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Weight loss chat

A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Original poster

Please God someone tell me that running gets easier

28 replies

SkeletonSkins · 13/07/2017 18:43

My sister is getting married in October and I need to lose like, two stone, in order not to look twice the size of her. I've been trying to really cut down on what I eat but it's not getting me anywhere fast to be honest. I have PCOS and it's no excuse I know but I'm really struggling to stay the right side of a size 12.

So I need to up the exercise basically. I walk a lot and go I a class once a week but it's just not enough. So today I decided to run and I was rubbish at it quite frankly!! I forced myself to and gave myself goals, alternating running and walking but my god. My legs felts so wobbly and weak!

Please someone tell me a story where they were awful at running and now can do miles.

OP posts:
AuntieStella · 14/07/2017 13:03

Have you tried C25K?

There are a few threads about it in MN, and lots of us have tried it.

I don't know if I'll sound unbearably smug, but I have always been truly crap at running and didn't really like it. I was on a weight loss journey last year, and when nearly at final target, I started running. That was less than a year ago. I did a couple of 'test' runs to see what I could manahpge, then started C25K part way through. And kept it up.

I did my first 10k race in May, and have signed up for a half marathon.

Really, if someone as previously useless and uninterested as me can do it, I think anyone can!

It didn't however make that much difference to weight loss. But I am more toned (noticeable in legs and also my tummy if flatter than it's ever been). For shedding the poundage, I found tracking intake invaluable (I used MFP) and the biggest single thing was cutting out booze (both to save 'empty' calories, and to maintain willpower to shun evening nibbling)

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 14/07/2017 13:06

It gets easier!

I started the c25 around two years ago, and couldn't run for 30 seconds to start with! The c25 programme took me twice as long as it should do.

Now I run 10ks and have entered a half marathon.

The trick, for me, was to join a running club. It is so much easier to run with other people.

Even if it sounds daunting, a running club fir beginners will have you starting at the same standard.

Good luck!

FlightyMare · 14/07/2017 13:52

I've tried numerous times to get into running but I've now accepted that it's just not for me. I now exercise several times a week and it doesn't feel like torture, because I've found things I genuinely enjoy. I walk regularly, aiming for around 15,000 steps a day, and I've found exercise classes that I love, so I do those 4-5 times a week. I just need to sort my eating out now though...

SillyLittleBiscuit · 14/07/2017 16:29

I couldn't run. 60 seconds almost killed me. I kept at it though 3-4 times a week alternating walking and running. First time I managed a mile non-stop was amazing. Within 8 weeks it was 5k and another 2 months after that 10k. I've since run a marathon in under 4 hours.

It does get better - lots better and fairly quickly too. Make sure your trainers are right for you, you have a decent sports bra and you don't try and go too fast.

Original poster
SkeletonSkins · 14/07/2017 21:01

This is reassuring. Yes have downloaded couch to 5k app. I already calorie count and honestly eat approx 1300 a day (5ft9, 12 stone) and don't drink. Am thinking it must be the PCOS impacting me.

OP posts:
Ormerod · 14/07/2017 21:07

I was awful at running.

I remember the first run back in 2005; decided I would go for a quick jog around the block having not run for many years. The block is about 1 mile...

I didn't even make it to the bus stop which was about 150M.

Anyway, lots of running on and off for years.

Probably more off than on even!

I have done a couple of half marathons and injured myself preparing for longer distances.

It's easy when you get into and also very enjoyable.

Don't give up!

MagentaRocks · 14/07/2017 21:10

It gets easier - I promise. At my best I went from c25k to running 45 minutes non stop. Of course I got unfit again but am building it back up. It gets addictive too, I love to compete with myself and push myself a little bit further. I also love how running makes the steps on my fit bit go racing upwards.

BIWI · 14/07/2017 21:11

C25K is a brilliant app, and it will soon have you running!

However, weight loss is 80-95% about your diet. If you have PCOS then a low carb diet would work for you better than calorie counting.

Why don't you come and join us on the low carb Bootcamp? We're currently in week 8 (of 10), but the threads are really supporting and we continue chat threads even if there isn't an active Bootcamp.

Izzadoraduncancan · 14/07/2017 21:18

I had awful PCOS, all the hormonal and insulin resistant symptoms. I cannot recommend the 8 week blood sugar diet enough. Buy the book, embrace it. I lost 18kg over 8 weeks and there weight has stayed off. Blood sugars now great, menstrual cycle now regular (used to be all over the place) and feel so much healthier. You have enough time, just go for it!!

IonaNE · 14/07/2017 22:08

It does get easier, and once you're able to run 6-8K, Runner's High is also likely to kick in (not every time but now and then). And you'll get to the point where you enjoy a 10K run. It's important to get a good running bra, and proper shoes (I'd buy a pair in a place where they also do gait analysis, so you know what kind of shoes you need to protect your knees).

Also, while running clubs and running with other might suit some people, I much prefer running alone, so if you don't like running groups, just go it alone.

