615 replies to this topic

[PlodBod]

busymum, on Mar 26 2008, 09:46 AM, said:

This is my first post so I'm feeling very nervous but after watching here for so long it's time!

Thanks so much for this wonderful thread.  I started exercising at 111kgs two years ago and now at 86kgs I still have a way to go but have come so far.  I love running now - it's such a huge part of my life and I still can't believe I'm training for my first half marathon (Gold Coast).  

You are all so inspirational.  Thank you for sharing.

Welcome to CR Busymum.

Good luck for the half - see  you up there!

[Ellie80]

 DSC01895.jpg   246.3K   392 downloads  DSC01481_1.jpg   138.37K   475 downloads

Well this has been a long process for me and admittedly there has been a bit of an injury hurdle lately which has re-added a few kegs... but hopefully I won't ever get back to the first picture which was probably 10 years ago (with my baby cousin)...

The 'after' photo is with coolrunning celeb uncle dave at the Gold Coast half marathon where he kindly ran with me - much to the surprise of many people who spotted him along the course, or spotted his time in the results

Actually it is good to remind myself that even though I feel like an injured lump at the moment, I have still changed my life radically over the last few years and am unlikely to ever go back to where I was.

[AussieRunner]

All of you are just amazing. I nearly fell over myself to show my non-runner husband all of your wonderful photos. His words were "I'm going for a run tonight!"

Good on you all!

[blkbox]

I don't have any of the "before" photos, as I would not allow myself to be in front of the camera.

However I do have these: -







.... and yes the top in the first picture was way too small for me when at my heaviest.

[wombatoutofhell]

Great effort there busymum-welcome to coolrunning and good luck with the 1/2!  Maybe start a thread or a blog so we can follow your progress?

Blkbox, I'm going to have to get a pick in the only fat shirt I have left!  Great pics and well done.  Same for Greg and Tim-truly amazing.

As for Ellie-this is the one that I was stunned by.  I've seen various pics of you around the traps, here and on facebook and I seem to remember an article on you in R4YL?  You always look so fit and healthy-I never dreamed you'd ever had a weight problem.  Truly inspiring stuff.

I'm really enjoying this thread.  It's turning into a good example of what can be achieved by a change of lifestyle.  I hope it inspires people who are having trouble shifting weight!

[blair]

wombatoutofhell, on Mar 26 2008, 12:46 PM, said:

As for Ellie-this is the one that I was stunned by.  I've seen various pics of you around the traps, here and on facebook and I seem to remember an article on you in R4YL?  You always look so fit and healthy-I never dreamed you'd ever had a weight problem.  Truly inspiring stuff.

Agreed. That is one amazing transformation! Well done to everyone.

[MPHinLondon]

Yep, had issues with my weight too, hence the take up of running.

The first pic is me when I started running in Sep 04 at 86KG (3rd from left), the later is March 06 in at 68KG.

You gotta love running.

[kathmandu]

Im loving this thread, im really enjoying seeing what you all look like!!!
and of course being amazed at your transformations.

[MrsWombat]

Wow... it is so nice to see that your not alone.  I cant beleive how important running has become in my life not only for health and well being but for social reasons and the encouragment and pride like this shown in this thread demonstrate the benefits the CR community has for everyone.    Its great to see final results that are so long lasting and so impressive and Im not just talking about the shirtless guys.   We all know that we loose the weight for ourselves and to make our lives better but it is always nice to hear an encouraging word on those days the chocolate bars are calling loudly to us.  I will be so proud if - no when- i get to my finished weight and sharing it with such a great bunch of people just makes it all that much better.

keep up the good work and the inspirational photos.

Mrs Wombat

Edited by MrsWombat, 26 March 2008 - 02:00 PM.

[slowmo]

busymum, on Mar 26 2008, 09:46 AM, said:

This is my first post so I'm feeling very nervous but after watching here for so long it's time!

Welcome to CR !  And congratulations on your own 'transformation' - that's a really impressive effort.

slowmo

[Emrun]

No before pics for me, I hated having my photo taken.

