does muscle mass effect distance running?

Question

Why don't you see any buff distance runners they are all very skinny

Answer 1

Yes it does, because muscle weighs more than fat, plus when you run so much you will eventually lose weight, so of course you get skinny. its not that you don't see any buff runners is just because they have been doing it for so long they lose weight.

Answer 2

Ideally a distance runner wants to be strong, and have good endurance with the least amount of weight to carry around the track.
A lot of good distance runners are very skinny, but I wouldn't say they are not buff. Most good distance runners have very good muscle definition and are quite strong, especially as related to their body weight.
I used to run the 800m. I am 5' 11", and my racing weight was 129 lbs. So I was pretty skinny. But I could easily bench 115-120% of my body weight 10-12 times. I knew some footabll players and regular weightlifters who could do better, but most people can't bench their body weight.
Distance runners, and all runners for that matter, will try to get as strong as they can while adding a minimal amount of weight.

Answer 3

Don't confuse muscle mass with strength. Yes, the buff have to carry more weight all that distance. But the distance runner's probably have less body fat and their muscles have been trained long and lean, so it's no wonder they appear skinnier than others.

I've trained with some pretty buff guys, so while the observation is a valid one, it doesn't hold true 100%.

Good Luck

Answer 4

The mass affects your distance running because you have to carry all of those excess muscles when you run and it slows you down.

I have seen buff middle distance runners, and some who run up to 10K, but long distance and marathoners will be the skinny people.

It takes muscles to run so you need to be strong, but beyond the sprint distances big muscles are a handicap to running.
Distance runners are lean, without the bulk of weight lifters.

Answer 5

Yeah, because when you're running you are using your slow twitch muscle fibers. These fibers are more for endurance rather than explosiveness and muscle growth. When you're weight training, you are using your fast twitch muscle fibers that help build muscle. If you want to build muscle, you should really cut out long distance running. However, if you want to build muscle, but not cut out running entirely, try sprinting in between your workouts instead. I say this because weight training and sprinting are anaerobic activities. Anaerobic activities make you use your fast twitch muscle fibers, which leads to increases in testerone and growth hormone, which leads to improvement in muscle mass.

Answer 6

Buff Runners

Answer 7

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