IonaNE · 14/07/2017 22:09
  • running with others
SlightlyTired · 14/07/2017 22:22

Hi OP, have you thought about doing exercise other than running? I find running actually makes me put on weight, or not lose any at all. It is a known phenomenon that for some people, running does not lead to weight loss. For me, shortish sessions of HIIT cardio with a decent amount of weight training in there as well is a far more efficient way to lose and maintain weight. Weights were a complete revelation for me in terms of weight loss and toning - I had always been scared of bulking up but that doesn't happen at all. I actually have way bigger thighs when I run. Building lean muscle means you also burn more calories in a resting state. Just a thought. Good luck with it, whatever you choose to do!

OccasionalNachos · 14/07/2017 22:26

^ agree with this post

Weight training will change your body shape (as well as strengthen & improve bone density etc)
But yes running does get easier the more you do it.

Kettricken · 14/07/2017 22:33

I started c25k in January and struggled to run for a minute. Today I ran 10k without stopping for the first time. It does get easier if you stick with it!

BIWI · 15/07/2017 08:29

A colleague of mine trained very seriously for, and ran, a marathon.

Despite the hours of training and regular running, she gained weight. I'm sure that some of it will have been muscle gain, but she also said that she was ravenously hungry all the time, so was eating huge amounts!

MirabelleTree · 15/07/2017 08:35

Last time I attempted running was 1986 when we had to do 3 laps of field as warm up for hockey. Last Sunday thanks to C25K I ran 5k. For years I used to look at people running and think why? I get it now. It has however been getting in the way of weight loss but hoping it's an initial adjustment. I've lost nearly 5 stone now and you do really need to focus on diet.

Music is essential for me, I grind to a halt without it. And going slowly is essential so you build up gradually. I'm never going to be able to do a 5k in less than 30 mins but I'm not on the couch anymore and it feels good.

Kr1stina · 15/07/2017 08:35

Most people don't change weight while training for a marathon . 60% stay the same, 20% lose weight and 20% gain weight.

But most people who start training for a marathon are not seriously overweight.

Of course there are many other health benefits from running. And if you are quite overweight then starting running ( like c25k ) will help you lose weight, along with an appropriate diet.

Melfish · 15/07/2017 08:41

I've been doing couch to 5k for a while, on and off (had foot and knee injuries). I couldn't run for more than a minute when I first started, but managed 10 mins twice the other day! I did lose a stone and a half with it over about a year when combined with myfitnesspal which gave me an allowance of 1200 per day (I am 5ft 6 tho and wanted to go from 11st 7 to 9st 7).
My friend took up cycling and reported that she lost more weight on that than running.

Original poster
SkeletonSkins · 15/07/2017 09:13

Thanks so much for the advice guys, especially in regards to diet. I'm not hugely overweight, I could do with losing around a stone. I'll definitely have a look at the blood sugar diet.

With regards to weight training, I don't even know where to start with it. I'd like to do that but is there a routine or something I could follow to get started?

OP posts:
babba2014 · 15/07/2017 10:19

Okay so I've been starting my weight loss for a little over a week and have 2kg off.
The secret? Mainly eating well. No sugary food apart from food. No snacking in between meals unless a really hot day then I have a bit of fruit otherwise I eat it with my meal. No over eating.

How did I force myself to eat well? I've been doing the 30 day shred. First few days are hard but it is really liberating feeling fitter and stronger. I put work into that for 20 minutes a day and it shouts at me to eat well or I've done all that exercise for nothing.

I don't drink. I also don't have juice.

I think you've got a good amount of time before October. Get on the wagon and you'll be fine :)

MagentaRocks · 15/07/2017 11:34

Can you afford a personal trainer? I see one around once a week. I can do the cardio stuff myself but knowing what weights to do and how I do them I rely on my trainer. She pushes me too so I increase the weight I am lifting/pushing. I pay £250 for 10 one hour sessions.

UKrider · 15/07/2017 12:03

Another one of us who couldn't run for toffee and ten got into it.

That was about 17 years ago. I still remember the elation I felt when I ran for a whole 20 mins.

I'm not fast but have done lots of fun races over the years, a couple of marathons.

My breakthrough moment was getting the right bra. Seriously!

Even when I'm slim big boobs are just a nightmare when running. The enell bra I the ugliest thing and expensive but NOTHING MOVES. it was a revelation to run freely and comfortably.

So consider the norks.

SlightlyTired · 15/07/2017 18:08

If you google fitness blender, you can find excellent free workouts put together by a husband and wife team from the US. You can search for strength training videos of various levels and lengths. I can't recommend them highly enough. They are no frills vids, but they are brilliant and there are loads to choose from.

KwaziisEyepatch · 15/07/2017 18:45

It gets easier, and pretty quick too. I remember my first run in Jan 2013 - 300m and i had to lie down when I got home. The same year I ran a 10k in May. That was just going out once or twice a week and building up slowly. Stick with it!

Sasmac2017 · 14/08/2017 09:46

@skeletonskins - I've always been really into working out etc and used to run a lot. But I realised I effing hate it, so I no longer do it! Life is too short to waste my time doing shit I don't like My advice to you is do something you enjoy. I find hiking/hill walking is just as effective and I actually enjoy it!
Oh I got a dodgy knee from running too and I'm only 29!!