Before running - 75kg
Now - 59kg

As a 170cm chick 75kg is probably not considered too bad and my transformation is piddling compared to the inspirational stories here from other people.  However I knew I was on a slippery slope and am thankful every day that I took those first (panting) steps to becoming a runner and also a much happier and healthier person  

[PlodBod]

MrsWombat, on Mar 26 2008, 02:59 PM, said:

Wow... it is so nice to see that your not alone.  I cant beleive how important running has become in my life not only for health and well being but for social reasons and the encouragment and pride like this shown in this thread demonstrate the benefits the CR community has for everyone.    Its great to see final results that are so long lasting and so impressive and Im not just talking about the shirtless guys.   We all know that we loose the weight for ourselves and to make our lives better but it is always nice to hear an encouraging word on those days the chocolate bars are calling loudly to us.  I will be so proud if - no when- i get to my finished weight and sharing it with such a great bunch of people just makes it all that much better.

keep up the good work and the inspirational photos.

Mrs Wombat

Seconded.  And the shirted guys  

Edited by PlodBod, 26 March 2008 - 03:35 PM.

[tim]

I was thinking about this thread out on my run today.  Originally I started running to lose weight.  i had found an old pair of jeans in a box that i had worn in my 20's and I could not get them much past my knees.  The jeans just said to me you are fat.  I could not just get past it by saying i am big boned or suck my gut in when in front of the mirror I had become a fat guy.  I did think about going back to sport again but running so easily fit into my life.  So I started by going out every morning and walking a bit, running a bit.  The more I did the more I thought about what I was eating.  it seemed silly to work so hard and then throw the mornings session away with beer and chocolate.  

But in the process something happened - I started to enjoy running.  So my focus shifted from running to lose weight to losing weight to run better.  The shift in focus made it less about food and denial and more about achieving dreams and goals.

I did eventually fit into those jeans.  But they were so out of fashion I couldn't wear them so i had to buy a new pair.

I still have to watch my weight but I love running and it keeps me in check.  

I am sure there are people out there who are reading this and do not post.  Who are still in the early stages of this journey.  

Well it all starts with an idea.  Just work at that idea a little every day.  Eventually before you know it you are a different person.

The song says "from little things big things grow"  But maybe we should reword it.

[slowmo]

I honestly had no idea that so many of you had started out with unwanted kilos and low fitness.  As a newbie I tend to think of most other CR folk, especially those who've been here a while, as born athletes.  So this thread has been a revelation and, yes, inspiring.

I'm one of those very lucky ones who has never had to deal with excessive weight - I've always been a beanpole.  My own transformation, that I hope I'm running towards, is in my head (I suppose I could have before and after brain scans).  But on that note, it seems to me that you have all achieved that as well - with the outside changes reflecting an even more substantial inner transformation.

I luv youse all

slowmo

[Jogger]

I will dig out my before and after photos - I definitely only got started to lose weight.

Quote

Well it all starts with an idea.

Tim - you know the finish to that sentence - the idea is just crazy enough that it might actually work, where all else failed. In my case I ran as far as I could every night for 2 years in my soccer kit - went from 100m to 12km. I didn't read running mags, there was no internet, read no books on running, knew no runners, didn't know about races or clubs or anything, it was me and my neighbourhood.

[MrsWombat]

Tim you are so right.  It is really a mind set thing.  I started running because Wombat started running and as a really big girl I was afraid he would find something that I just could not participate in.  At first I was really angry that he found such a love for the running and to a degree I was jealous becasue I could see he was gaining so much out of it, fitness, calmness and general good humor.  When I started to walk/run I did so mostly angry and feeling I sort of had to and cause Im so muchj slower ( no natural born athlete here) I was afraid that I still wouldnt be good enough but something changed.  yes I started really loosing weight which was great and I love taht I am again flexible and starting to come to a size I can live with but after a while I realised I wasnt running "because I had to", I was running becasue I wanted to.  I may always be last I might never crack a time close to the "athletes" but I love every event.  I love the feeling of movement , I love taht my lungs no longer explode from a little bit of work, I love how I can walk anywhere for any length of time and I dont feel exhausted, I love taht  i smile more and taht I am happier with myself, I love how I feel.  And when the sweat is pooring down my back whilst I Jalk along being passed by everyone I know I love the "Go Cool runners" being passed to me with a smile and a wave.  I love taht everyone cheers me on as I stagger across the line ( cause they have all been there an hour and a half waiting so they have the energy to scream me across the line. ) I love that one day I will beat Tiger over the line ( I will be running half his distance) and I know Tiger will be thrilled for me.(Or else!)  I love that Others of my friends and family tell me Im inspiring them and I hope taht one day they can come and feel how great such a simmple thing as running can be.  
I love our sport and the wonderful impact it is having on all our lives

Mrs Wombat

[tim]

JoggerKev, on Mar 26 2008, 06:23 PM, said:

I didn't read running mags, there was no internet, read no books on running, knew no runners, didn't know about races or clubs or anything, it was me and my neighbourhood.

so what do you do?

create your own online running community of course.

