Direct correlation between high BMI and stamina?
 

I had a strange thought today...

I am 40 and have always been somewhat heavy, and I am currently very overweight. At various points in my life I have applied myself and found that I have a metabolism that supports strong, extended cardio exercise, which seems unusual for someone of my BMI.

On Sunday I completed a 42 mile ride averaging 14mph and on Monday did an aggresive spin class. My legs were a bit stiff, but never sore. Earlier in my life I did cycling, sprint triathlon, and crew, all carrying a little to a lot of extra weight.

I have also noticed that a significant percentage of moderate to fast paced group riders in this area are middle aged and somewhat overweight.

Is it possible that generally (not morbidly) overweight people have a bias towards cardiovascular capacity or endurance?

IThe reason you see somewhat overweight riders in moderate to fast group rides is that americans tend to be overweight anyway, and unfortunately cycling at a moderate to moderately hard level you can still be overweight, unless you control what you eat. (i know this all to well). Because it's not weight bearing, cycling just doesn't place enough penalty on carrying extra weight to select out heavy people, until you get to a racing level of intensity, or lots of steep climbing.

contrast running where you do bear your weight, and very few runners that could be categorized as in the fast group are carrying many extra pounds.

Well...that explains why I was so horrible at the running leg of the triathlon. Crew, by contrast to running, is also non-weight bearing...

Still, is it also possible that carrying around extra weight might somehow increase one's base stamina?

I believe it does. just as carrying a bag of sand would. However, I also believe that my capacity for aerobic and nonaerobic endurance would be that much greater if I were lighter. Toting around the weight, even if one had the capacity and endurance to do so, does not eliminate the effects on circualtion, bones, joints, kidneys and pancreas entirely IMHO.

IMHO, Stamina is a combination of mental toughness & conditioning. I have observed it in "skinny", "average", & "fat" persons. I have also witnessed on many occasions those who outwardly appear to be "ordinary" out perform and out work those who outwardly appear to be great athetles. Just my $02. Bob