I couldn’t believe the difference! I went back to a website that I use now and then to help me calculate calories, exercise and such. It’s great if you’re looking for such. www.myfitnesspal.com – After training and running/walking in the April half marathon and then the training for the October half marathon I was feeling like there is no hope in losing a great deal of weight any more. I always seem to lose 5 pounds and then slowly gain it back through out the training. I know muscle weighs more and such but I don’t see a drastic difference in my clothes either. Recently I checked my measurements – didn’t see anything moving there either. I couldn’t find the measurements I took a few months back but felt they were the same. Then this morning I found those I took 1 year ago and logged in the myfitnesspal.com site, and saw that my waist has shrunk 5 inches since October 2010.
| Measurement | Date | Amount | |
| Waist | 09/22/11 | 28 | |
| Waist | 03/19/11 | 31 | |
| Waist | 10/06/10 | 33 | |
I couldn’t believe my eyes! My neck is 1/2 inch smaller but hips were the same. Wow – 5 inches! I’ll take it. This caused me to dig up other measurements taken in past. Here’s some from 2008:
| Measurement | Date | Amount | |
| Thigh | 07/30/08 | 24 | |
| Waist | 07/30/08 | 32 | |
| hips | 07/30/08 | 40.5 | |
Between 2007 and 2010, I slowly gained 20 pounds and gained several inches – especially around middle. Menopause plays a big part in weight gain for women in 40’s/50’s but while it’s harder to stay in shape, it isn’t impossible. I am not exactly sure why my hips stayed the same though. However, Thighs also are much smaller – I measured today – 20″ and in 2008 – 24″. The best I have ever been and my goal.
| Oct-10 | Jul-08 | Sep-11 | Best | Goal | Yet to Lose | |
| Chest | 39 | 37 | 38 | 36 | 34 | 2 |
| Waist | 33 | 32 | 28 | 28 | 24 | 4 |
| Hips | 42 | 40.5 | 42 | 37 | 34 | 8 |
| Thighs | 24 | 24 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 1 |
I need to lose more in my hips to get back into some of my clothes that I have grown out of. I’m getting there though.
Also, I seem to deal with stress so much better with increased activity. If you struggle with depression – get out and walk or run. Studies now show that it has the same impact as an anti-depressant. Also, even though I am plugged into my Ipod I use that time for prayer too.
Get out and walk or run for 30 minutes to an hour each day…you’ll be glad you did – I know I am.
Have a great day!
Running for Life 
Wow!! Congratulations!!! I couldn’t believe you were doing all this exercise and not losing something. Runners typically have a lower percentage of fat. So you may be more muscle than anything.
Thanks Mary Jo! I have a ways to go but I think my fat percentage is in the upper 20’s. I found a site the determines it based on height, weight, etc. It said mine was 27% roughly. When I was in top condition in 1994 after diet and exercise program, I was at 18% which is now considered unhealthy for women.