Kev I bet you have probably made more fat people slim via coolrunning then many of those diets I see on TV.

[chisholm]

slowmo, on Mar 26 2008, 05:20 PM, said:

I honestly had no idea that so many of you had started out with unwanted kilos and low fitness.  As a newbie I tend to think of most other CR folk, especially those who've been here a while, as born athletes.  So this thread has been a revelation and, yes, inspiring.

I agree wholeheartedly. And I think the same goes for not just weight loss but running ability.  As a relative newbie it's easy to think that all of you mad people who run two marathons in a weekend (you know who you are...    ) were just born like that - but of course you all started out the same way we did and have built up over many years.

A very inspirational thread.

[SlowDave]

Plazbot where are you on this thread? Surely you have some reasonable before and after photos??

[Hamburglar]

Speaking of Plazbot, I got this from his blog. Scroll down and gets better and better.

[Joey74]

busymum, on Mar 26 2008, 09:46 AM, said:

This is my first post so I'm feeling very nervous but after watching here for so long it's time!

Thanks so much for this wonderful thread.  I started exercising at 111kgs two years ago and now at 86kgs I still have a way to go but have come so far.  I love running now - it's such a huge part of my life and I still can't believe I'm training for my first half marathon (Gold Coast).  

You are all so inspirational.  Thank you for sharing.

Well done Busymum, C U at the Gold Coast

Jo

[cakeboy]

Hamburglar, on Mar 26 2008, 08:30 PM, said:

Speaking of Plazbot, I got this from his blog. Scroll down and gets better and better.

Incredible. You couldn't get odds of a million to one that a guy that size would one day run a 3.15 marathon at the end of an ironman tri.

Well done to all of you and thanks for sharing your pics and stories. Truly inspirational

cheers Dave

[sol]

wombatoutofhell, on Mar 19 2008, 10:23 PM, said:

So who else has some pics to share?

I found this one from April 2005, just before I was given the cholesterol wake-up call from my GP, at 90kg.

 chunky.jpg   62.88K   277 downloads

This second one was at Melbourne Half Marathon, October 2007. I was 79kg, although I must admit that most of the weight loss was from changing my eating habits. The running then improved as a consequence ...

 slim.jpg   67.66K   300 downloads

My cholesterol dropped from "very high" to "acceptable" too, by the way

csol

[Ned]

I've gone from 113kg to 69kg, as a 170cm female. I don't have any photos of me at my biggest (something about denial at the time I suppose!!) but I'm sure family and friends do!. I have been running 18mths and in that time the scales have hardly moved, only around 4-5kg but I've dropped probably 2 sizes in clothes. Bring on the muscle!!!

Edited by Neda, 01 April 2008 - 04:53 PM.

[sook54]

Great pix everyone!

I have dropped from 78 to 59kg (167cm) - the last 11 after taking up running (before that it was lots of walking as well as WW). Like others here I avoided the camera at my largest.

I can't believe how much better I feel in just about every way.

[SlowManiac]

Awesome stories all!
I have dropped about 15kg's and more importantly have stopped smoking and am now only a very occassional drinker. Running has truly changed my life. Last year for my birthday my friends gave me a kilo pack of bacon and a home brew beer kit. This year I got a whole bunch of running kit to run an ultra marathon
Amazing what a difference a year can make

[running sweetlee]

You guys truly rock.... I have been blown away by your before and after photos!!  Fantastic  

It comes at a fitting time for me as I am struggling big time with an unwanted 6-8kgs which at the moment I am blaming on getting older and hormones     It doesn't sound like much but it is to me and it makes me feel and look disgusting.  Someone took a photo at the Transport on Sunday after Run 4 Kids and I nearly died when I saw myself!  I am now in the danger zone as usually after my "big" races, I fall into a slump and exercise goes out the window, school holidays are not helping either, ggrrrr!

