Running = skinny legs?

Olorin

I have heard off a few people that if I run too much my legs will get smaller, is this true?
I have slim legs as it is and would like them to pack on a bit of muscle. I enjoy a 20 minute very brisk walk up a quite steep hillside on to a moor and forestry plantation where I go for a 35-40 min jog/run through rough terrain and trails through the plantation. I do this 3 times a week ( or I did until I broke my ankle and tore ligaments and cartlige 3 months ago, up that bloody hill - but I'm starting it again this week) I was up this morning- loved it!!
It is reasonably hard going, I can feel my legs really powering me along. I don't see how this would equate to lean legs in the long run, what do you guys think?
I was doing it for about 5 months before my injury and I thought my legs were gradually forming a nice shape.
Incidently, I was on crutches for 8 weeks and was pretty much laid up totally, I don't think its my imagination but my legs look kinda skinny lately. Is it possible that they will regain the muscle growth I have lost by not using my legs in that period relatively quickly?

Thanks for your help guys

GettinSwole

Running won't necessarily make your legs skinny. Cardio in general burns body fat from all areas of the body... not just your legs. Running helps burn body fat everywhere. In order to put some bulk on your legs you need to do some resistance training, though.

zx9rjas

Too much running will have an effect on the size of you legs. It all depends on the time spent on performing your running.
Long distance runners have a very lean figure as the body removes excess weight i.e fat and muscle to work for longer, whereas, short distance runners have a muscular powerful physique (although they do weight train too)

I too used to perform 35-40 mins of cardio 3-4 times a week but have found that 3-4 session of high intensity sprinting have worked far better for removing bodyfat and also assisting in the muscle growth of my legs.

J

Olorin

Thanks guys