A year of running - before and after pics

[DavetheCat2001]

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.

aww thanks Maximum. I was trying to follow my own advice tonight and not push it. I went really slowly!

It does make such a difference the evenings being lighter now. Running in the dark winter sucks.

I could never give up my Friday night curry and bottle of vino though!

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 Gingerbics, will have a search for the fb group now.

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.

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.

What I tend to run in the evenings too, if its a day i've not been working I'll get my running gear on about 6ish, neck a banana and go out as soon as OH gets in. We dont tend to eat with the kids on weekdays as I cant eat that early and OH doesn't get in till around 6.45.
You're meant to give yourself 90 mins to digest a full meal prior to running, so maybe as you say have a couple of evenings where you eat after you've run.

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.

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!

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.

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

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!

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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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!

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!

Fantastic! You're an inspiration. Thank you

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....

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.

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

It's whether your feet roll slightly inwards or outwards when you walk/run. If you look at a really old pair of shoes they might be worn down slightly more on one side than the other.

A good running shop will put you on a treadmill and video your ankles when you run and then replay it in really slow mode so they can see if you set down one side of your foot ever so slightly before the other. Then you know which trainers you need, depending on whether it's over/under/neutral.

At least that's what they did 10 years ago when I had my gait analysis done! Since then I've just been buying replacement pairs of the same trainers, in different colours.

Can you get the same great results with treadmill running?
I'm a single parent and work full time. I can't get out to run but I do have a treadmill.. (That may or may not currently be used as a clothes horse)

Ah I see, thanks Aye!

penguin i think you will certainly get results on a treadmill, you can adjust the incline etc can't you? Any running is good running IMO.

I wear Saucony running shoes which I really like. Think they are called Jazz. As Aye said above, you can normally hunt out some good deals online if you find a pair you like. I think mine were about £90, but I think I paid £60.

Def worth the money though along with a good sports bra. The rest can just be tracky bottoms or leggings and a t-shirt

OP you've inspired me. I need to get back to regular exercise. All I do is whinge about my flabby tummy rather than getting on the treadmill / go out running. I make excuses, and it is tough with two toddlers at home, but we have a treadmill now and I need to make the effort.

I know all about excuses! The amount of times I've really not been in the mood, but actually once you get out there, it's not so bad.
I think the lighter evenings definitely make a difference as well.
Having said that, I went for a run yesterday which was hellish. I was panting and sweating. I had, had a pretty boozy weekend though, and boy could I feel it!

I remember reading someone say that you'll not regret going for a run, but you will regret not going!