I’m going to apologise for this long post in advance, but I’m sure other people must be going through a similar thing.
A few months ago I was struggling, I needed a focus and a confidence boost. I did regular exercise in Zumba and Pilates, plenty of walking but needed something with a goal a bit of structure.
It’s worth mentioning I’m overweight I’m a size 16 to 18 not much over 5 foot tall.
My biggest issue when taking on C25K was stress and anxiety. My confidence had took a hit. I took on the plan because I’d always said “I can’t run” but been jealous of everyone who could.
My relationship with the scales has been weight up = bad day, weight down =good day simple as that. So when taking on the challenge I decided to ditch the scales and not let them have any power over my mood, determination and progress. It was the right decision.
The great news is I completed the plan, I can run 5k!! It takes me longer than the 30 mins, my mood, confidence has taken a massive boost. My body shape is changing, clothes are either fitting better or slightly too big. My husband has commented “I have a glow about me” for me that’s enough I’m on the right track.
My latest issue has been with other people who are now asking how much weight have you lost? a neighbor (a lovely lady) actually shouted after me yesterday “are you a size eight yet??” My response “yes if you put a 1 in front of it!!” It’s really bothering me that that something that has such a negative effect and previously held me back is creeping in to something so positive. At around 8 weeks in I’d received a few compliments about weight loss, I jumped on the scales to find I was the same maybe even a 1lb heavier, what followed was a wasted day of sulking and overeating.
I’m 💯 sure eventually the scales will catch up , they may have even started to. My reasons because my attitude to food is very gradually changing, my starve binge cycle has gone, I’ve got a new found respect for my body (did I mention it can run 5k) running is becoming anew obsession, choc was my previous obsession 😂 I’m an emotional eater and my emotions have been improving. I’m slowly starting to opt for food that will help my next run not create a high etc These changes are very gradual as I’m sure my weight losses will be.
For years I’ve bought into the idea that weight loss = more confidence, fitter, stronger, more successful. Better person. When all it has lead to is the scales holding power over me.
Well now I’m working on my fitness and confidence and behaviours, weight loss can be a long term result of that certainly not the focus. Fluctuations and Scales you have no power over me!! 😂🤦♀️
I’m just sorry it’s took me 40 years to work it out, onwards and upwards.
I told you it was a long post!
Xx
Written by
CrazyDogLady19
Graduate
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Loved your post and can resonate with what’s been said. I use my measuring tape or gage by how my clothes are fitting to measure my results. I started the C25K program on my birthday as I wanted to challenge myself and prove that I can do it. I got my last run tomorrow and will graduate I’m so determined!
Good luck and love how focused you’re! It’s a great feeling when you’re on track and you will get to goal!!
My birthday was 2 months ago, That’s when I started the C25K plan. Wanted to start afresh. I’m also a short 5ft 2 and my plan to get into the healthy range Bmi and my waist to get below 32 inches. To prevent type 2 diabetes as 3 of my family members have recently been diagnosed and that has scared me. Btw all 3 are healthy ranges too! So I thought what chance have I got as I’m considered overweight 😬
Good luck, tape measure is such a good idea. I’m sure you’ll do it! I wasn’t aware of the link with weight size and diabetes I’m currently a couple of inches over so another goal I can aim for without the focus on the scales. Thank you 😊
Icandoit2019, you might find Dr Moseley's book, the 8 week blood sugar diet, interesting. It includes lots of information about people reversing their type 2 diabetes following this low carb , Mediterranean style diet.
I am weighed when I visit hospital every three months, but although I don't weigh myself, I can tell them if my weight has changed in either direction, because I know my body. Getting rid of your scales and continuing on your"respect for your body" journey is a brilliant success for you and a feather in the cap of C25K, which is a real eye opener for most who partake.
You have the determination to get on top of all these issues and you are a superb advertisement for C25K.
