Running Lean

Zone 2 running gets talked about like it’s the magic bullet for weight loss. It’s often labeled the “fat-burning zone,” and runners everywhere are logging easy miles expecting the pounds to just melt away. But here’s the truth: Zone 2 training is amazing, but not for the reasons you’ve been told. In this week’s episode of the Running Lean Podcast—What Zone 2 Running Really Does (and Doesn’t) Do for Fat Loss—I’m breaking down the myths, clarifying the physiology, and explaining what Zone 2 actually does for your endurance, your metabolism, and your ability to tap into fat as fuel. I’ll also clear up what it doesn’t do—especially when it comes to changing your body composition. If you’ve ever wondered whether Zone 2 is really the key to fat loss, or if those easy runs are worth your time, you won’t want to miss this one.

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So many runners tell me they want to lose weight, get stronger, or train smarter—but they keep stalling because they’re “not ready yet.” They want the timing to be perfect, their schedule to clear up, their motivation to kick in. But here’s the truth: that day never comes. You don’t suddenly wake up one morning feeling 100% ready to change your diet or run your best marathon. Readiness isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you create through action. Every small step you take, even if it’s messy or imperfect, builds confidence and momentum. In this episode of Running Lean—“Stop Waiting to Feel Ready”—I’m breaking down why waiting keeps you stuck, why imperfect action is the key to progress, and how you can finally stop stalling and start moving toward your goals today.

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So here’s the deal: runners are some of the fittest people on the planet, and yet so many struggle with weight. You put in the miles, the effort, the discipline… and the scale shrugs. Or, you train for a race and somehow gain weight. That can make you feel a little nuts. We’re going to fix that today by walking through a sane framework: how to think about food, how to plan without feeling restricted, and how to make decisions that help you get leaner and enjoy your life. I’ll tell you exactly what to focus on—what levers move the needle—without dumping all the tactical minutiae on you. That tactical stuff is what I do with clients one-on-one.

The post 296. Getting Lean Without Going Crazy appeared first on Running Lean with Patrick McGilvray.

Today on the podcast I’m breaking down a hard truth a lot of runners need to hear: Why You’re Not Getting Stronger (Even Though You’re Lifting). If you’ve been showing up, moving weight, and still not seeing results, it’s not because you’re broken—it’s because your plan isn’t sending a strong enough signal. We’ll cover what real intensity feels like, how to progress week after week, why recovery is the secret sauce you keep skipping, and how to choose the right lifts for your goals. You’ll leave with a simple, runner-friendly template and clear steps to course-correct fast. Stronger running demands stronger muscles, but strength doesn’t happen by accident—it happens by design. Dial in the signal, respect recovery, and watch your numbers climb while your miles feel easier. Let’s fix the gaps, build real strength, and make your next eight weeks the most productive you’ve had in the gym to date.

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You know what I’m talking about. You’re doing the workouts, logging the miles, tracking your food, getting your strength sessions in… and the results? Nowhere to be found. The scale isn’t budging. Your pace isn’t improving. Your clothes fit the same. And you’re left wondering, “Why am I even doing this? What’s the point?” I want to tell you something right up front — if you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not broken, you’re not weak, and you’re definitely not alone. This happens to everyone. And while it’s frustrating, it can actually be one of the most powerful turning points in your journey… if you know how to handle it.

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