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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

Very very urgent help required - please please please

33 replies

Urgent · 01/05/2007 15:05

By the 4th June I need to lose as much weight as possible AND be able to run 3 miles without stopping and do other stuff which I will find out about in next few days. Can someone please please help. I am starting at a very low fitness level and overweight. Motivation is total - I will do ANYTHING!

OP posts:
tiredemma · 01/05/2007 15:05

why have you got to run for 3 miles without stopping?

NoNickname · 01/05/2007 15:06

Are you doing the Race For Life then? You don't have to run it you know - I'm walking mine!!

tiredemma · 01/05/2007 15:07

I was going to say- Race for life can literally be crawled as long as you finish it.

Rachmumoftwo · 01/05/2007 15:09

I was going to suggest walking, start with 15 minutes once or twice a day, increasing it as you get fitter. Then speed up to power walking, jogging and running. Instead of stopping when you get tired, just slow the pace. A few of us are doing the no carbs after lunch thing, but have only just started so don't know if it works yet.
Good luck.

ArtichokeTagine · 01/05/2007 15:09

Fitness - start today with a long walk at a moderate pace. If you have a baby push the pram. Make the walk long enough to make you tired but not exhausted. Walking is great for fitness and weight loss. You can then work your way up to jogging and finally running (but you are short of time if you do not run at all yet).

Weightloss - no snacks. None at all. No puddings or sweet things. 3 good size meals a day but no secnds. Not diet food but no cream sauces etc.

This worked for me. In 4 months I have lost 1.5 stone and I am fitter.

Good luck.

Original poster
Urgent · 01/05/2007 15:11

nope - its for a job - I just got phone call this morning. When I went for medical last year I was couple of stone lighter and attending gym. Had given up the possibility of getting it and was working behind desk full time for last year and the body has gone to pot. Oh and I am not spring chicken either! (whisper 40) Really really want this. Its my last chance of a career.

OP posts:
AtterySquash · 01/05/2007 15:11

Why do you need to do this?

Admire your motivation but buidling up to run 3 miles in c5 weeks time doesn't sound very sensible - or do-able.

I've just started running and am following this . Hope it helps.

Original poster
Urgent · 01/05/2007 15:14

Thank you for replies. Please don't tell me its not possible - I really really want this. AAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGHHHH .

Am going to get a personal trainer over next couple of days and am member of gym (would you believe I went yesterday and cancelled membership after nearly 4 months not attending and then this happens! Have rang them and told them to ignore letter!!!)

OP posts:
Original poster
Urgent · 01/05/2007 15:18

So I am fooling myself then?

OP posts:
AtterySquash · 01/05/2007 15:19

God, sorry, got interrupted writing my last post and didn't the discussion had moved on. What i wrote didn't sound very supportive. Very best of luck with your preparation in the next few weeks, and fingers crossed for the job.

Mumpbump · 01/05/2007 15:20

How much weight do you need to lose? Agree with no snacks, other than fruit, no puddings/sweets. Eat high fibre food so it fills you up and helps your digestive system.

I think you could build up to running 3 miles in 5 weeks if you do something every day. You don't need to be able to run 3 miles regularly, just the once, is that right?

Cappuccino · 01/05/2007 15:21

you can get a lot fitter in that time

but I'm not sure about 3 miles without stopping

that's quite a lot - what on earth is the job?

AtterySquash · 01/05/2007 15:22

Think the personal trainer sounds a great idea to keep you focused and motivated.

I'm sure that doing some good, regular exercise and a sensible eating regime willhelp you get a lot of the ay there.

Does it have to be three miles?

melrose · 01/05/2007 15:22

Go to the race for life website and download tyheir free training planner. Great for this.

www.raceforlife.org

Original poster
Urgent · 01/05/2007 15:22

You don't think it is possible do you? My RL friends and colleagues are all saying oh you can do it but I am scared I will fail and I will have handed in my notice on this job and will lose other job. Oh God this is one of the worst decisions of my life.

OP posts:
whomovedmychocolate · 01/05/2007 15:23

I don't understand - unless you are going to be a trolley dolly why would they care if you weigh more a year later?

Also you can lose a stone or learn to run in a month but starvation is not a good training aid!

Mumpbump · 01/05/2007 15:24

It is possible with a bit of determination and dedication. I would start off with gentle jogging, rather than walking. Start with half a mile 3 times a week and aim to add on an extra half mile every week. You should have one day off between running when you can walk instead to ease your muscles. It might hurt a bit at first, but most exercise does if you're pushing your body. If you get pain as opposed to discomfort, stop obviously!!

AtterySquash · 01/05/2007 15:25

Why do you have to hand in your notice on this job before you find out if you get the other one?

I think you should just go for it. If you want this job so much you'll be really pissed off later on if you don't at least try.

Original poster
Urgent · 01/05/2007 15:27

It is the police - so obviously the fitness is crucial - my weight will obviously hinder that - I will probably be oldest in the class - and now probably the fatest too. Yes has to be 3 miles and upper body strength and other stuff too. You have no idea how much I want this - applied 15 months ago. Didn't think it was going to happen so let it go, as it was killing me waiting for so long.

I have to do this or will regret it for the rest of my life. It is life changing for me and my family. I could scream.

OP posts:
Mumpbump · 01/05/2007 15:29

If you used to go to the gym, you have a basic level of fitness that you just have to get back to. Much easier than starting from scratch, ie. never having exercised!

Original poster
Urgent · 01/05/2007 15:29

I have the job as such. 6 months training to start with and then years probation. They rang me this morning and will have letter in next couple of days. She told me briefly what minimum fitness levels they would expect.

OP posts:
whomovedmychocolate · 01/05/2007 15:33

Mumpbump is right. Concentrate on the fitness - the weight will go anyway once you start off again.

Can you afford a personal trainer?

Swizzler · 01/05/2007 15:34

Can you not postpone it for a couple of months? If they have kept you hanging on for 15 months already that would be reasonable. If you injure yourself trying to reach that level you would regret it.

Original poster
Urgent · 01/05/2007 15:38

Swizzler - good point - I might have to see if they will do that - although they only do a certain amount of intakes a year and they have loads of people on list (7,000 applied for 300 jobs).

whomovedmychocolate - trying to contact couple of trainers - one who is exarmy and gets good reputation. Will probably have to go twice a week plus gym.

I am concerned about injuring myself which would obviously be counterproductive

OP posts:
Swizzler · 01/05/2007 15:49

If you could get on the next intake (guaranteed) then you wouldn't have to resign yet and would have time to get properly fit. Hopefully if they want you they'll wit for you!