Running too much to gain muscle?

[Azygous]

I've been running about 50 miles a week (9.26 miles at 8:30 pace for 5 days a week) and lifting weights the other two days of the week. Yesterday I got into a discussion with a guy who said that running that much at that pace will really stop you from gaining muscle especially if your calorie intake is low. It's true, I don't have the money to eat out much nor the time to always cook a full meal, plus I've been stressed out lately, so I don't think I've been eating enough.

Anyway, is it possible to run too much? I love running, I'm kind of addicted.

[Tweety]

Your friend is correct. If you are running that much, (kudos to you on that, that's is a lot!), you're more than likely burning your intake and will be nice and toned but not gain a lot of muscle. To create muscle you need extra calories in addition to what you burn. Also, if your caloric intake doesn't match what you burn, and you're burning a lot running that much, you might even loose muscle mass as you starve them and go into a calorie deficit.

I'm no expert, and there are plenty of fitness gurus here that will surely help you.

Your body will tell you if you're running too much, your energy levels will drop, and you'll start getting more colds, and burn out, etc. But yes, it is indeed possible to run too much.

Good luck!

[SeaSiren]

That is correct. Your big bodybuilders aren't out running 50 miles per week.

Running that much is no way "bad" for you. It just depends on what you want. By running you are building your cardio fitness level and stamina. Runners bodies are generally cut and more slender. I know several runners who work with weights but their focus is on running therefore they have a "runners build" and look fantastic.

If you want a "bodybuilders build" your going to have to push heavy weights and back way off the cardio (notice I didn't say stop it).

[Brandon]

Anyway, is it possible to run too much? I love running, I'm kind of addicted.

Running can definitely be addictive, I know from personal experience. However, as someone who primarily runs on concrete, I find that if I run too much it creates a lot of strain and soreness in my shinbones and my knees. Some of that is due to the fact that my old shoes were worn to nothingness (just got some new ones last weekend!! :hamster: ) and probably also due to the fact that I'm in my early mid-30's now. The fact that I work 7-10 hour shifts on my feet on a concrete floor at my job probably also factors in.
I don't know what other physical activities you are involved in, but I find that if I bike or something in addition to running, that it cuts down on the wear and tear on my body that running creates. I do minimum amounts of weight lifting, mostly for my arms so that I'm not too bottom-heavy, and I do fun things like pushups and situps, but that's to prevent the onset of man boobage and/or :beer: belly. :lol:

I'm far from any sort of expert on fitness, but as a runner I thought I'd share my $.02 here.

[healthnut32]

I always try not to do the same exercise two days in a row. Find something else to do on the days you don't run (bike, rollerblade, swim...). That will reduce your chances of burnout and injuries.

Also, I was told by my PT that weights are not really necessary to compliment running, since it is an endurance exercise. Some light weights to keep toned, if you wish, are all that you need. Too much muscle mass will slow down your running.