Wanting to lean out ... running?

[Yoly1001]

Well I have been around for a long time on this board and I have done so many different types of excercise programs during my stay. I have done all kinds of videos including slim in 6, power 90, yoga booty ballet, Winsor pilates, walk away the pounds, and many more.

One thing I never really got into too much was running. I was training to run a 5K when I had to go into the hospital for emergency surgery last october, I am just now getting back to the place I was before surgery. I have been doing slim in 6 for four weeks or so now. I never started my training up again and last time I got up to running about 2 miles.

Let me tell you guys though, I am not a good runner. I can never seem to get my breathing right, and my side always hurts, plus my knees. Something isn't just right with it. But another thing that doesn't seem to happen is the shrinking of my thighs!

I'm wondering if running would actually help lean me out instead of building a ton of muscle like I do with slim in 6 workouts. I know that my body type is a certain way and there is no way that I'll ever be super thin with tiny thighs but they have to get smaller then this.

I'm not sure what the answer is anymore, I found a workout program that works for me but am wondering if I should incorporate running into the regime, and if I do then I have the sinking suspicion that only 3 miles isn't going to cut it. Am I looking at long distance running here?

[Brook]

Re: Wanting to lean out ... running?

It seems never-ending, doesn't it, Yoly?

You and I have very similar body types. I'm not built to be thin- I'm built like a jock. I'm thick and stocky and I build muscle fairly easily, but leaning down is ever-elusive.

I can tell you that I've done SI6 & C25K together. I can tell you that yes...I did get leaner while running, but the truth is....I despise running. I mean...I really, really don't like doing it at all. LOL That said, I finished the C25K, ran 2 5K races and finished with respectable times, and I did find that my body got leaner.

If you're going to take running seriously, the first thing I'd strongly urge you to do is go visit a stride specialist at a shoe store. They are invaluable!! You may find being properly fit alievates several of the physical issues you're talking about (pain and discomfort wise). It doesn't cost anything to go in and have them evaluate your stride. Wear socks and pants you can pull up past your knees, cuz they'll have you hike them up and walk across the floor. From there they'll recommend some shoes for you and fit you properly. Nothing says you have to buy the shoes they recommend there. I jotted down the recommendations and then surfed the net to find a better deal. In the end, for me, I wound up going back to the store and buying them there. What can I say? I liked the guy. LOL

Other than that, all we can really do is make sure we're eating as clean as possible ..and for me to get what I'd consider lean for my body, I have to cut my intake quite a bit. The trade off, for me, wasn't worth it in the end. It was impossible for me to maintain and stay mentally healthy.

As always, my friend, I wish you success!!!