6 pack abs- do all distance runners have them?

Sure. I've run 90 miles a week for long stretches and have never had very defined abs at all. I've done core exercises, all sorts of stuff. I assume it's genetics.

5'10" and about 135lbs, so fairly thin as well.

Bob Kennedy.

It has little to do with genetics. It has everything to do with spending the time and energy required to work the abs. Without focus on spcific and consistent ab work, there is zero chance you'll get a six pack. Simple as that. And unlike biceps, ab development doesn't require much in terms of caloric intake. Eat right, workout the abs everyday. You can get there.

wtfdudes wrote:

I run 40-50 mpw.

I don't do much ab work.

Have 6 pack abs easy.

is there anyone who runs at least 40 mpw and doesnt have them?

All "should"

I think there's a sweet spot or range where anything between 25 and 60 mpw: you're gonna have abs.

The problem with too many miles is too much cortisol which causes tummy fat to form.

All the fastest guys on my old club (14:10-15:30 guys) always kept their shirts on even in hot weather. Found out why when we did an indoor session with no women around. Shirts came off and it was a pale parade of skinny fat. I was by far the most ripped (do other sports and lift) and at least a minute slower than all of them.

I have them. Have had them since freshman year. BMI of 18-20, so they're always there, but dong planks/situps for a week really gets them more defined.

dc wonk wrote:

It has little to do with genetics. It has everything to do with spending the time and energy required to work the abs. Without focus on spcific and consistent ab work, there is zero chance you'll get a six pack. Simple as that. And unlike biceps, ab development doesn't require much in terms of caloric intake. Eat right, workout the abs everyday. You can get there.

There is so much wrong in this. Most people with six packs do no ab work at all.

Interestingly while not all distance runners have 6 pack abs. Most ELITES do. It seems the better the genetics, the lower BF% you can get, at a certain BF% you will have abs.

fester wrote:

Interestingly while not all distance runners have 6 pack abs. Most ELITES do. It seems the better the genetics, the lower BF% you can get, at a certain BF% you will have abs.

ADHD meds are great appetite suppressants. As are many "asthma" meds. And then, of course, are the eating disorder issues at that level.

"Abs" is tricky. Lots going on that makes them appear or not.

Idk about distance runners since they hardly hit the gym & have very thin bodies.. middle distance runners are more toned because we hit the gym often plus whatever you do on the side.

No distance runners do. Its called being underweight

I have read that the the layer of fat over your abs is dictated in significant part by genetics. In one bout of serious training, I ran 60 mpw for a few months and did core work 5x per week (20 minutes). I lost nearly 10 lbs (my normal weekly mileage was closer to 30) and looked gaunt. However, no six pack.

I have friends who do zero running or core work, don't eat that well, and have six packs.

No.

I want to get a six pack. 40 mpw mid distance.

dc wonk wrote:

It has little to do with genetics. It has everything to do with spending the time and energy required to work the abs. Without focus on spcific and consistent ab work, there is zero chance you'll get a six pack. Simple as that. And unlike biceps, ab development doesn't require much in terms of caloric intake. Eat right, workout the abs everyday. You can get there.

You’re just projecting man. Genetics plays a huge part, I’ve had a six pack since I was 4 years old. 150 lbs right now and still have them

I would say that the middle distance and sprinters have a better 6 pack it could just be because they are more muscular

I have a 6 pack but i run maybe 20mpw

800m guy here at 40 mpw. Thought I just genetically couldn’t get them for years, did core work, etc. Then I realized just how big of a role diet plays. Stopped drinking soda and cut my sugar intake, easily got abs to show.