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Original poster

A year of running - before and after pics

218 replies

DavetheCat2001 · 26/04/2016 12:32

warning
Could contain what some may call 'stealth boasting', but honestly I just want to show what running 2-3 times a week, plus making some small changes in my diet have done for my bod.

In both pics I look my usual deathly white, but if you can see past that, I think my legs have changed the most. First pic was taken in May 2015, second one was taken today.

Hope no one minds.

OP posts:
Roonerspism · 26/04/2016 17:01

Just wanted to say wow OP. You looked good before but amazing now.

I don't run much now I have my kids but you have inspired me to lose my last half stone of tummy fat

Chocwocdoodah · 26/04/2016 16:59

You look amazing. I love a good before and after pic - more please!

KnotNora · 26/04/2016 16:56

OP you look amazing! You must be so proud.

I love running but lost too much weight and got sick of people saying I looked ill. I miss being outside and feeling the pavement under my feet, music blaring. Best thing ever!

allegretto · 26/04/2016 16:54

Wow! We are the same age and I look very much like your "before" pic. That's just the inspiration I need to get into running. I started before Easter and then erm, stopped. My thighs really need slimming down though so will try again.

NattyGolfJerkin · 26/04/2016 16:53

You look great, Dave.

Original poster
DavetheCat2001 · 26/04/2016 16:50

No running for me this evening. Currently feel as if I am dying. Bloody tonsillitis, fever, aches/pains the lot. Meh.

Luckily my childminder has said she will drop my two back home later as I don't think I could operate machinery (the car).

OP posts:
Original poster
DavetheCat2001 · 26/04/2016 16:45

Running is bloody hard. I never find it easy, and some runs are just hideous, but you do improve quickly if you keep going. Well done on the 2k twice a week NewBalls! I reckon you'll be easily running 5k in a few weeks, and it will feel AMAZING! Smile

OP posts:
NewBallsPlease00 · 26/04/2016 16:20

V inspirational
I've never been w runner though always loved exercise
2 kids later and when my 5 year old wanted me to do a 2k race with him I was so embarrassed that I might not be able to do it
3 weeks later running 2 k twice a week and I can do it!! Slowly but I can
Your pics are spurring me on to get to 5k and get fit/ lose cliche mummy saggy second baby tummy before my holiday in summer ...

Hariasa · 26/04/2016 16:06

Not stealth boast Dave. I used to run 4 times a week and looked the best I ever have but returning to work full time killed it and it's so easy to lose your fitness levels.

I'm about to have a career break so I'm planning to start running again. Your pics have given me a wee kick. Smile

TheVeryThing · 26/04/2016 16:03

Wow, you look great (even in your 'before' pic)!
I took up running at the end of january and stating to see a slight improvement in my legs, but also really enjoying it and trying to focus on the health benefits.
Well done to you, it can't be easy when you have two young dcs and are dealing with depression. You should feel very proud.

Original poster
DavetheCat2001 · 26/04/2016 16:03

Hopelass massive congrats on the pregnancy! I didn't give exercise/food etc a second though whilst prig with my two, or for ages after. Far more important things to be doing like growing a baby and looking after a newborn!

We can all definitely do it Vote. And actually I found it easier to fit a couple of runs in, in the evenings during the week after OH gets in from work very doable (means he does bath time too so double win!)

Take a before and after pic. You'll start seeing a difference in no time.

OP posts:
gonegrey56 · 26/04/2016 16:00

Inspirational! Really well done . I have read with much interest . So good to see such brilliant results .

Hopelass · 26/04/2016 15:55

Love this thread! Will save it as I'm currently pg and also fell out of the habit of running but am totally going to get back to it once I'm able to after DC #2 has arrived. Well done Dave, massive achievement!

Voteforpedr0 · 26/04/2016 15:54

Dave - Thank you, I'm going to keep your before and after pics in my head for inspiration there's no reason why we all can't do it.

Original poster
DavetheCat2001 · 26/04/2016 15:42

Eat a banana about half an hour before you go. I always find that helps with a bit of extra energy!

If it starts hurting/getting too much, slowwww it right down..even if you have to walk for a bit and then start running again. Nothing worse than pushing yourself, getting a nasty stitch and having to give up.

have a great run!

OP posts:
Voteforpedr0 · 26/04/2016 14:45

Well done, You look fabulous ! That's it no more excuses for me, I'm going for a run tonight. Thank you for sharing this , any top tips ?

MrsCeee · 26/04/2016 14:40

Wow! What an amazing difference!

wickedfairy · 26/04/2016 14:37

Inspiring and definitely not a stealth boast - well done!! You look fabulous!

wickedfairy · 26/04/2016 14:37

Inspiring and definitely not a stealth boast - well done!! You look fabulous!

Original poster
DavetheCat2001 · 26/04/2016 14:02

InionElle I was in no way fit when I started. I used to go to the gym when I was much, much younger but with the arrival of children and grown up life, that all went out the window.

A girl at work dragged me out on her lunchtime run one day, and I hated every second of it. She ran really slowly just so I could keep up, and literally had to drag me the last bit of it as I just couldn't do it.

I was happy to see however that we had managed a mile or so, even though I was panting and sweating like I'd just done a ruddy marathon!

I went out a few more times with her, and then she stopped going for various reasons and I just carried on. Inspiration for me was using my Strava app and just lengthening my distance a little bit every week or so. I wasn't bothered about speed or anything, just being able to get to 2k, then 3k and when I did 5k I was just so elated!

I think C25k is a great way to do it, and actually if I hadn't have just started tagging along with my friend at work, I would have definitely done it that way.

OP posts:
Original poster
DavetheCat2001 · 26/04/2016 13:56

ALaugh no I'm definitely not aiming to lose anymore. I did get a bit scrawny looking a couple of months ago, my mother bless her mentioned it and I agreed. I've actually put a bit back on again, and am just concentrating on strengthening up.

I like my food (and wine) too much anyway!

Zazz a big part of it for me is to help boost my mood and give me something to focus on. I find running totally knackering but also it really helps blow the cobwebs away in my mind.

OP posts:
Claraoswald36 · 26/04/2016 13:55

You look amazing! And healthy and strong I'm v impressed. Starting running again this week now I have childcare and the dog is a year old Grin I'm super motivated now you are a legend op Flowers

InionEile · 26/04/2016 13:54

You look bloody amazing for any age but especially for a 43-year old with 2 kids! I am flabby and tired by comparison and am 5 years younger than you (also with 2 kids).

How did you start out with running? Was it a 0-5k-10k situation over the year or were you already fit starting out? I have just started running this year starting from 0 and did a 4 mile hilly race at the weekend that nearly killed me Grin. Does it get better? My knees hurt like hell all the time. I am managing a maximum of about 3-4K runs twice a week right now - can I improve from here? Teach me please!!!

DaughterDrowningInJunk · 26/04/2016 13:52

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mupperoon · 26/04/2016 13:48

Very inspiring, you look amazing! I am 44 and about to start running again now that my 20mo is at nursery. I can't hope for such great results as yours though!