Runners & cardio

[redsquirrel]

So, why is it that most of the runners I know aren't really in shape? Even my boss (who I will mention is a vegetarian)...She's training for a 1/2 marathon right now. Don't get me wrong- she's thin overall, but pudgy around the abdomen. I just don't get it- she runs about 30 miles a week, and her body doesn't seem to change.

Which leads me to my next question- I know that you need your heart rate in the 140's to get in fat burning mode...But, let's say you're running- you're still burning calories, so why are you not as able to lose weight?

[Scrumhalf]

The body tends to hold fat in the abdomen. So while runners may have low fat overall, whatever is left is usually around the waist. Plus, your average runner is not necessarily any better than your average gym goer, so who knows what their diet, etc. are like.

[redsquirrel]

Maybe i didn't pose my question clearly enough-

I guess what I'm saying is, runners in general burn a lot of calories. So, because of that, I wouldn't expect them to be chubby. I would expect them to be long & lean. If they are burning that many calories, how can they have problem areas- or gain weight for that matter? Is it because their bodies are used to the running & they have plateaued?

I mean, if you are burning calories, then why does it matter if your heart rate is at 145 (fat burning mode) or 165 (cardio mode)? In fact, it would seem that runners would burn MORE calories, and much less likely to hold fat.

[ROCKETW19]

have you run with her? maybe she realy dosnt run? diet could be a huge factor also.
she could be eatting shit to spike her insulin all day?