Body changes / weight loss

[run_chica_run]

Now, I know I'm getting ahead of myself here, but.... How long will it be before I start seeing a difference to my body and weight? Let's say I ate mostly as normal, but a bit more healthily. Currently in Week 2.

[marmiteandhoney Graduate]

I wasn'tt doing this to lose weight or change how I looked; I just wanted to get fitter. However, I graduated last week, and have had tons of comments about how amazing I'm looking (and so lots of changes to tell people how great this is!).

[run_chica_run in reply to marmiteandhoney]

Thanks for that! And well done I need to fitter, but I also want to look better - so hoping to kill both birds...

[misswobble Graduate]

I don't think you will build muscle as it's not like going to the gym to work out. You will get slimmer though and more toned if you keep running and eating a healthy diet. Probably not til after Graduation, though when you start doing longer runs. Running three our four times a week for 5 k or more will soon see your figure changing for the better and the weight will really start to shift

[run_chica_run in reply to misswobble]

Slimmer is what I want - not muscles especially! I'll keep going - think I'm going to avoid the scales for now though...

[run_chica_run]

Thanks. I'm delighted to hear that slow running is better! It's not as though I've got much choice

[secretjogger Graduate]

I didn't lose any weight for the first 4 weeks but my legs got more shape. Now on wk7 I have lost 2 kilos - back under 25 BMI, by also limiting carbs and all the sweet stuff. Other health benefits are broad: general energy level, belts on tighter knotches, tense shoulders from PC work have gone, self confidence, my breath control in flute playing improving and (sorry but for us 50+ ladies): very slight bladder control issues from first few weeks disappeared completely. All good.

[run_chica_run in reply to secretjogger]

That sounds great - I am just impatient... I am considering kick starting things with a juice/raw food couple of days, but I don't know if I'd have the energy to run then!

[misswobble Graduate]

You need carbs when you're running, in the form of wholewheat pasta, potatoes, wholegrain rice etc so don't rule it out of your diet

[kickibro Graduate]

I know that carbs are the runners' friend for energy but I try not to eat too much of them. I think that people tend to eat far more bread, pasta and potatoes than they need and unless you are covering long distances then too many carbs is unhealthy and fattening and in fact makes me feel sluggish. My diet consists of mostly chicken or fish, beans and pulses and fruit and vegetables. Having said that I don't deny myself carbs but I have them in moderation. When I run a 10k then I will eat a bowl of pasta.