getting fit for a marathon

Question
Hi Reverend,

Thank you for your response!  Being a woman, I am really trying to avoid the bodybuilders frame, so Stallone does not necessarily apply to me.  My main concern is that the extra few pounds are going to be rough on my joints.  I am naturally fairly muscular, but would like to lean up a bit.  Should I be including more cardio or weight training on top of my running training to help this?  Also, checked out your website for eating the right foods and that is very helpful. Thanks!

~Britney
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Followup To
Question -
Hi there!
I just started training for the Chicago Marathon.  I feel like if I lost some pounds, it would be easier on my body as I am 23, 5'3", medium frame, and about 140 pounds.  I know my body will change as training continues, but I'm not sure what BMI or weight I should be at to be at the best marathon shape.  How much weight is safe to lose? Where can I go to get help planning an actual diet?  Any suggestions you can give would be so helpful.  Thanks so much!
Answer -
The goal should be to increase stamina and health. Work on strength and endurance (throw the scale OUT). As you develop muscle and tone, you MAY increase weight because muscle weighs more, while taking up less space. The scale is a bad judge of what's 'fat' and what isn't.

Focus on eating the right things! Whole grains; legumes/nuts, fruits, CARBS and protein. We outline healthy eating at our FREE site (no signing in, no email farming, no products or sales). Just click on the scales "not another diet"

Also, BMI's are not applicable to atheletes or people in extraordinarily good shape. Muscle (again) weighs MORE than fat and can throw the numbers off. The Rock, Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, MOST bodybuilders who are obviously not 'fat', register in the 'obese' section of BMI charts. So, when you trash the scale as you become a member of the physically fittest - forget the BMI's too.

See us   www.GetTheReal.info  

Answer
It really doesn't matter if your male or female, muscle still weighs more than fat, so it's still possible that a fit female will sometimes register a weight that appears to be 'overweight' according to BMI charts; although it's less likely to happen.

Splitting cardio and weights would probably be most ideal. If you had to lean into one more than another, focus on cardio.  Just by training, doing the run/walk regularly, your body will naturally increase tolerance and fitness. Make sure your form is correct, shoes are good and that you stay hydrated, but not OVER hydrated. Over hydration is one of the common mistakes new marathoners make and too much water/fluids can upset the heart function, causing more problems than doing good.

Good luck with this! Let me know when to look for you!

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