Anyway, that said, I will continue to follow this thread to get the inspiration I need to remind me of the weight I need to get off!!  Lee

[SouthAustralian]

csol, on Apr 1 2008, 03:18 PM, said:

I found this one from April 2005, just before I was given the cholesterol wake-up call from my GP, at 90kg.

chunky.jpg

This second one was at Melbourne Half Marathon, October 2007. I was 79kg, although I must admit that most of the weight loss was from changing my eating habits. The running then improved as a consequence ...

slim.jpg

My cholesterol dropped from "very high" to "acceptable" too, by the way

csol

Sol...this is amazing! Not only do you look like a different person, but you look ALOT younger as well.
Terrific effort mate, well done

Frank in SA

[sol]

SouthAustralian, on Apr 3 2008, 01:24 PM, said:

Sol...this is amazing!

Thanks Frank ...

SouthAustralian, on Apr 3 2008, 01:24 PM, said:

Not only do you look like a different person, but you look ALOT younger as well.

Must be the CR cap

Cheers,
sol

[Eagle]

Hamburglar, on Mar 26 2008, 09:30 PM, said:

Speaking of Plazbot, I got this from his blog. Scroll down and gets better and better.

I have been reading the thoughts and looking at the pictures with absolute amazement. I took particular interest in Plazbot and am blown away.

I am not sure I have any photos of when I was much heavier than I am now and for the same reasons as others - you did not want to be reminded of your excess weight and shape. But that was 10 or so years ago.

I do not watch very much TV but at the moment I have been following the Biggest Loser. Yes I know what you may say - there is a lot of dramtics in it but deep down there are some inspring people on it who have had significant weight problems and are working on them. To me it is suprsining how much there needs to be not just a shift in what you do in regard to eating but maybe more importantly what you think.

I see that as an underlying thought in many posts. Keep the posts and pics coming.

Edited for spelling

Edited by Eagle, 03 April 2008 - 05:42 PM.

[Bellthorpe]

Another way to help lose weight is to watch Gordon Ramsay.

Lots of restaurant kitchens I wouldn't want to eat food from!

[PlodBod]

Bellthorpe, on Apr 3 2008, 04:02 PM, said:

Another way to help lose weight is to watch Gordon Ramsay.

     I LOVE GORDON RAMSAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  He's a very accomplished marathon runner, and I would be all the faster with him to chase! *sigh*

[CoolwalkerDavid]

I don't have suitable before and after pics either - I could doctor the scales and take pictures of them!!!

But in my case it is not so much the 19kg less that I am now ( or the 8kg I relost again after a blow out again late last year) than the 105kg I was when I realised I was stuffed a couple of years ago

but the difference in skin colour/enthusiasm/zest for life - which are more due to life changes than just walking - but walking was a big part of it.

Edited by Coolwalker David N N, 11 April 2008 - 12:14 PM.

[Slow Sue]

Wow, wow, wow.

How inspirational. Absolutely Lifechanging.

[SlowDave]

running sweetlee, on Apr 3 2008, 08:19 AM, said:

You guys truly rock.... I have been blown away by your before and after photos!!  Fantastic  

It comes at a fitting time for me as I am struggling big time with an unwanted 6-8kgs which at the moment I am blaming on getting older and hormones     It doesn't sound like much but it is to me and it makes me feel and look disgusting.

6-8 kilos made a big difference to me. In fact I reckon I can tell when I move from 77kg to 79kg just by how I feel. It seems to be some kind of critical weight for me.

[MrsWombat]

OK as of this weekend I FINALLY got below the 100kg mark and am now sitting around 99.5.  I dont remember the last time my weight was under 100kgs and still going down.  Thats 45kg off and about 25-30 to go.  I cant beleive how much it shows until I look at my most recent running photos being R4tk.  I feel like a whole new person ( or at least like I lost a whole old one!)  Well done to everyone for their own personal trimphs it is so inspiring to see peopel I take to be natural born athletes were once struggling too.

