100 Klms + half a Kg

[Bazza1234]

I use Runkeeper App - and it logs my runs. I have run/walked 100 klms in the past six weeks, basically stopped drinking - and I have put on half a Kg

??????????????

[EverTheOptimist Graduate]

I don't suppose you had your body fat percentage measured before starting did you? It sounds like a classic case of muscle mass replacing body fat - as your body adjusts to the level of exercise, the body fat should burn off. In my case, I have to be VERY careful I don't reward myself with a big sticky bun after a run!

[ChrisL Graduate]

I happened to be reading about this the other day. Apart from muscle being heavier than fat, it is to do with the way your newly honed & toned athlete's body is processing glycogen...

"When someone begins running longer distances, the body more readily stores carbohydrates as glycogen. As the glucose in the blood gets used up during prolonged exercise, the liver converts this glycogen into glucose to continue fuelling the muscles. Glycogen stores are important for peak performance and stamina.

For every gram of glycogen stored, the body also stores 3-4 grams of water with it. Runners store more water than less active people, so they may weigh more even while carrying less fat."

Source: examiner.com/article/why-ru...

Apparently putting on an extra 2lb after a long run is not unusual...

[Legion Graduate in reply to ChrisL]

I feel much better now about not having lost any weight this week, despite loads of running (a hard 8K run on Sunday, and zero weight loss at Monday's weigh-in). Thanks Chris, you are a wonderful source for the science behind what we do.

Incidentally, I burned 10,000 calories walking and running in February but only lost a couple of pounds in weight. I can feel myself getting slimmer though. My running clothes are starting to be too big for me!

[Renka Graduate in reply to ChrisL]

Just wondering why you think 'muscle is heavier than fat' - 1kg of muscle weighs exactly the same as 1 kg of fat!

Fat is BULKIER than muscle so you can change 1kg of fat to 1kg of muscle and be THINNER but you won't be lighter.

[ChrisL Graduate in reply to Renka]

Duh! 1kg of lead weighs the same as 1kg or feathers but I think most people would accept that lead is a heavier substance than feathers.

If we are to be judged by the absolute precision of our use of English on this forum, you may wish to review your assertion that 'you can change 1kg of fat to 1kg of muscle'. I think you will find that is both chemically and physiologically impossible.

[Renka Graduate in reply to ChrisL]

There is no need to be rude.

You said 'muscle WEIGHS more than fat' - that is unhelpful, incorrect and misleading.

1 kilo weighs 1 kilo no matter what you are weighing. So lead is NOT heavier than feathers - it is simply less bulky.

And if you want to be so picky then 'you can EXchange fat for muscle'.

[ChrisL Graduate in reply to Renka]

I am being picky......??????

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

Well I have certainly lost something - about 4 inches around my waist, have run out of holes in my belt and having trouble keeping my pants up -- but as I said, half a kg heavier.

[no-excuse Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

Best get some new holes punched in that belt soon! x

[Lovefood1984 Graduate]

Can I celebrate a little then? I've not lost a jot running (and I was hoping I'd lose some weight) but when a put a pair of tights on last week I thought my legs were looking slimmer, time to get the tape measure out tonight I think!

[annasee Graduate]

I haven't lost any weight at all in the last 6 months, since I started running. But my clothes certainly fit better and it's harder to find flabby bits to pinch, so I'm quite happy. We shouldn't obsess about weight as long as we feel better in ourselves. Loose belts and trousers are definitely a comforting sign!

[ajwyld Graduate]

Yup, weight loss also stalled now in my case according to the scale, but I'm definately more toned and have started wearing a pair of jeans again that hasn't fitted me for a good few years !