Ideal running weight –

Something that has caught my eye a lot recently is Ideal Running Weight.  Yes, I have heard about it before, but for some reason it is catching my attention lately.  I have lost weight in the past two years, but for some reason recently more and more people have been telling me I am still getting smaller.  Yes, I want to be healthy and look good, but I do not want to get too small.  I do not want to be rail thin.  I know what a healthy weight is for my height and I am there, but what about for my running?

Basis:  Runners will race about two seconds per mile faster for every pound they lose – that statement does have to be in perspective that the runner still has to be a healthy weight and not losing the weight in an unhealthy fashion.  Best way I have heard this put – the less weight you carry around, the more miles per gallon you get from your oxygen.  Carrying a lighter load is also easier on your joints.

There are obviously different theories on calculating ‘ideal running weight.’  Based only on my height, I should be about 135-140 pounds – which is right where I am at.  Using that as a starting point, let’s get into calculating Ideal Running Weight.

First theory -Take a percentage off your healthy weight.  Basic idea: world-class long distance runners should be about 15% lighter than the healthy weight (based solely on height).  Most are at least 10% lighter.  That would put me at 115-120.  Yeah – don’t think so, beside I am not a world class runner nor do I ever wish to be. 

Second theory – Focus on decreasing your body fat percentage – getting to the low end of the healthy scale.  Using a basic BMI calculator on the internet (I know there are limitations – but I am just doing this for a quick-n-easy indication) My BMI is 21.6 – right in the middle of the healthy range.  Say I want to get down to 20 – still healthy, but a bit lower making me faster - I would need to weigh 128 pounds to get a BMI of 20.

Third theory – extremely basic – not even sure if this is for ideal running weight or just weight in general.  Your height in inches x 2.  5’7” person would be 67 x 2 = 134

My thoughts: I am a recreational runner that races for fun.  I would like to get a faster, but am I going to completely alter my life for it – No.  Could I stand to lose a few more pounds – Yes.  Am I happy with the way I feel and look currently – Yes.

Based on a healthy weight for anyone, an ideal weight for running, and what I am happy with via the mirror I am going to set my ideal weight at between 130-135 pounds.

**Side note – when I started typing this, I didn’t plan to set an ideal weight for myself.  That just kind of happened.  Going to roll with it.  Yes, I weigh myself, but I never had a goal weight in the sense of ‘I want to be less than x.’  I knew I was losing weight and I just wanted to be conscious of it.