Will losing body fat/weight improve stamina? - General running

Andrew Thomas 31

27/11/2012 at 08:34

Hello,

Can any one advise if losing body weight/fat will improve stamina for running long distances?

YoungPup

27/11/2012 at 08:49

Losing some weight will definitely, in my opinion, make running long distances feel easier..... Not sure if that anything more than having less weight to carry around, but I've gone from 14st to 11st, and it has made a massive difference on my running.

Straycelt

27/11/2012 at 10:28

Basically every pound "Overweight" costs 2 seconds per mile so in a marathon 1 stone overweight could be worth around 12 mins. If you are carrying excess it stands to reason that the core is working harder

cougie

pirate

27/11/2012 at 10:54

It won't improve stamina as such. You need to train for that. It will make it easier for you though.

Run a mile with a heavy backpack on.
Now take it off
Run the mile again. Its easier.

Run Wales

27/11/2012 at 11:54

cougie wrote (see)

It won't improve stamina as such. You need to train for that. It will make it easier for you though.

Run a mile with a heavy backpack on.
Now take it off
Run the mile again. Its easier.

Isn't it true to say that running "with a heavy backpack on" is much better training, and that it improves your stamina? So the converse must be true... losing weight is bad for stamina.

cougie

pirate

27/11/2012 at 12:17

I've never found it like that. Running with a backpack just slows you down a bit and doesnt help you with your running style, plus the extra weight puts you at more risk of injuries.

If you have to race with one, you have to train with one, but if you can get away without it- I'd do so.

M.r Zuvai

pirate

27/11/2012 at 13:43

terribly sensible advise cougs - better be carefull - you'll get a reputation!

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