We all run for a million different reasons. Some of us run for our mental health. Some to gain the health benefits. Some for alone time. Some to be with friends. There are many reasons to run but a common one is to lose weight. Running for weight loss is very popular and for some people very successful. Although those of us currently training for spring marathons may find it is creeping back on – runger anyone?

Over the New Year period the Run Mummy Run facebook community was awash with amazing pictures of women who had lost amazing amounts of weight through their running (& other factors). The community found these really inspiring so we asked a couple of lovely RMRs to give us a little more detail about their personal weight loss stories.

At Run Mummy Run we celebrate women runners of all shapes, sizes and speeds. This isn’t an article about looking a certain way to be happy. We are purely celebrating the personal journeys of two members who have lost weight because they chose to. Here are their stories…..

Tell us a little bit about yourself…

Zip backwards to December 2014. I weighed 13 stone 6, dress size 16-18 and to be honest, felt awful and was shockingly depressed. I’d been to my GP and she suggested antidepressants, which I didn’t really want to take but did…

When they started working and I felt a bit better, I read a fair bit about food and mood and the effect of exercise and mood. I wanted soooo desperately to help myself feel better. I cut out all rubbish and junk food and most processed stuff too, no salt or added sugar, I started eating proper, real, healthy, whole foods. I also started walking… Lots of walking, 5-6k EVERY day. Rain, snow, hail, sleet, you name it, I was out in it (and so was my significant other on many occasions!!).

The walking turned (gradually) into running and I now run 5k most days, and have just entered the Liverpool Spring 10k. I’m raising funds for JDRF as one of our sons has Type 1 Diabetes and we need a cure for this disease.

What do you like about running?

I absolutely love my running, I love the ‘me’ time, I love hearing the birds first thing in the morning and I love the feeling of accomplishment after a run that I really didn’t feel like doing, but did anyway.

What changes has getting healthier made to your life?

Changes to my life? Errrm I have my sex life back!! I’m not hiding under the covers with the light off anymore. I’m happier and feel so much stronger. My skin is so much clearer. I sleep so much better…. and the boys have their mum back. My partner of 20 years has ME back.

How do you plan to maintain your healthy lifestyle?

I consider it a lifestyle change and will carry on what I’ve been doing for the past 12 months. Although, I think I’ll have to adjust my calorie intake to maintain my weight instead of to lose it. The myfitnesspal app is great for that.

How have you fitted in healthy living around work and family commitments?

I’ve worked in a casino for 26 years and the nightshifts can cause problems. Especially eating at the wrong times, but I take healthy stuff into work and try not to eat carbs after 2am. It’s easier if I’m prepared beforehand.

What running plans do you have for 2016?

As I’ve already mentioned, I’ve signed up for the Liverpool Spring 10k, I’d like to up my distance and speed and (work permitting) start going to the local parkruns. My dad kindly reminded me yesterday that I’m no spring chicken any more and should I really be running at my age! Ha ha, I’m not stopping. I feel too good to stop running.

Janet

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself…

Three and a half years ago just before I fell pregnant with my daughter I weighed 16 1/2 stone and was a size 18-20. I had just returned from my holiday and saw the pictures of myself and knew I had to change. I was depressed and uncomfortable with myself and lacking confidence. I started eating more healthily. Then when my daughter was 6 weeks old I started running and followed a healthy diet plan. The weight began to drop off me and now I am a size 10 weighing between 10st – 10st 7 (that’s my weight range I fluctuate between)

How long have you been running? What do you like about it?

I have been running nearly 3 years now – it’s the only time that is completely my own. I am free to think and be just me. It keeps my anxiety and depression at bay and fills me with a great sense of achievement.

Did you do anything alongside your running to help you get healthier?

As well as running regularly, I also trained using kettle bells, did spin and body pump classes, and I followed a healthy eating plan.

What changes has getting healthier made to your life?

I have a lot more confidence and feel happier with myself. I am a lot less stressed and my home life is a lot happier. I love playing with my two children, running around after them. My relationship with my husband is brilliant.

How do you plan to maintain your healthy lifestyle?

I plan to continue running and increase weight training and carry on eating healthily.

How have you fitted in healthy living around work/family commitments?

It’s tough fitting running in around work and family life. My husband supports me in my running and watches the children when I go on long runs. After I have dropped my son off at school, I go for a run pushing my daughter in her buggy. I am a morning person and prefer exercising before breakfast. Eating healthily is now part of our family life.

What running plans do you have for 2016?

I plan to run 20-25 miles per week and I have entered three half marathons this year.
Running isn’t easy, the hardest step is the first one out of the door. However, once you are out there, you are free to run as far as you want, as slow or fast as you want! It’s good for the body, mind and soul.

Michelle