When Running an Hour or Longer, Are You at Risk For Burning Muscle?

While fueling yourself properly should be your main focus in preventing muscle loss, NASM- and ACE-certified trainer Holly Roser said another way to preserve muscle is to maintain your current strength training program. "Strength training in combination with running will help prevent muscle loss," she said. Here's a weekly workout plan that combines running with strength training.

NASM-certified trainer Jaimi Jansen added that recovery is important, too. Focus on getting enough sleep, eating enough calories to fuel your training, and resting between runs.