running change your shape?

178 replies

Pickingmyselfup · 03/02/2025 14:58

I've been running consistently for about a year now and haven't noticed much difference in the way I look even with eating less and lifting weights.

This year I'm really hitting the running, I have 2 half marathons, 2x10Ks, a 20 mile and a full marathon booked between now and November. I'm trying to eat a bit less but it's really difficult to fuel my runs and stick to a calorie deficit. I'm eating about 300 less than I need to for maintenance but on long run days I end up eating the full amount because I need the fuel during my runs. Trying to hit the gym as much as possible to get those weights lifted but between runs, work, inury and life it's pretty hard.

I have an event planned after my marathon in October and I was really hoping to lose weight so that I would look better in the dress I'm planning to wear but it might not be possible. Can I look better with the running even if I don't lose weight??

OP posts:
AlphaApple · 03/02/2025 15:51

I don't think running changes your shape. You're more likely to get better core strength, more defined arms and a bigger bum through weights and Pilates and yoga.

I sympathise re fuel for running and trying to lose weight. A long time I did a half marathon and ended up putting weight on because the training made me famished. I guess just up your protein, green veg and salad as much as possible.

Pickingmyselfup · 03/02/2025 15:47

broccolienthusiast · 03/02/2025 15:15

You probably need to increase your weekly mileage to see any significant difference

I will end up increasing them over time, I did 30km over the last 7 days and will gradually pick up the mileage as time goes on and I get closer to the marathon.

I'm set 4 runs a week by a coach and she sets me one easy, one long, one intervals/speed and then one more. Get some hill work in there too.

My long runs at the minute are up to about 12K but it won't be long until I'm up to 20K and then more over the summer.

OP posts:
broccolienthusiast · 03/02/2025 15:15

You probably need to increase your weekly mileage to see any significant difference