How a new mom won back her energy – and her pride. – By Lisa Nevitt

Age: 33
Home Town: Knysna
Height: 1.77m
Occupation: Accounts manager for an orthopaedic surgeon
Time Required: 8 months
Then: 96kg
Now: 66kg

THE WAKE-UP

My weight ballooned when I fell pregnant; the extra 20 kilograms I’d put on left me feeling sluggish, and I didn’t like the way I looked. My husband Marsel, who is a triathlete, told me that if I truly wanted to lose weight, I should take up running.

THE SHAKE-UP

I started to run for just 20 minutes a day, and changed my eating habits. But when you’re heavy it hurts to run; my lungs felt like they were on fire, and my knees ached. At first I was sceptical of Marsel’s claims. It was only when I began to see changes in my appearance that I was glad I’d listened to him. Each time running felt difficult, I reminded myself why I was doing it, and soldiered on.

THE REWARD

Before I fell pregnant, I had run a few races here and there, but with very little training and no real commitment to the cause. Nowadays, I’m more disciplined; and as a result I’ve smashed personal bests in the 5-K, 10-K and half marathon. Before, I could never have run under 6:15/km, but now I’m running under 5:30/km.

Running has taught me that given the right food, training and love, your body will thank you. I love the way my husband looks at me, the compliments I’ve received – and the exciting new wardrobe I’ve had to buy because I’ve dropped a dress size! I no longer feel sluggish, because – thanks to running – I’m bursting with energy. And those PBs have certainly left me in no doubt I can achieve anything I put my mind to.

Inspired to start running and losing weight? Start here.

Have you run off significant weight and changed your life? Email your story to lisa.nevitt@media24.com.

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