Thank you so much, for the first time in what seems like a long time I’m proud of myself. The change in perspective has come along with that. Thank you so much for your encouraging words and advice.
I wish I could do the same. I am completely obsessed with my weight. I weigh myself at the same time every day and like you, it puts me in a bad mood for the whole day if those numbers are wrong!
I started C25K in November last year, and now I can run 5k pretty much whenever I want. I have lost loads of weight (about 2 stone), I have ditched my size 20 jeans for size 16s, and still I am in a bad mood today because I weigh half a pound more than yesterday. I know it’s stupid and ridiculous but I can’t help it. I think I need to ditch those scales and try to focus more on the positives too. Thanks for sharing this.
Omg sounds like you’re done amazingly!!! What massive achievement.
Being obsessed with the number on the scales is a hard one, previously I’d obsess and then give up so I’d obviously put weight on, part of the crash diet cycle. This time all I cared about was completing the C25K i knew if I weighed myself daily had the black cloud of a gain over my head I’d not be able to do it mentally. Everything else has fell into place as a result.
I’m no expert I just know how I work and those scales just have to much of a hold. Like you I get it, I understand that there’s so many reasons for fluctuations but they still manage to hold all the power.
Maybe if stopping the daily weigh in seems daunting switch to once a month or week to begin.
Good luck with your running journey and thanks for the feedback ☺️
Thank you for sharing. I am gradually trying to adapt to a better relationship with the scales too so this was a lovely positive post to read. Well done! 😊
Thank you Lindsey, I’m overwhelmed by how many people seem to suffer from the same thing. Intelligent women and men and we all get sucked in to the same way of thinking. The diet industry doesn’t help..lose 10lbs become better..we’ll get there, I’m sure!! X
🤔 it's so easily done, and it's not just scales. If my Garmin says I'm being Unproductive or just "Maintaining" or worst still...Detraining! I get into a panic and push myself harder to make the thing give me validation... until I remember it's just a computer. Then I remember I don't need an algorithm to give me validation. It's standing up for yourself and giving yourself credit when you deserve and need it and taking responsibility when maybe I have actually been slacking but treating myself kindly. I'm not always on the right track but over time the habits help 👍
Exactly, it’s so hard we’re almost programmed for eyes on the prize “if I get under this weight I’ll be happy “ I have to stop myself logging all the time, less logging an more getting. $h!£ done!! 😂🤦♀️ They’re hard behaviours to break but we’re getting there!! ☺️👏
Scales are the worst! I've had so many down moods because of the dreaded scales, I've literally worked my butt off and they don't even acknowledge my efforts!
As for people commenting on your weight! really! I get peed off when the vet comments on my dogs weight! she's a fit and happy lab and enjoying an active happy life, I'm just glad she doesn't understand what's being said about her...lol
I haven't been on any scales for a few months and I'm happy to keep it that way, I've accepted me, I'm not getting any younger but I can keep myself as fit as I reasonably can, sounds like your also coming to that frame of mind. I don't know if being slim makes a person any happier but being healthy should be the main priority, I'm proud of my 50 year old self it can run 5k!
You are amazing crazydoglady and an inspiration to anyone who reads your post!
Ok genuinely got a bit tearful at this post, thank you so much for your lovely words. It does sound like you are of a similar frame of mind not just on the scales but on dogs too!! Love labs she sounds wonderful!!
A change in priority is hard especially when we are constantly told weight is everything, but yes health first. I’d be a liar if I said I don’t want to lose weight but making everything about the scales will not work for me, I’ve got to many hang ups and they’re no longer telling me I’m not good enough ☺️
Hey!! 👋🏽👋🏽👋🏽! Just popped in to say you are amazing!! For making you a priority and doing what you love. Whilst on the C25k programme I weighed myself after feeling so fantastic and the blasted machine, not only had me weighing more, I was measured a few inches shorter too!! 🥴 I tried so hard not to let it get to me and I carried on, but it did take some shine off my efforts for a bit.
