I've been a long distance runner for awhile now and the past few years I've basically cycled between running & losing weight in summer/fall and lifting & gaining in the winter/spring It's similar to a bulk/cut cycle except I often cycle +/- 20lbs. This cycle I'm up nearly 30lbs.
To be honest though, I'm kind of tired of doing this. I like my body way more at a higher weight and I like gaining. Beyond just losing fat too, I always lose a lot of my muscle gains during cuts because my cycles are on the more extreme end. I think I don't mind cycling a little, but I honestly think I would be happier year-round staying chubbier and only cycling 5-10ish lbs. I also wouldn't mind there being a net gain over each cycle, but so far I haven't done so.
The main pro of losing weight is that running feels way better. Also, even despite my cycles, part of the fun has been getting faster and faster. I ran a marathon in October, 30lbs ago, and I was cruising at 9:20min/mi easy pace runs during training. But now I'm struggling to stay at 10:30min/mi. I know if I lost the weight I'd probably be back to that pace, or somewhat close, but I honestly have very little desire to lose 15, let alone 30lbs. The flip side is that it's just not as enjoyable to run. I get hot super quickly. My form doesn't feel as good, probably from a mix of being able to feel my belly bouncing & my center of mass changing. It's hard to feel "light" on my feet.
This is hot sometimes, but it's mostly frustrating. I run because I enjoy it, because it's been great for my mental health. Also helps in the bedroom.
So I was wondering if there are other gainers who still run and how you've come to terms w/ being slower and with running just being less enjoyable or if there's any tips to making it more enjoyable & comfortable.
To be honest though, I'm kind of tired of doing this. I like my body way more at a higher weight and I like gaining. Beyond just losing fat too, I always lose a lot of my muscle gains during cuts because my cycles are on the more extreme end. I think I don't mind cycling a little, but I honestly think I would be happier year-round staying chubbier and only cycling 5-10ish lbs. I also wouldn't mind there being a net gain over each cycle, but so far I haven't done so.
The main pro of losing weight is that running feels way better. Also, even despite my cycles, part of the fun has been getting faster and faster. I ran a marathon in October, 30lbs ago, and I was cruising at 9:20min/mi easy pace runs during training. But now I'm struggling to stay at 10:30min/mi. I know if I lost the weight I'd probably be back to that pace, or somewhat close, but I honestly have very little desire to lose 15, let alone 30lbs. The flip side is that it's just not as enjoyable to run. I get hot super quickly. My form doesn't feel as good, probably from a mix of being able to feel my belly bouncing & my center of mass changing. It's hard to feel "light" on my feet.
This is hot sometimes, but it's mostly frustrating. I run because I enjoy it, because it's been great for my mental health. Also helps in the bedroom.
So I was wondering if there are other gainers who still run and how you've come to terms w/ being slower and with running just being less enjoyable or if there's any tips to making it more enjoyable & comfortable.
3 days
