Unexpected consequences anyone? A new relationship with clothing.

[Greg_M]

I find one of the positive things (amongst so many) I have got from all this is a whole new relationship with clothing. I didn't particularly have a weight issue though was somewhat "doughy" but did tend to hide in baggy, shapeless things in an effort not to be noticed.

I now have gone down a size or so and now wander confidently round clothing stores looking at colourful things, skinny things, shorts, fashion, shoes there is a whole new world out there.

I have even gone back to wearing a tie at work even though I don't have to I just like being smart and feeling confident being smart - Much to the chagrin of some of my colleagues!

I have in the last six months turned around pretty much my whole wardrobe and retain little of what was there before. It's a nice feeling and one I have never had before. 42 years with self-esteem kept in a box in the wadrobe and suddenly it all spills out.

Now sports wear shops, oh my there is a whole essay in that one, I even feel like I should be in there and have a right to be there and buy things that are not going to be worn to the pub but actually for sport.

[CaroleC Graduate]

Ah Greg, it's great when you get to buy a whole new wardrobe!! My revelation is actually being able to find and wear knee boots that fit! Being pearshaped, with tree trunky legs (thanks mum!) at size 14 I found it almost impossible to find boots that fit, but now I have two pairs that are fine. Also I've started wearing fitted skirts more and have the confidence to try new things.

As for sports shops, don't get me started. The worst thing in sports shops as far as I'm concerned is that a lot of the stuff is ok but then they stick gigantic logos over everything, I don't want to be Mrs Nike, Mrs Adidas or anything else.

CaroleC

[mirandababes]

This whole thing does give your self-esteem and confidence a real boost.

Oh and well done with the tie at work - always a winner, I do like a dapper looking bloke

I've always been a bit on the curvy side so feel very 'exposed' in anything shape-hugging. I guess all those media images of stick women vs me in my very pear-shaped body is something I try to hide. But I'm sure I'll get that confidence that you guys have soon

[CaroleC Graduate in reply to mirandababes]

Miranda, you need to totally ignore media images, that's what's ruined our own body image as we compare ourselves to those stick women on tv/film etc. It's not just women now either, apparently men are having problems trying to keep up with the Beckham body.

I can't abide thin men myself, I like a man with a bit of meat on him!!

[PatButcher Graduate]

It's great you have got your new found clothing confidence. I think it'll take me a little longer as I still have my muffin top from having 3 babies and not exercising enough! I have only lost 5 pounds in 6 weeks of doing this, IT IS HARD!!!!!!!

[TJFlute]

No more hiding under the woolly hat

Self-confidence is one of the greatest things that running seems to develop.

Theresa

[Greg_M Graduate in reply to TJFlute]

Hey Theresa! Long time no see, excellent news that you are still out there experiencing the lonliness of the long distance runner.

[TJFlute in reply to Greg_M]

Not so lonely, not when reporting back to you guys...and this site has grown beyond recognition! In the old days we were lucky to get a couple of blogs a day

[CaveBear Graduate]

Greg - I realise that this is an old thread, but just wanted to welcome you to the revolution - blokes who are tired of slouching around in leisure/casual all the time and want a bit more style. Google "Real Men Real Style" and "Ask Andy about clothes" and you'll find there's a lot more of us out there than you might imagine.

Cheers

Graham