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.

Well I've got on the treadmill, whacked up the incline (I live in a very hilly area so I'm keeping it real ) and have done a 2k. Thanks OP, I needed a shove in the right direction and seeing what you've acheived has spurred me on! I want to lose half a stone and tone up my flabby mid-section. I have been doing a bit of exercise recently but your photos have helped me commit as our figures aren't dissimilar and I'd be bloody thrilled if I could acheive your 'after' look!

I think you're a bit taller than me OP. How tall are you, if that's not a weird question? I'll resist posting your 'after' photo on the biscuit tin as DH would be a tad concerned

Excellent, well done!!
I've changed my diet since the end of January - basically stopped grazing all day and started having 3 healthy meals a day with very slight snacking - and have noticed such a difference.
You've given me the motivation to start running again however, that's something I can't seem to keep up!

Wow! Thank you for this, I've literally just downloaded the couch to 5k app, I've done it 3 times now and really early days but hope it will get rid of my mum tum!

MissP I am 5ft 7.
Well done for getting on the treadmill!! I always feel a great sense of achievement when I've been for a run, particularly if the lazy part of my brain (about 95% of it!) has been trying to persuade me to lie on the sofa and drink wine instead!

I did my ab workout this evening too, which I highly recommend to any ladies who want a shortish (about 12 mins) ab workout which really helped me get my stomach back:

rebecca-louise.com/blog/9movesforaflatterstomach

Lol at the thought of your OH finding a pic of a stranger in a bikini on the biscuit tin!

Moistly, what keeps me going is seeing results. I am very impatient! Running is great though for seeing changes fairly quickly. If you can commit to maybe 2/3 runs a week, I reckon you'll start seeing results in 3 weeks or so.

Hey starting, I think the c25k is a great way to go. Well done on getting back on it!

Maybe try the ab workout I liked to above too?..I really saw results doing it 2-3 times a week.

"linked to' not liked!

I do the 'bust the belly fat' dvd - each section is 10 mins (recommended on MN actually) and its brilliant. It beasts your abs, but its brilliant.

Dave I'm 5"2 ....be great if exercise could take inches off the waist and add it to the legs

I might take a before picture of myself (and hide it) then compare it in a few weeks time.

Go starting! That's fab!

Quick, help please! Going to do my first C25K run tonight but I've just realised there are loads of c25k apps - which is the "right"one??

I'd go for the one on the NHS website choc

this is inspirational, well done for keeping it up.

Fab thank you!

So weird that this just popped up in my active threads. I have literally just taken some very depressing before shots and been scouring the internet for inspiration. You look AMAZING ! Well done.

Wow! I'm looking forward to running once I've had Dd2. Great inspiration!

neverbuy I contemplated the 'before shots' and couldn't do it. I just spent a long time staring and committing the blubber to memory. DH thinks I'm being stupid as usual and whingeing, but my set of spare tyre(s) is really getting me down. Yes I can still cram myself into my clothes but by cram, I mean cram...and that's leggings and jeggings. I'm a 'skinny fat' person who can pass as slim with careful sucking in but the reality is I have a full on 'gut' going on lately. The jeans have been a laughable item for about a year, no amount of lying on the bed will get those buggers done up. I'm fed up of feeling so rubbish.

Punny I too can suck it in to a certain degree but when I fully relax I look six months pregnant. Bloody Easter Eggs and red wine! I want the before pics as motivation. I was considering printing them off and displaying them around the kitchen but that just wouldn't be fair to the rest of the family.

Wow! That's fantastic. I want legs like yours. I've been running a while but don't think much has changed shape wise. I'm going to do a before picture just before my next run and then maybe again in 6 months. Not brave enough to share it though.

Same here never, I easily look 5-6 months gone at the moment when I'm not holding it in.

To be honest I'd be happy to look like dave in her "before" photo on reflection of myself in my undies this evening

Well done op! Can I be rude and ask what you weigh?

OP that's brilliant. Really inspiring!

MissPunny - I can so relate to what you're saying. I can also pass as a slim person but there is a jelly-like spare tyre that I hate. I hide it with tops that skim the area or dresses that are loose round the waist but I'm desperate to wear clothes that are tight and fitted round the middle again.

I'm so pleased that this thread has inspired some of you. I honestly think taking a before pic, whether you share it or not is totally up to you, really helps keep you going, particularly if you take a new picture every couple of weeks..I've got a whole folder on my desktop of them!

Also hang a pair of jeans/dress/skirt anything you haven't worn in a while and would like to wear again, on the outside of your wardrobe, and try it on every week. That is AMAZINGLY motivational! I posted a pic up thread of a pair of jeans I hadn't been able to get into for years. I kept them hanging up on the wardrobe and was determined I was going to get into the buggers again! I am very bloody minded about things when I want to be!

QuiteLikely5, I weigh about 9st 2lb at the moment. I was about 10st 6lb in my 'before' shot', and it was piling on my thighs and belly (hence the tankini!)

My weight did plummet too far, at one point to about 8st 10ish, and I actually didn't like the look of myself at all, not that I was trying to lose anymore weight. I'm a bit of a stress person and I think I burn a lot of calories just through fretting.

I just wanted to say that the photos are inspirational and a great advertisement for running, well done Dave!
I'm a running addict already, I'm 50 only started running properly 3 years ago when I joined a local club (I live in France). That me the courage to see that I actually ran quite well and I started doing races too. As well as the running high you get from just going out and running, it is a great way to make friends, eat more of what you want without putting on weight and getting through any problems you might have. And the high you get from crossing a finish line is like nothing else. I started out doing 10 k races and have now done 2 marathons (last one in 3H35) so anything is possible. Just put on your trainers and get out there!

Marking place!