64: Does Body Size Impact Your Training? Tips for Runners in Taller and Larger Bodies

Tread Lightly Podcast

Larger encompasses a variety of body types: taller than average, more muscle, or higher body mass. Both Laura and Amanda are taller than the average female runner and have worked with runners of a wide range of body sizes. However, we’ve noticed that a lot of the online advice that focuses mostly on how to start running if you have a larger body - but what about if you are a seasoned runner who is taller, more muscular, or heavier?

Discussion points include:

• What are the Athena and Clydesdale categories?
• Do you need to lose weight to start running?
• Understanding “metabolically healthy”
• How does running in a larger body increase your injury risk?
• Do larger runners need more fuel during long runs/races?
• Sweat rates for taller and heavier runners
• Running gait variations for taller runners
• Inclusive sizing gear/clothing brands
• Tips for new runners

Sweat test instructions: https://www.featherstonenutrition.com/hydration/

References:

PMID: 27852613

PMID: 38350462

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/overweight-and-healthy-the-concept-of-metabolically-healthy-obesity-201309246697