Started running, stopped losing... now unmotivated to run

Isn't that always the way?  Ok, maybe not *always* but for me...

Ive started jogging, doing 75m intervals w/ walking for about an hour (including a walking warm up and cool down).  Since I've started, I've lost nothing, and actually put on a couple of pounds.  I doubt I've started gaining muscle after only 3 times of doing this, and my water intake has been good... any motivation to spare anyone?

Actually, you probably are gaining muscle, even after only three times. I've had this experience while training for a 10K, and I just stopped losing weight. I got stronger and healthier, but I weighed the same! I've heard that running can cause some bodies to do that, but I don't really have an answer. Is this your sole form of aerobic exercise?

You might want to adjust your calorie intake, and take into account how much you burn while running. Don't be afraid to take in some extra healthy calories on days when you walk/run.

I suppose it could be that I'm not taking in enough calories... It's enough to make me not want to run though, because I have a good amount of muscle mass, it's just under fat.  I'm still going to keep it up though, it's good for me AND my dog (aka, running buddy) and tires him out (me too.)

Hi meima, I had the same thing happen to me.  I thought for sure the pounds would just melt off with running, but I've not lost any scale weight since March.  I have noticed a huge difference in the strength of my legs and they've become more muscular.  I am losing BF too, I've dropped 1.5 sizes since I started running.  I guess it all works out in the end.  I haven't lost scale weight, but people tell me I look like I've lost tons of weight.  Go figure.  Keep it up and good luck!

I started running/Jogging for 3 weeks every single day for 40 minutes a day and I gained 3 pounds but seriously I lost 2 inches off my waist.  It sucks because now Im 119 pounds I haven't been this high since age 15 and now Im 18. 

Also what happens mostly when you change your work outs is that your muscles need to adjust and as they do they happen to retain water, especially in the very beginning, I'd say keep up the good work and watch your body go through some good changing, losing weight is not a linear thing, your body sometimes takes a little rest only to drop some more, either weight or inches.

Happy losing !!!

meima, I understand you as the same thing happened to me.  Recently I stopped loosing weight and I was running around 3 miles a day and eating 1200 cal.  I did not excercise last week as it was a horrible week all around (with the tropical storm, hubbys bday, father in laws wedding, plumbing problem in the house and working like crazy).  I lost 3 lbs last week.  This week I decided that since I am going on a cruise this weekend, I should start running again, and I have gained the 3 lbs I lost last week.  This sucks!

all this makes me not want to try running

Original Post by jackie1212:

meima, I understand you as the same thing happened to me. Recently I stopped loosing weight and I was running around 3 miles a day and eating 1200 cal.

jackie1212 ... 1200 calories per day is barely enough to sustain someone who isn't running, but then build in a more intense exercise like running, and stay at 1200 cals per day ... you stopped losing because your body thinks it's starving and is holding on to anything it can get! You need to increase your calories by about 300 per day, at least. Good, nutritious, protein-rich calories, that is.

Meima: ... as for gaining enough muscle to show on the scale after only 3 days of running - impossible. First, I know people think that women will bulk way up with running or weight lifting, but it is physically impossible for us to "bulk up". We simply don't have the testosterone for it. Any "bulk" you may notice, especially early on, is muscle inflammation in reaction to the tasking workout that running can be. And running definitely won't put muscle on like that, especially in that short amount of time. What you're seeing on the scale is the fluid your muscles are retaining from the workout your giving them. I bet if you up your caloric intake by even 200 or 300 per day, you'll actually start to see a loss on the scale. BUT, it won't happen in 3 days, or even a week ... it takes time for your body to burn that fat, so be patient. :-)

Thanks T_K.  I'm trying to be patient, and did go for my run yesterday (yaay me!) lol.  Im back down to where I was before I started running, and I'm trying to be patient... it's obviously not my strongest suit! I am proud of myself though, I did 150m at a time yesterday and felt no more tired than when I was doing 75.  It felt good :)

Thanks for the encouragement everyone... I'll keep at it!

I have two suggestions that seem to help when I feel a lack of motivation to run: 

First, check into races that are taking place in your area in the near future and sign up for one (a good site is http://www.runnersworld.com/).  There will be many distances to choose from, and you should choose one that will be a challenge and will require you to steadily train in order to finish, but it should not be an overwhelming challenge.  The previously-linked site also has training plans that can help beginners and more experienced runners train in the weeks leading up to the race.  I have found that I will get out of bed and run to accomplish my goal of finishing a race when I would not do so only because I am trying to lose weight.

Second, there are so many factors that make weight measurements alone an inaccurate indicator of fitness progress.  Although it is not a bad idea to weigh yourself, doing so too frequently can be discouraging and confusing.  I suggest purchasing an inexpensive tailor's measuring tape and tracking your measurements.    

Good luck!

Buy calipers and track your body fat percentage in addition to weight tracking.