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Gaining muscle while running medium-long distances

  • 25-03-2014 06:39PM
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 590 ✭✭✭


    Hi,

    Is it possible to gain muscle while also undertaking medium-long distance running training?

    I am 6'4". I was 196lb at the start of the year, and with a BF% I would guesstimate at 20-25%. With a decent diet and consistent training I have gotten down to 188lb and probably a BF% of 15-20%. I seem to be pretty steady at 188lb over the past 2-3 weeks. This trianing has involved low intensity running of 100km per month and 3-4 sessions per week in the gym. Each gym session consisted of medium rep range main lifts (bench, deadlift, squats, shoulder press), auxillary exercises, metcons and various core work.

    My typical day's diet looks something like this:
    06:30 - Oats, berries, milk, protein shake
    - Gym or Run
    09:15 - Oats, berries, milk, protein shake
    12:30 - Chicken, bacon, spinach, peppers, boiled egg, pickles
    16:30 - Chicken, bacon, spinach, peppers, boiled egg, pickles
    19:00 - Beef, Salmon or Chicken, Peppers, Onions, Cherry Tomatoes, Sweet Potato/Brown Rice

    Whenever I get hungry between meals I will have something like banana/apple/raisins and pumpkin seeds/nuts, etc.

    I have finished up my current routine and am thinking of starting GBC. I am also upping my running for some distance events in the summer and will be hitting 150-200km monthly.

    My question is, will I be able to put on muscle with a high intensity routine like GBC and these sorts of training runs? Will I be able to put on muscle with any routine with these sorts of training runs??

    Thanks in advance!


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,906 ✭✭✭✭Alf Veedersane


    Do you want to bulk up and build muscle mass? If so, it's not really great for long distance running.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,049 ✭✭✭discus


    Mate, at 150-200km a month on top of a muscle building regime, you'll be knackered 24/7, and you'll burn out pretty quick.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 590 ✭✭✭bman


    Do you want to bulk up and build muscle mass? If so, it's not really great for long distance running.

    I would preferably like to do both, but I know what you're staying; they're in opposition to each other. I just thought it might be possible to do both if enough rest and the correct nutrition were had.
    discus wrote: »
    Mate, at 150-200km a month on top of a muscle building regime, you'll be knackered 24/7, and you'll burn out pretty quick.

    I have managed 140km so far this month and don't feel it has had an adverse effect on my gym sessions (no weight gains though). That said, it might not be maintainable if I try to sustain it for the next 3-4 months.

    I guess the take away is that I'm better attempt long distances & muscle maintenance, or else shorter distances and muscle gain. Thanks for the replies.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,049 ✭✭✭discus


    bman wrote: »
    I have managed 140km so far this month and don't feel it has had an adverse effect on my gym sessions (no weight gains though). That said, it might not be maintainable if I try to sustain it for the next 3-4 months.

    Aye, well, go as far as you can until you start to lag, and then prioritise.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,113 ✭✭✭asteroids over berlin


    discus wrote: »
    Mate, at 150-200km a month on top of a muscle building regime, you'll be knackered 24/7, and you'll burn out pretty quick.

    Agreed - you will need to eat lots too - it will catch up with you! Your body needs to rest too, to grow etc


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