Then, like you, I decided that it was up to me to choose how I feel. No scale was going to dictate what I thought of myself. I had never weighed before and I didn’t need that to determine if I felt good or felt bad. Those little dashes and numbers can only have the power we give them.
I’ve been running for a year now and have had some off days that have turned into off months of no running, but I keep coming back to me and doing what I love. When it comes to other people, 😂, I’ve been heckled by well meaning pensioners in the park! And ran past groups of young spritely teenagers going to school and I learned to make it fun and I simply didn’t care. In fact my mantra was and still is “Out there, don’t care”! This is 💯 % for me. 30 minutes out of 24 hours (48 hrs with a rest day!) is the very least I can do for me! Keep on keeping on for YOU!
Next time your neighbour asks that question, the answer you might want to give is “ No, not YET, but it’s on the way”! As you run past! Enjoy and run happy!! The rest will come, right on time! 👌🏽❤️
Thank you so much for this reply! So nice to hear others are coming to the same conclusions on the scales. Love the mantra!! I’ve been heckled at least 3 times whilst walking down the street minding my own business by Men old enough to know better. People are odd! Imagine being the kind of person that would make a nasty comment to somebody just to somehow make themselves feel superior 🤷🏽♀️ I’ve found whilst running other runners have been supportive, keep enjoying your running journey and spreading that positivity!!! 💁🏽♀️ ☺️🦸♀️
Hey 😁😁😁! The pensioners did mean well, but it wasn’t helpful. Most people don’t pay as much notice as we think. And remember the fact that you’re doing what they’re sitting down or walking by watching you do. I’m all in the zone of me! And that works just fine! A smile and an inner knowing is the perfect antidote! Be unstoppable!! 😁❤️
I’d like to thank you SO much for taking the time to share this: it absolutely resonates with me. When I didn’t lose weight through the C25k plan I gave up trying: continued running but ate anything and everything and gained some more. I am being weighed weekly at slimming world but it’s taken me until now, six months on from starting the programme and running over 8k on a long run, to find the focus to fuel myself right. I know it will be gradual, and I seriously do need to lose a lot, but your perspective is so positive, realistic and honest, it’s really helped me put everything into perspective. Bless you and enjoy your running x
Thank you so much for your feedback, hey slimming clubs and a weekly weigh in are no longer for me but it doesn’t mean they’re not for everyone. It sounds like you’re doing amazingly 8k wow 😮..one day🙏. Who cares how long it takes you sound like you’ve got tons of knowledge about your own body and how to fuel it. We’re doing alright us 👍👍👍xx
I do wish people would stop apologising for long posts! 😉 long posts are the best! 👍😁
Firstly congratulations on completing the programme! 🏅🎉 it is, I believe, so much more than a running programme. It really does help us find ourselves.
Secondly, a huge well done for taking back the power over your body, what you put into it and over the scales. You will, I'm sure continue to see reductions over time. I found even the thought of dragging my heavy backside up a hill was enough to make me not reach for that extra biscuit! 🤣
I think it's written somewhere that we can't know these things until over 40! 🤣 that's what I'm telling myself anyway!
That so funny it does feel like I’d not been able to see the woods for the trees previously!! You’re right that’s it I’ll eat well because I’m sick of dragging these thighs up hills as I’m running and no other reason 😂🤦♀️Xx
Wonderful posts, it all resonates with me. Good day pound off bad day pound on. Totally colouring the day and my mood. I’ve just graduated today and I’m on holiday too, but it will be my fitness pal and Micheal Moseley 5 2 blood sugar diet when I get back home. I want to combine better eating habits with my running. They say it takes 4 weeks for something to become a habit, it worked with the running so I’m going to try.I am NOT going to weigh every day I’m going to go by measurements and how my clothes feel. I’m glad I’m not the only one obsessed by the flipping scales. Let’s end it now !
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