Lose weight to improve your running speed

By Angela Young 14 months ago

When you lose weight to improve your running speed you find progress in two areas of your fitness life. If you've discovered running as a form of weight loss you've likely seen some great results and have started to expand your running career. Losing additional weight at a healthy rate can help you set new PR's and win races.

Weight Loss & Speed

It's obvious that the less you weigh, the faster you run. Losing weight also helps increase the space for muscle development. Regular aerobic activities, like running, increases your level of endurance by training your heart and lungs to work more efficiently. This helps your speed because your body can get oxygen to your muscles faster enabling them to work better.

Training to Avoid Muscle Loss

One way to increase your speed is through the avoidance of muscle loss. This can be done through training and through healthy eating. When you engage in targeted weight loss you're able to lose the fat and stay away from the risk of losing muscle. 

Eating to Avoid Muscle Loss

What you eat plays an important role in your weight loss and muscle development. A high protein diet encourages muscle growth and can help you eat less. The key is to eat lean proteins like fish, lean meats and nuts. You can also get lean, filling proteins from fitness based shakes and products.

When you lose weight to improve your running speed you're getting more out of it than an extra win. The closer you are to a healthy weight, the longer the life of your heart and lungs. You can decrease your risk for life threatening diseases, like cancer, heart disease and lung disease with regular aerobic exercise. Running is a great way to do all these things and more.