Running but getting heavier!

[WhoseGotMyEyebrows]

Hi, I've started running again after a bit of a break and have in the last 10 days run around 20 miles (impressive for me!)

My motivation is to get fitter of course but also to lose weight but I seem to have actually put on about 4lb during this time (if not more). I know weight loss isn't instant but to put ON weight?!

I have heard the muscle weighs more than fat thing but surely I should be burning off calories?! When I did WeightWatchers a couple of years ago they said that it was a myth anyway (the muscle weighs more thing).

Anyone have any advice?

Muscle does not weigh more than fat - a lb of one weighs the same as a lb of the other - it is the volume that is different - a lb of fat is a lot larger! have you measured yourself or felt that clothes are looser as you start to tone up

I found I put on a little weight when I start to exercise - not sure if it is water retention as your body tries to cope with the new regime - but also I am sure my appetite increases a little so need to be careful not over eating and undoing all good work..

Wuold also say it is early days - 4lb weight gain could just be part of usual monthly cycle of weight fluctuations - have you weighed over a 2-4 week period?

give it a few more weeks - but also remember that just exercising is generally not considered enough for weight loss - about 80% of weight loss is down to diet..

stick with it :)

I haven't measured but I don't feel as wobbly in the tummy area and my boobs are sitting slightly smaller in my favourite bra (that's usually my indicator!)

I don't think it's the monthly thing as that's not due I don't think.

I've been trying to eat healthily and have had some very healthy days and some not so much, same as usual really. I thought though that as long as I didn't eat more then usual then I would lose weight due to burning off more calories. Did massively cut back on chocolate but fell off the wagon so trying to pull myself back on to it!

I just don't want to get disheartened by it as I tend to lose interest if I don't see results. I am loving the feeling of exercising though!

I would say reading that there are enough positives to keep you running - could you just not weigh yourself and instead use other nicer indicators to show success - I am doing that this month as I find it too depressing to have my mood indicated by a set of numbers .. so instead am concentrating on loving the high, feeling stomach getting flatter, clothes fitting better...

it is hard though to avoid weighing - have had to move scales to cellar to achieve this!

Sorry for the late reply, only just seen your message. Yes I think I will have to stop weighing myself for a bit, won't be easy though! Perhaps I'll put the scales in the loft!

What are you eating? Most people eat a little more when they run but the calories you lose aren't that much compared to what most people give themselves as a treat after running. Really watch what you eat too and you should be fine

I used to paddle competitively and train 4 times a week and found that after a week off I would always put on 2lb as I started to replace the muscle. It disappeared again the following week though as I burned off more fat.