Hi. A few years ago, I gradually stepped up my running to about 20 mpw (running three days a weeK) which I've been doing since then. Within about six to eight months of increasing my mileage, I dropped about 25lbs, going from 220 lbs to about 193-5, which was awesome!. However, after slowing down a little for the holidays, but now getting back into 20mpw, I'm starting to put weight back on - about 3 or 4 pounds (197) and it's trending up which I hate. My caloric intake has been about the same as when I lost the weight. The only thing different is that, as you might expect, I'm burrning less calories per run, perhaps 15 to 20% less. For example, I used to run about 6 miles (about 1:03 including some walking); the other day, I ran 8.8 miles, no walking, for about 1:25. Is burning less calories just the fortunate product of getting in better shape? Also, aside from eating less, should I pick up another day of running in an attempt to burn the same number of calories or more that I used to burn? If so, how should I increase my mileage?

Thanks for the help,

Ken