Track season help please

[DoT.]

well it's track season and i'm starting to run distance. I usually go home at 5 and have track 5 days a week. I was wondering if any runners out there do track and lift weights too. If there is can you give me the schedule? I'm worried i might lose all my muscle gains.

[guest]

yeah I do track. I'm a distance runner too.

I gained 12 lbs since november (cross country season) from lifting and eating more, and my bodyfat has stayed the same. I think I lost a little BF because I was a bit overtrained in the fall. I was a skinny little b*tch (5'11 140lbs). Anyway, I think I got a little slower.... I can't keep a 7:00 pace for my long runs anymore.

For track, there is no reason you should be doing more than 35 miles/week. We do lots lots lots of interval training, and so far I haven't noticed an effect on the muscle I gained over the winter. Just keep eating enough, that's what I try to do. It's really hard to fit enough lifting in during the week, but I try to get each muscle group in at least once a week after an easy day at track or something.

[widdoes2504]

Running a lot of long distance like you do in track can have a detrimental effect on you muscle gains if you are not careful. Take a look at your distance athletes. The vast majority of them do not look like they spend any time with the weights whatsoever. With that said you can do your best to keep your gains by ensuring you have the proper diet with plenty of protein, train hard and heavy, and get plenty of rest. The problem is that with all of the running your body can very easily fall into a catabolic state and burn your muscle for fuel. Post your workout regimen and diet for a more tailored bit of advice. Good luck on keeping your hard earned muscle.