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[sol]

MrsWombat, on Apr 21 2008, 04:26 PM, said:

OK as of this weekend I FINALLY got below the 100kg mark and am now sitting around 99.5.  I dont remember the last time my weight was under 100kgs and still going down.  Thats 45kg off and about 25-30 to go.  I cant beleive how much it shows until I look at my most recent running photos being R4tk.  I feel like a whole new person ( or at least like I lost a whole old one!)  Well done to everyone for their own personal trimphs it is so inspiring to see peopel I take to be natural born athletes were once struggling too.

Woohoo Mrs W!   You've nearly lost the combined weight of my two children!

Keep up the excellent work,
sol

[JustinS007]

MrsWombat, on Apr 21 2008, 04:26 PM, said:

OK as of this weekend I FINALLY got below the 100kg mark and am now sitting around 99.5

Wow, you look so fantastically happy in that shot.  It is clear that running has helped you and you should be super proud.  Melbourne Marathon half in October next?  It could be an ideal goal to keep the motivation up.

J.

[Spectre]

Congrats on a great achievement Mrs Wombat!      You're looking great!

[PlodBod]

Mrs Wombat you look fab in that picture!  Sooo happy and clearly loving your running!

[StellaBella]

There are some really fabulously inspirational stories here!
Makes my achievements feel insignificant but looking at the pics gives me a bit of a shock too.

Broke up with BF in Dec 2006 weighing around 91kg - had gained around 20-25kg over 2.5 years! I guess we both got fat and complacent as you do!
I started losing weight from Jan 2007 and although I can't necessarily attribute the loss to running, more that it was just exercising and eating better, I did start the C25K that month however.
Anyways, at the moment I'm hovering 72-73kg but would like to lose about 8-10kg more so I'm a work in progress. Am hoping that losing the weight will help me get faster! (and look better.... but funnily enough it's the speed aspect that seems more important!)

Pic 1 was taken xmas eve 06
Pic 2 I took last week (head has been removed coz I looked awful!).

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[sol]

Brilliant StellaBella - you look fantastic! By the look of that second picture it seems you don't have another 10kg to lose

Top work  

sol

[Peterhorse]

Just gotta say how rewarding it is to see the transformations for people on this thread. really appreciate you sharing these pics to highlight what can be done. great work everyone!

PH

[RunLikeForrest]

holy cow! you guys are definately inspirational! you all look amazing!

maybe one day I'll have some awesome 'after' photos to show you all

[SlowDave]

RunLikeForrest, on May 4 2008, 02:08 PM, said:

holy cow! you guys are definately inspirational! you all look amazing!

maybe one day I'll have some awesome 'after' photos to show you all

Make sure you take a "before" photo as early as possible. You can always hide it for a while, but it makes the "after" photo look so much more impressive.  

[JustinS007]

RunLikeForrest, on May 4 2008, 02:08 PM, said:

maybe one day I'll have some awesome 'after' photos to show you all

Come on.  Give us a "before" pic now.  Then you've committed to achieving your "after" goals.

We all admire your tenacity and decision to improve your lifestyle through running.

J.

[Jogger]

I have felt inspired by this thread. I was sporty as a kid but them piled on the weight doing exams and bizarrely started running to lose weight. I didn't even think of running a race or a club for years and just enjoyed running by myself.

Hong Kong 1982 - weight: a lot!:
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Canada 1994 (more info) - approx 62kg:
 canada_1994.jpg   116.33K   190 downloads

Sydney 2008 - approx 77kg:
 sydney_2008.jpg   123.7K   159 downloads

[thomo]

That is the biggest bum bag I have ever seen Kevin in Canada

[rivercat]

This is such an inspirational thread - I've been lucky, I've never had to battle with my weight (apart from being too skinny as a kid) which is just as well - I have no willpower when it comes to food. I can't imagine the determination it must take to go out running and change your diet and keep at it with such large goals, knowing it's a very long road. Congratulations to all of you!

[Gentle Runner]

Wow, Mrs Wombat and Stellabella--FANTASTIC work!!! Thanks for sharing the stories and being such an inspiration.

I'm about 70kg and 10kg more than my weight always used to sit at up until four years ago. I don't know what's changed since then but for some reason I just sit around 70kg. Very frustrating when I do so much activity! Am trying to eat more healthily, but it's damn hard with such a raging appetite from all the exercise. Has anyone else had their weight just increase and then stabilise for no apparent reason? And have they been able to get it back down again naturally?