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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.

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Original poster
DavetheCat2001 · 26/04/2016 18:01

Well done on running the Marathon!!

I don't think I could ever run that far. I think anyone who does that is amazing!

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Drinksforeveryone · 26/04/2016 18:06

Excellent results OP.

I have been running regularly for years and don't look like you ;)

PinkCloudDweller · 26/04/2016 18:17

Wow - thanks for posting and for the motivation. You do look fantastic.

Have you ever had any small injuries or pains? I do get either hip soreness or a mild pull in my hamstring every so often. I sometimes wonder if perhaps some people are simply prone to this sort of things and can't run?

KittyandTeal · 26/04/2016 18:18

It's interesting that you say about a long endurance run once a week. I'm going to start 10k once a week.

I'm aiming for a half marathon in oct/Nov time and am pondering entering the vlm 2017 ballot. I figure I probably won't get a space but if I do it'll give me a target and I can run for one of my charities I want to support.

InionEile · 26/04/2016 18:26

Thanks for the inspiration! Good to know you started out from zero running to 10k in a year. There is hope for me yet. My midriff looks much like yours in the pre photo above so will have to get real about doing my ab work and plank too.

Now if only I could find a way to solve this knee pain issue...

Original poster
DavetheCat2001 · 26/04/2016 18:26

pinkcloud I did end up with a stress fracture in one of my ankles around the beginning of the year. I didn't run for a coupe of weeks and then put a tight support bandage on it and it seemed to be ok.

I would say definitely invest in some good running shoes. Maybe go along to a running shop to get your gait tested. I did mine online by wetting the soles of my feet and doing a print of them on a shiny floor! From that I worked out which running shoes suited me best. I think that wearing good shoes helps a lot with preventing injury.

I also end up with achy buttocks when I do a longish 10k+ run, not sure why! I make sure I stretch well after each run.

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Chocwocdoodah · 26/04/2016 18:31

Am v inspired. Think I need more deets Dave - when you say you run 3 times a week and do those vids "a few times a week" - what's a few? crossing fingers and hoping she says twice a week followed by a Kitkat

Obs2016 · 26/04/2016 18:37

Impressive

knowler · 26/04/2016 18:41

Thanks Dave, v inspirational. I started running in October last year and literally couldn't do 1 minute to start. In 3 weeks, I'm doing a 10k race! I'm slow - target is to finish quicker than 1.5 hours - but I don't care. I'm also about double your size Blush - 16.5 stone - but that's a stone less than when I started and I'm on a real push towards losing another stone before summer holidays.

Running has been a revelation to me. I never thought I'd do it and I feel quite emotional sometimes thinking about how far I've come. It's encouraged me to try yoga too - something else I never thought I'd do and surprise surprise, I enjoy that too.

So thanks for the photos: a reminder of what I'm working towards.

moonfacebaby · 26/04/2016 18:42

This was just what I needed to keep me on track with C25K! You look fantastic...

I squeezed in a run on the way back from work today - can't do anything of an evening as I'm a single parent. But I'm planning on doing another one tomorrow on my day off, and your lovely legs will be in my head so I get my arse out the door.

I'm tempted to do a before & after photo too Smile

Original poster
DavetheCat2001 · 26/04/2016 18:42

choc so I try and run say Monday and Weds, and then Sunday I do a 10k round a flatfish park nearby. I try and run shorter distances with more hills during the week as I think mixing it up a bit keeps your body guessing rather than just doing the same route over and over again..which I also find gets boring.

Then I may try and do the arm workout in the evening on Tuesday and the abs on Thursday, and then if I feel like it maybe one or the other again at the weekend. They are only short so don't take up much time.

Oh and I do have chocolate..and wine. I just don't have it every day and if I do a good run I will definitely treat myself. I'd be so miserable if I couldn't have choice and wine..oh and cheese..I love cheese!!

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Original poster
DavetheCat2001 · 26/04/2016 18:43

'flatish' park..not 'flatfish'!!

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Original poster
DavetheCat2001 · 26/04/2016 18:56

moon definitely do a before and after. It's very motivational to see your body changing. Really keeps me going!

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Chocwocdoodah · 26/04/2016 22:42

Well that sounds do-able - though I'm crap ar running but seriously considering doing C25K. Thanks Dave. I definitely think there should be a before and after thread for all types of exercise on here.

SingingSands · 26/04/2016 22:54

An inspiring post OP!

I was running twice a week until March when I caught tonsillitis, tried to battle through it and ended up in hospital with Quinsy. I'm fully recovered now and need to get my trainers back out, you've given me the push to do it!

Original poster
DavetheCat2001 · 27/04/2016 05:55

Oh Singing I totally sympathise with you having tonsilitis. I have it at the moment too and am feeling so crap. The Dr warned me about getting Quinsy too, so hoping the antibiotics kick in soon.

Another thing I would say is dont push yourself if any part of your body is saying don't run! I think listening to yourself and resting up helps avoid injury/making you more poorly if you are ill etc.

My sister is superfit and had a foot injury on a trek she did in February and has not been able to run since. She is totally gutted.

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MrsCampbellBlack · 27/04/2016 06:03

You look amazing - well done!

MrsDesperado · 27/04/2016 07:01

A wonderfully inspiring and motivating thread Dave - well done!

Fraggled · 27/04/2016 07:20

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

AyeAmarok · 27/04/2016 07:29

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.

Trooperslane · 27/04/2016 07:39

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.

CointreauVersial · 27/04/2016 13:37

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. Hmm 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.

ExasperatedAlmostAlways · 27/04/2016 13:41

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

Original poster
DavetheCat2001 · 29/04/2016 19:23

Just been on my first run for a week having been ill with tonsillitis.

Took it very steady and it actually wasn't too horrible. Managed 5.7k which I think is fine.

Hoping I don't have a relapse now! Off to fall into a takeaway and bottle of wine! Grin

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MaximumVolume · 29/04/2016 19:39

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!