Is it pointless to try and bulk up if you are a runner?

[cardsharkk04]

I run about 3 or 4 days a week, usually 4 to 7 miles at a fairly high intensity and do some free weights usually 3 days a week. I've decided I want to try and step up my workouts and put on some muscle mass, but is there any way to do this without cutting back on the running? When I talked to the guy at GNC he made it sound like running longer distances and getting bigger were mutually exclusive. What do you guys think?

[Blarg]

You need to eat like hell and probably have some natural ability to gain muscle, or it will be extremely slow. I'd lift very heavy if I were you, because you don't need any more endurance going on.

[Grey]

Just based on what I've read in the last month, it seems like you could make some gains, but not a whole lot.

[DLKeeper1]

You're going to need a lot of calories, but it's possible.

[cardsharkk04]

Also if I lift and run in the same day is it better to lift before or after the run?

Would it be a good idea to get something like a protein supplement?

[DLKeeper1]

Yes your muscles are going to be demanding a lot of protein to rebuild

[Rootabager]

I have been getting pretty big with lifting 3 days a week and doing cardio for at least an hour 4 days a week.

[StaticShock]

I agree with what people have said so far - it is possible to some extent. You won't be getting huge per say, but you can definitely put visible size and some definition on your body.

How about lifting on the days you don't run? Alternate them.

As for the protein, yes yes yes.

[kyleb]

You might not be able to "bulk up," but you can definitely get stronger. The perception that the only way to get stronger is to build tons of muscle mass is quite wrong.

[StaticShock]

Some people just like to go out and run 5, 10, 20 miles. It feels amazing when you get in a rhythm and don't even feel your feet hitting the trail.

And despite the current popular opinion (ZOMG HIIT IS THE ONLY WAY TO RUN OR YOU'RE AN IDIOT!!1!) it is in no way shape or form unhealthy to do long runs. They can in fact be quite beneficial to your health - both physical and mental.