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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:
wickedfairy · 26/04/2016 14:37

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

MrsCeee · 26/04/2016 14:40

Wow! What an amazing difference!

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 ?

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 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.

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!

gonegrey56 · 26/04/2016 16:00

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

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:
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.

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

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 ...

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:
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:
NattyGolfJerkin · 26/04/2016 16:53

You look great, Dave.

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.

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!

Chocwocdoodah · 26/04/2016 16:59

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

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

Yourface · 26/04/2016 17:01

That's really interesting. Thanks for posting your regime. Maybe I need to up my distances and do some hills but running up hills is soooo hard!!

I'd love to get a stomach like that. Just once!

pinocchiosnose · 26/04/2016 17:07

congrats you look amazing! I have just started exercising again after being floored by arthritis. Soon to be on some new drugs so I'd love to get back to regular exercise and regain all the muscle I've lost. This has inspired me , thank you op.

MackerelOfFact · 26/04/2016 17:07

This is exactly the inspiration I am needing this evening. I don't run but I'm about to move somewhere where I'll be able to walk to work (it's 4 miles, so a fair distance, but doable) and hopefully start building up to running to/from work a couple of times a week. I don't really enjoy running and prefer to take classes at the gym, but I think running to work will be the most efficient (time and cost) way of getting exercise.

Congratulations OP!

IpanemaChica · 26/04/2016 17:19

Lovely inspirational thread! I like to run although I have struggled a bit to get out this winter. Definitely going to add the YouTube videos to my weekly workouts, thanks.

Original poster
DavetheCat2001 · 26/04/2016 17:19

Thanks ladies Flowers

I love a before and after pic too, hence why I thought some may be interested here. Here is another one of my mumtum pre-starting running, and then a few months later.

Another thing I used to do to help spur me on was hang an item of clothing I hadn't been able to wear in years on the outside of the wardrobe, and then try it on each week. Such a great feeling when I got the zip up on these jeans!

Excuse the hideous bruise on the 'before' one!

A year of running - before and after pics
A year of running - before and after pics
OP posts:
Original poster
DavetheCat2001 · 26/04/2016 17:21

IpanemaChica I highly recommend the vid's I linked to earlier. They're not too long (about 12 mins each) and I really noticed a difference after a few weeks.

OP posts:
MrsHarveySpecter · 26/04/2016 17:40

Brilliant, thank you for sharing.

I'm another huge advocate for running. I've been relatively fit most of my adult life but always struggled to really tome up. I took up running seriously about six months ago and ran the London Marathon on Sunday. It has had a huge positive impact on my body. Far more than spinning, HIIT, bikram yoga and all the other things I have tried.

Having said that I think it's about finding which exercise works best for you. For me I need the long endurance run once a week to get my body burning fat.

Well done!