Proof of trolling wrote:
"I live in an apartment so a home gym isn't going to work either."
You're 48 and live in an apartment? Is it overlooking Central Park? If not, you aren't the success you claim to be.
You need to turn down the gain on your bs meter.
Yeah, it's a nice apartment.
Good stuff, thanks. Yeah, I wouldn't say I am all muscled up at this point so probably some new muscle would help not hurt.
I am enjoying watching my abdominal muscles emerge - I can see how body building can be obsessive.
I do think the core I am doing is helping - in a race a couple weeks ago I kept my form together noticeably well and the last mile was my fastest. Fun muscling through the end of a race rather than relying on aerobic revving. Hard to explain.
rocker spaniel wrote:
I am concerned about the trend - if I gain 3 pounds in 6 months where is this going? I don't mind 3 pounds but 10 pounds would certainly slow me down.
It won't happen overnight. Your body will only adapt further if you increase the stimulus (adding weight, adding reps). If you reach a point where you're happy, just 'level off' on the weights. Stop increasing them, do it a bit less often, and maintain. As with running, if you do anything new in the gym, you will find diminishing returns.
Can I suggest you switch your gym sessions from 'strength endurance' (20-25 reps) to 'strength' (< 5 reps per set)? That's what top distance runners do. You will gain more strength and won't gain mass. It's actually easier to do when you are tired from running. And you'll hopefully run faster at all distances. Deadlift, squat, clean etc.
eurodonkey wrote:
rocker spaniel wrote:I am concerned about the trend - if I gain 3 pounds in 6 months where is this going? I don't mind 3 pounds but 10 pounds would certainly slow me down.
It won't happen overnight. Your body will only adapt further if you increase the stimulus (adding weight, adding reps). If you reach a point where you're happy, just 'level off' on the weights. Stop increasing them, do it a bit less often, and maintain. As with running, if you do anything new in the gym, you will find diminishing returns.
Can I suggest you switch your gym sessions from 'strength endurance' (20-25 reps) to 'strength' (< 5 reps per set)? That's what top distance runners do. You will gain more strength and won't gain mass. It's actually easier to do when you are tired from running. And you'll hopefully run faster at all distances. Deadlift, squat, clean etc.
I do just bodyweight work, so that won't work.
Just as some followup, the weight gain has continued for better or worse - I'm up a full 5 pounds now. Up to around 139 from 134 last year.
but the good news is that my running is going very well - I think the new muscles are helping more than they hurt. I feel very good out there and I'm running fast. I'm obviously very thin even after the weight gain.
I have cut out ice cream and lame snacking - that should help some.
So I'm still lifting - unless I start slowing down I think it is a net positive.
OP here
4 months later follow up -
The 5 pounds of extra weight have stayed on, but not increased. Although I have given up ice cream and I drink less now. So maybe not apples to apples.
Anyway, the news is amazing - I am 48 and am setting masters PRs almost every race now. And I am a serious runner - I've been training hard every year for many years.
So it seems that I was skinnyfat until I started lifting - the extra five pounds have made me into a better runner.
nice man, congrats.
I on the other hand know I'm fat and got an excess 10-15 lbs I need to shed before my next marathon. (190 lb, 72" tall guy who also lifts)
5'11 48 and 139lbs !!
Can I ask you , do people think you have an eating problem or malnourished ?
That's very light for an American surrounded by huge fat people
Fair play to you on your times etc but do you feel kinda weedy compared to others ?
Big boy11 wrote:
5'11 48 and 139lbs !!
Can I ask you , do people think you have an eating problem or malnourished ?
That's very light for an American surrounded by huge fat people
Fair play to you on your times etc but do you feel kinda weedy compared to others ?
I have no idea what people think - how would I know that?
I've been thin my whole life and running since I was 15 so this is the only body I've ever known.
Although one of my best friends from childhood is really fat - we must look pretty silly when we are together.
I've been married more than 20 years, so I'm not trying to attract women on sight.
post pics of your spindly arms
Because people tell me I need a good meal and I'm smaller and heavier than you. It seems it's ok to tell people they are skinny or put them down and usually by people who are at least a stone or two heavier!
Big boy11 wrote:
Because people tell me I need a good meal and I'm smaller and heavier than you. It seems it's ok to tell people they are skinny or put them down and usually by people who are at least a stone or two heavier!
I live in a big northern city in the US so the obesity level isn't as high around me as elsewhere in the country.
My mom always tell me to eat more, but she's Italian so what can I tell you.
Depends on body shape too.
I'm a mesomorph so wide shoulders strong legs etc . Low weight tends to look worse , but I guess you are an ectomorph like most elites . Small shoulders skinny legs and arms ?
Keep doing what you're doing