14kg / 31 lbs lost and getting ready for my first fun run!

JosieJo2000

New member
I've loved looking at all the before, after and during photos. You guys are inspirational!

Well, I'm new here. I have 2 kids, both with special needs and a husband in the military. So depression set in, eating seemed like a good way to deal with it (at the time!!) and I never had time for myself. One day a friends sent me a photo (part of it is below, my before shot) thinking it was a nice family shot. I was shocked to see someone who was overweight, unhealthy and unhappy. I had back problems, could barely walk. Anyway, the day I got that photo I went into action. I had no-one to look after the kids so I used to walk (and later on run) up and down my steep driveway listening to my ipod while they were asleep (I could hear them on a monitor and I was within feet of the front door, never fear!). I did push ups in front of the tv, and crunches, and when my friend became a personal trainer I was happy to sign on. I didn't go berserk on my diet but cut out junk, ate a bit less and drank more water. Exercise became quite addictive! When my husband returned home I decided to make some time for me in the week where I could go for a run, or for a swim, and not feel guilty about it.

Anyway, next month I'm running in my first 12km fun run. I saw my trainer yesterday and we did a follow up fitness test. 6 months ago I could do 10 push ups in a minute, I did 50. I did 60 crunches and took 3 seconds off my short distance sprint time. Silly that such small things feel good, but it's the only positive I've had in awhile and it keeps me going :)

Here are some before, almost there and now photos - no makeup, not glamorous I'm afraid! I'm about 5'2" and I think around 112lbs now. I have a tiny frame so 140ish on me was bad news, most of it was on my stomach and that's a bit scary given my family history of heart disease. Some days I feel old and worn out and my body has a few scars under the clothes. I'm not perfect and I wouldn't class myself as pretty but I'm happier now than I have been in a long time. I've got more energy for my kids and my husband. Best wishes to all of you on the journey to getting healthier, and I hope happier! You can do it!!!

Before, January 2008 (sorry, head missing!)

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And yesterday (July 2008)

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I couldn't work out how to post them full size, but you can click on the pics.
 
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31 lbs on a 5'2" frame is a bunch of weight... great job! Maybe you wouldn't class yourself as pretty, but I would! What's especially motivating about your story is that you did most of it without a gym or equipment. But beyond that, you also had very pressed time constraints, yet you found the time and motivation within yourself to see that there was a need to change your habits and not use your hectic schedule as an excuse to not exercise. Good work!
 
Thanks :)

I saw your latest pics and you've done an amazing job! You look fantastic. I had a whole bunch of excuses for why I couldn't start looking after myself, but eventually I realised I just had to start doing something. I think before that my health was a lower priority than even watching TV or deciding what to buy off the MacDonald's menu ;) I used to be reasonably fit years ago but I have to say it's become a real buzz now. I guess I replaced my food addiction with an exercising addiction - but this one's healthier! Thanks for the support, it means a lot. I desperately don't want to go backwards again.
 
Wow u look great..and yes i can understand the time constraints..despite me having 2 kids myself and rushing back n forth non stop..and yet never make it a point to make it as an excuse..and yes Exercise is additive :) in a good way..You look very pretty too..i must say..:-D
 
Wow u look great..and yes i can understand the time constraints..despite me having 2 kids myself and rushing back n forth non stop..and yet never make it a point to make it as an excuse..and yes Exercise is additive :) in a good way..You look very pretty too..i must say..:-D

Awww you're very sweet! Before kids it was so easy...it's a lot harder now but I think I enjoy exercise more because it's a little bit of time for me. And so nice to get out with the ipod and listen to something other than the Wiggles!!!!
 
Great job on all your hard work, you ARE my inspiration now!


Hey congrats on the 11lbs you've lost so far!! I bet you can really feel the difference. Thanks so much for your kind message, and best wishes for the rest of your journey. You can do it!!!
 
And so nice to get out with the ipod and listen to something other than the Wiggles!!!![/QUOTE]

Agreed..wif me its Barney & Elmo..so it is great to work out to something else apart from dear old Barney..:-D
 
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