A year of running - before and after pics

Good advice, thanks Aye. Although I have no idea what pronate means!

Choc If you try a pair in a running shop then make a note of the make and model then you can usually get the same shoes in last season's colours for 30-50% less in random online shops. That's what I did!

Do get a good pair made for running though (Asics, Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Saucony) rather than the £15 from Sports Direct type job.

It depends on whether you over or under pronate too, or are neutral, so you should get your running gait looked at in a running shop so you know what type of shoes to get.

Any recs for running shoes? Had a look in some sports shops - I'm hoping I don't need to spend the £90 that a lot of them seem to cost....

Fantastic! You're an inspiration. Thank you

I started c25k a year ago and now run about 6-7k 3 times a week.
Really wish I'd done before and after pics like Dave as I've lost 2 and a half stone of baby weight and my legs are now v similar looking to the Ops (current ones). I even feel fab in skinny jeans, before my legs looked liked parsnips in them so I never dared wear them.

I've totally changed shape, really cannot believe it. Highly recommend it, all you need is a pair of trainers, plus half an hour or so 3 times a week. Get running folks!

Brilliant post Dave. What you've achieved is fantastic. I especially think running helps with the mind and well done for reaching the point where you can wean off the ADs. Not easy but do-able if you boost your endorphins elsewhere. I've run for a while but have just started Boxercise too which I hope will tone my core. You are an inspiration!

Well done. I love running but I think some exercise vid's would be a good idea. I'm going to try the ones you recommend. I like the length of them. short

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What I do when I'm time pushed is to make myself go even if I only have 15-20 minutes to spare. Then just throw on trainers and go out and do a faster run that lasts 10-15 minutes.

It's better than nothing, it helps your speed, and it gets you out there.

I used to think if I don't have an hour, so can't do a 7-10k run, what's the point? And then I'd not bother going at all. Now I just go for a 15minute run at a faster pace and I'm back in the house 20minutes later. Job done. Also means I enjoy my longer weekend runs too as they're more leisurely

They all count, and they all help!

Wow. Just what I needed. I did my first run today. Aiming for another Monday.

Mornings is my time but I don't get them free much. Will beg and borrow time where I can

Very inspirational, totally a stealth boost but blinking heck you deserve it a really obvious change.

I keep starting to run then totally get waylaid, maybe I should take a bikini shot for my eyes only though to give me the kick up the bum I need. Thing is I have no sticking power maybe the lighter nights will help.

I've been quite shocked by how much progress you can make in quite a short time and also how much better I feel afterwards. Gives my head space to think.

This is very true

Good luck!

Thanks, I think I'll try this. I'm new to running but I really, really want to make a go of it. The few times I've been out so far, I've been quite shocked by how much progress you can make in quite a short time and also how much better I feel afterwards. Gives my head space to think.

What I'm like you, prefer to run in the evenings but can't run after dinner (I think running after food gives me a stitch).I need at least 2 hours after a meal before I run.

I make myself go before dinner, as soon as I get in from work. Could you get into your running gear and sit with the family and your banana and then as soon as they're finished you go? (and leave them to tidy up

Actually, recently I've started getting up 40 minutes earlier in the morning and going before work (and before breakfast), which I never thought I'd do because I used to struggle to run in the morning, but actually it's working OK for me now I'm getting used to it.

Can I ask some advice on when you go please? The only time I can run is in the evenings, which is fine, but we all eat together at 6 so I really don't feel like going for a run at 7 as I still feel 'full'. Would I be better just having a banana at 6 and running at 6.30 then have my meal when I come home? I love us all sitting down to eat together but I don't suppose it would hurt a couple of times a week if I had mine later.

If you're not already on it you need to join the facebook group Run Mummy Run its amazing and so inspiring!
You look fantastic by the way!

Thanks for posting! Now that the evenings are lighter I'm going to try to get out a couple of times a week. I'm really unfit at the moment & need to lose some -lazy- baby weight. You're very inspirational!

wow good for you . You look much fitter, healthier and toned now.

Fantastic, OP!

I also got the running bug at 43 and lost loads of weight, but I stopped a few months ago (am now 49) and have noticed the change in the wrong direction. I went for my first run of the year yesterday, and I will keep it up.

For anyone who has also been inspired to dust off their trainers and get back out there, there's a thread here for support.

I've just been massively inspired by someone last weekend.

I've told him I'm going to train for a 5k from this weekend.

Thanks for posting this op and very well done.

You look AMAZING OP!

Thank you for this. I completely agree with you, running is amazing and (pretty much) free. It's great for your health, your body and your mind.

I have always trumpeted on here that people struggling with depression should give running a go, I bet it would help most people.

Well done you. You look fantastic.

Thanks for sharing Dave, very motivational! Well done and I hope the tonsillitis improves quickly.