Running helped this celebrity mom-trepreneur get back in shape. – By Lisa Nevitt

Age: 35
Home Town: Cape Town
Height: 1.62m
Occupation: Television and radio presenter
Time Required: 3 months
Then: 72kg
Now: 57kg

THE WAKE-UP

When I was pregnant with the most beautiful, coolest little girl, I picked up 12kg. Which was normal; but in my third trimester, I developed some bizarre eating habits. Among my cravings were peaches, salt-and vinegar crisps, and loads of fruit juice. At lunchtime, I tucked into two hamburgers – and I don’t even like them!

THE SHAKE-UP

The most exercise I’d ever done was one Pilates class a week. So when I started running with a trainer, nine weeks after the birth of my daughter, I found even the first 800 metres hard. In fact, it was so difficult I only managed around five kilometres over the course of the next six weeks! My biggest challenge was finding the time to fit running into my busy schedule. My trainer had committed to running with me, which motivated me to stick to my goal. Running my first five-kay race, I realised I had grown to enjoy running, because of its benefits: it’s cheap, gets you outside in the fresh air, and helps you to lose weight.

THE REWARD

Perseverance and hard work led to achieving a goal – in this case it was a five-kay race, but I can apply the principle to just about every aspect of my life. I’ve joined the running community in Cape Town, and I’ve added running to a list of hobbies that includes golf and cooking. At 57kg, I’m happy with my weight. I don’t have to be on a controlled diet to keep it off: all I have to do is enjoy exercise.

Inspired to start running? Start here.

READ MORE ON: lose-weight run it off weight loss