Biggest NSV: I ran 7km!! + before and after pics

nadiamode · October 2012

I'm so happy right now I have to share this, because I was just looking at photos on my Facebook timeline and thought: well thank you Facebook, now I know exactly when I became unhealthy. And then I scrolled up and thought I'd share my progress.

This was me last year (May 2011). I don't know exact weight but probably around 85kg.

I had a great time eating, but felt generally sluggish and I had a really unhealthy lifestyle to boot. I never exercised and justified binge eating (there was always a reason for second and third helpings, and second and third desserts). I was also super uncomfortable taking photos, as you can probably tell here.

This was my birthday last year (December 2011). Check out the sweater, looks tight around the arms... I'm gonna wear it again in a bit.

Finally I decided I had enough and took baby steps to change my outlook on the whole diet and exercise thing. I found C25K, and felt better and stronger each week I completed. It wasn't easy and I repeated a few days, sometimes up to three times. Of course I fell off the wagon a few times with food, but I kept up the exercise and did it, even if it was just half an hour at the gym, at least three times a week.

July 2012:

This is me wearing that same sweater above, carrying my lil sister's birthday cake (August 2012). 8 or 9 kg lost.

And finally, yesterday, I had the biggest victory of all, beyond the scales and beyond that awesome feeling that my clothes are all looser. I ran in a 7km race and finished it. To make it even sweeter, I received a medal (for running! which has never happened before in my life!) which means I finished in the first 1,500 out of over 4,000 participants.

I seriously never ever thought I could do it, and it's just awesome to cross the finish line. Just a few months ago if you'd told me I'd participate in a 7km run and complete it, I'd say you were crazy. I've still got some way to go before my target weight and fitness level, but for the first time in my life, I feel it's actually achievable.

Thank you MyFitnessPal community. We can all do it!!