Bigger thighs!!

[Runningmate]

After completing the C25K in November I consolidated my runs for a month and then started the Bridge to 10K. Since then I have noticed I have gained half a stone (I know muscle weighs more than fat, but half a stone?!) it isn't down to eating more as I find running suppresses my appetite. My thighs have got significantly larger, even though my runs are on the flat. I tried to convince myself it was muscle even though my thighs look bigger they don't look toned. I had hoped running would give me a smaller hip and thighs not increase them. I've reached 9.2 K and would love to continue running but this is putting me off. Has this happened to anyone else? Is it just a temporary thing as my legs get used to longer distances?

[Speedy60 Graduate]

I have struggled with weight for many years. There is a static that weight loss is 80% diet and 20% exercise. I finally sorted myself out when I changed to a plant based diet, stopped eating processed foods and stopped drinking alcohol for 6 months. Running has helped me to regulate my weight, I no longer yoyo diet, but it wasn't the reason I lost it in the first place.

Good luck.

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Oh please don’t say that! I’ve struggled with weight for years due mainly to my big thighs and calves- like you I had hoped to reduce them in time with the running. I’ll carry on with the diet and the running and keep fingers crossed! Good luck - we may both need it!

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Sorry 😔. I've definitely changed shape if that helps. And long, slow runs will burn more fat than short sprints. But if you look at how many calories you expend running, you'd have to do an awful lot of it to burn large amounts of fat.

[Oldgirlruns Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

You’re right, I think I’ve changed shape as well - I feel as if I have anyway. Just not where I want to! Hey ho, onwards and onwards!

[emmat7]

I ve had trouble with weight forever and I understand your fears since I’ve tried dried January and also veganuary plant based also did that in November I’m doing really well and jeans are too big I think it’s processed foods the thing with me ..

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to emmat7]

Exactly right. The food writer Michael Pollan investigated the diet industry and found no magic superfoods or tricks. He came down to this simple rule: 'eat food, not too much, mostly plants.' What he means by 'food' is whole, unprocessed food. If a product has more than five ingredients (I think he says five) and they're ingredients your grandmother wouldn't recognise, it isn't food; he calls them 'foodlike substances'.

Look him up, he's really interesting.

Good luck

[Runningmate Graduate]

Thanks for everyone's words of support, this forum really does have the kindest people on it. 10K here I come!!

[ju-ju- Graduate]

Do you track your calorie intake? Its the only way of really knowing if you are eating more?

[Runningmate Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

I've never had a problem with weight before (before running I was 10.4 stone, five foot 8) but have always been a pear shape. I haven't tracked my calories perhaps that should be my next move.

[ju-ju- Graduate in reply to Runningmate]

To be honest, your weight sounds fine for your height... I am also 5 foot 8 and I am just under 11 stone and my body is fine. If you are worried, myfitnesspal is fab for tracking calories and logging your runs etc as you can eat back the calories burned

[PaulS83]

Metabolism plays a huge part as well. If you skip meals, or have longs periods between big meals then your body thinks it needs to store more energy as fat to cope. If you eat small (healthy) meals regularly, then your body won’t need to keep a full pantry, it trusts the next intake is readily available.