It’s been a while since my last running and fitness post, my last real update was about my Moonlight Challenge race back in March. It didn’t go to plan, mostly because I didn’t follow my plan (and instead ran by feel). It was at this point that I realised that whilst I had embraced some of the learnings from my early finish at Robin Hood 100 (at the 50 mile point) and have been training hard and getting faster, I hadn’t focused on my weight.
I am not fat by any means but I do have fat. I have always been a bit on the large side on my backside, which has made it tricky to find clothes that fit thighs, bum and waist. Having over-heated once again at Moonlight I decided to look at my fat levels. Surely if I can remove some of the fat around my core I’ll be insulated less and may not get quite as hot (or may take longer to get as hot). It was whilst walking a lap with the Boyf that we decided intermittent fasting might be a good option for me. That and doing some strength work.
I weighed myself on the 15th March, 151.4lbs (68.7kg). Not hugely heavy but still room for improvement. I started on the intermittent fasting that week (eating between 12pm and 8pm each day) and cut out my morning goat’s milk latte, switching it for espresso. No major issues, and I started to lose weight. I wasn’t getting any extra exercise though, just my normal run program. It was at that point that I decided to sign up to Amanda Tress’s FASTer Way To Fat Loss program* (affiliate link). This combined the eating habits the Boyf and I had decided were worthwhile trying (intermittent fasting and carb cycling), an exercise program I could do at home (having quit the gym) AND an online Facebook support group to keep me committed and on track.
The course started with a prep week to get people used to the timings of intermittent fasting and introduce us to the type of exercise we would be doing each week. It was at the start of prep week that we took our measurements and weighed ourselves for the last time during the 6 week program. One of Amanda‘s key rules is no weighing whilst on the plan. This is because she is keen for you to focus on non-scale victories, like feeling better, stronger, clothes fitting better (or worse in my case as my leggings waist bands are way too big for my stomach!). Sometimes these can all occur without you losing much weight, and if you see that in the program you can lose heart and motivation.
At the start of prep week (22nd March) I weighed in at 147lbs! So I had already seen a drop in weight from the new way of eating, and was ready to build on that with Amanda’s program. I also took a range of measurements to gauge progress.
The last 6 weeks have flown by, not least because I have been busy with work, crewing the Boyf on his brilliant run at SDW50, and his even more brilliant run at Viking 100 (he’s got a blog post brewing on this one). I’ll do some more detailed posts on the program but I just want to share the highlights and my results today. It has been a whirlwind but one that has seen me get huge support from Amanda and the ladies in the “Crew 6” group on Facebook! They have been with me to keep on track on posting my daily macros (logged in MyFitnessPal) and keeping on top of the workouts. It wasn’t easy at first, especially on the days I had to up my carbs to 50% of my daily intake. For someone who has been eating low carb/high fat this was tough!! I did it though and have been enjoying the mix of low carb, higher carb, low calorie and donut (I mean leg) day!
Yes, Amanda allows us to eat donuts (or your treaty type food of choice) on the day of the weekly killer leg work out. In 6 weeks I have barely been hungry (even in the mornings), I survived a 24 hour fast and have loved the experience! I am slimmer, stronger and very happy with my progress! I am not where I want to be just yet but I am definitely seeing this as a sustainable lifestyle, not a faddy diet I will quite and balloon out again on.
So what are the results I hear you ask?! Well today I weighed in and was 143.8lbs (65.2kg)! That’s 7.6lbs lost since I started intermittent fasting!
I have also reduced in size measurement-wise:
- Biceps: -0.5″
- Bust: -1.5″ under, -1″ boobs
- Waist: -1″ above my belly button, -1.5″ at my belly button, -2″ below my belly button
- Hips: -2″
- Thighs:+1.5″
- Calves: 0 loss but definition is kicking in and my cankles are shrinking
There’s a slight increase in my thigh size, but I put that down to the squats, lunges, step-ups etc that I have been doing. They are more toned and so I am not going to stress on that for now. As more fat burns off I have a feeling they’ll reduce a bit over time. I’d rather have strong thighs for running hills anyway, so no complaints!
These photos show me in the prep week and in week 4 (2 weeks ago). As you can see I am slimmer and more toned, especially in my back where the bikini strap is and my “saddle-bag” area! You can also see the affect this has had on my waist, as the following photo shows the state of my leggings 6 weeks in…..I am definitely going to have to go on a shopping spree!
What do you think? I am so impressed, I have signed up for the next cycle starting on 22nd May. I am hoping that this will get me into proper race shape for Race to the King at the end of June. This is a point to point run across part of the South Downs Way and it’s not going to be easy! The better the shape I can get into the happier I will be. Especially if it’s typical June weather with sun and heat! I think this is definitely helping though, and once I do reach my goal shape/weight I think it’s a sustainable way to eat and workout.
Are you looking to shape up for a sport, or just to be more healthy? If so this course could be a great way to do it. If you have any questions on what it’s like not to eat breakfast every day, or to commit to about an hour of exercise then give me a shout. I am more than happy to share my experiences.
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