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Original poster

Just run 6 miles comfortably, when will my body start shaping up?

33 replies

Pawslikepaddington · 03/03/2009 11:53

I cycle daily, but do no "proper" sport, so have decided to run for an hour 4-5 days a week. First try today-was actually wonderful (was dreading it to start with), breathing worked well, pace was great, no stitches, didn't walk, and ended up doing 6 miles in the hour. If I keep this up when will I start svelting? I want to look like an exercise lady, not a lady that is puffing off the pounds!!

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kalo12 · 03/03/2009 11:56

brilliant. it takes about 5 months for your bodyshape to start changing noticebly when you start any kind of regime, you will probaby notice yourself at about three months though.

But your little face will glow with pride and you will radiate achievement and all that oxygen will make you look like a glorious lttle star!

cestlavie · 03/03/2009 11:58

I guess everyone's different but personally it takes some time - when I last did the marathon, started training in early January and probably didn't look much different until mid or late February. Part of that might be that you're doing shorter runs at the start and part might be that you're eating more to ensure you're fuelled to run propertly. I think the main thing though is that you need to get your metabolism running at a higher rate/ more efficiently even when not exercising - a period of say, one hour of exercise is good for the intensive burn of calories but it's raising your metabolic rate that results in getting the weight off and keeping it off.

Original poster
Pawslikepaddington · 03/03/2009 11:59

Oh boo, so not really in time for summer short wearing then? (The brilliant and general cheering on has made me really smile though Kalo, thank you!!) I'm a size 10 (just, if I breathe in!) so not huge, but really want to wear cute little shorts with long shirts for summer, and need the legs to do so! I'll get more toned though won't I? SO June short wearing is possible?

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cestlavie · 03/03/2009 12:03

Definitely - I guess each person is different but like I said I noticed the difference within a couple of months.

Original poster
Pawslikepaddington · 03/03/2009 12:07

Oh hurrah. Have been ensuring I resort to fruit instead of biscuits etc for snacks since xmas, and have noticed a big difference, and I still metabolise quite well (not as well as a 16 year old, but I am still young and in a high stress environment), so will be on the lower end of the scale. A lot of it is confidence in yourself as well isn't it-I already feel proud of myself for looking after my body that little bit more, so that should get compounded in the way I carry myself over the next few months while I am in the process of toning (am v impressed with you sporty bods btw!)

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kalo12 · 03/03/2009 12:07

do pilates too, for maximum short wearing, and get some fit flops.

Original poster
Pawslikepaddington · 03/03/2009 12:12

Do you know any good pilates dvd's? Am using my spare hour to run, so can't go to a class too-grr!

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EachPeachPearMum · 03/03/2009 12:16

It was only a couple of months for me, when I started going to gym 3 / 4 times per week. I think it depends on individual largely.

peanutbutterkid · 03/03/2009 12:17

I am a lot fitter than most women (then again, is that a relatively easy thing to achieve?) - and it would kill me to run 6 miles, lol.

Original poster
Pawslikepaddington · 03/03/2009 12:17

Oooh I'm getting all excited now-sweatty betty sell fit flops (and they are not as ugly as MBT's!) and apparently the darcey bussell pilates dvd is great-woo hoo!! This is exciting!

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morningpaper · 03/03/2009 12:18

when I started running I found that my body was starting to change shape after 6 weeks, and people were commenting

When I stopped running, it all melted again

WouldYouCouldYouWithAGoat · 03/03/2009 12:20

yes the melting is v. sad. pilates and running made me v. swelte but it melted some time ago.

you sound pretty fit and slim anyway so any changes are going to be minimal. good luck with the shorts!

Original poster
Pawslikepaddington · 03/03/2009 12:22

I can only do 10 mins on a treadmill, and I freak out and fall off and all sorts-I think I had just got it right today somehow-I didn't care that I was puffing and panting within 3 mins as I was on my own instead off feeling like I was on trial in the gym, and so carried on and 15 mins later the puffing and panting stopped! Think it helped that I was thinking "I am going to run until an hour is up/I feel like I really can't carry on and must walk, as opposed to "I want to run to the next village and back", as the speed/distance didn't matter, it was the continuation. Will always do it like that from now on, and vary my routes so that a) I don't know if I am doing better/worse than last time, and b) it is fun to find out on google maps when you get back how far you actually went!!

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Original poster
Pawslikepaddington · 03/03/2009 12:23

Tis mainly toning, but the tum looks like I've stuck a bum bag on to me! Have been hiding it under jumpers all winter, but no longer possible soon-I can't believe how excited you have all made me about my new soon-to-be body, thank you! I love mn

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morningpaper · 03/03/2009 12:28

there is a good site called mapmyrun.com where you can measure your distance EXACTLY!

Original poster
Pawslikepaddington · 03/03/2009 12:57

Oh my god I love that site now-wooooo! Well done MP!!

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mckenzie · 03/03/2009 16:59

really well done Paws. The adrenaline from running is unbeatable isn't it?
don't forget to do some weights though Paws if it's general weight loss you are after. Stronger upper body muscles will also help with your running and improve your basal metabolic rate.

Original poster
Pawslikepaddington · 03/03/2009 20:32

I hate gyms, so will need to do push ups or something for arms-is that possible? I am blowed if I am joining a gym simply for arm strength, but they are a tad wobbly!!

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mckenzie · 03/03/2009 21:33

you dont need a gym at all Paw. Press ups are fantastic!! Start leaning into a door if necessary until you get some strength and then build up to the back of the settee and then the floor, or do them on your knees. Maybe invest £6 or so and buy a dyna band then you can do all number of muscular strength exercises in the comfort of your own home as and when you have 10 mins to spare.

Original poster
Pawslikepaddington · 04/03/2009 11:16

Oooh, dynaband-sounds good!!

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TracyK · 04/03/2009 16:11

I started walking ds to school and a 40 mins walk with dog - noticed a big diff in 3 weeks - in just my legs and bum tho - not in tum or chin!

I think it depends on how much you have to lose - if you don't have much - you won't see a quick change - however if you are large - it would drop off.

Do plenty of lunges and stretching as well for leg results. Lots of touching the floor with straight legs.

MrsMerryHenry · 04/03/2009 16:13

I find after 4 runs I start to notice a real difference. But I've never run for an hour, so you might notice it more quickly.

MrsMerryHenry · 04/03/2009 16:14

By the way you should take long strides whilst running if you don't want chubby thighs. Heard that tip from a trainer.

OrmIrian · 04/03/2009 16:16

It took about 6m of regular running, and was only once I was going for an hour or more. But I wasn't waiting for it to happen as I didn't expect it to. I was running to be fit and because I liked it. Weight loss was a bonus.

Original poster
Pawslikepaddington · 04/03/2009 23:00

Must admit-I am as sore as anything today!! Have bought an exercise ball and dynaband though, so will see if they do anything to help.

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