From a wake-up call to running through pregnancy

Sometimes, all it takes is one photograph to make someone realise that something needs to change.

For Clare, that moment came after a friend’s wedding. Looking at a photograph of herself, she couldn’t believe how much weight she had gained since getting married just two years earlier. She knew she needed to do something, and with her mum’s successful experience of Slimming World (SW) fresh in her mind, Clare decided to join her local group.

Her mum had lost more than three stone and, importantly, had kept it off. Inspired by her success, Clare hoped the group could help her make a similar, lasting change.

Seeing her starting weight on the scales was a huge motivation. She was determined to regain the person she felt she had lost, but there was another reason to focus on her health. Clare and her husband, Paddy, were hoping to start a family soon, and she wanted to be the healthiest and fittest version of herself possible.

Running had been a passion for Clare in her early 30s. She had completed two half marathons and numerous 10K races, but after Covid she struggled to return to her previous level of fitness. Her energy levels had dipped, and the extra weight made running feel harder than ever.

Then things began to change.

Within a few months of joining SW, Clare had regained her energy and lost 10lb. Feeling stronger and more confident, she decided to take on the Couch to 5K programme, and almost instantly, her love of running came flooding back.

After completing the programme, Clare began running at Parkrun in August 2025 and soon set herself an ambitious new goal: to complete a 10K race in under 60 minutes by March 2026.

But life had another plan.

In January 2026, just three days after completing her first 10K practice run, Clare discovered she was pregnant.

It was a wonderful surprise, and although her plans for the 10K changed, she was determined not to lose the fitness and healthy habits she had worked so hard to build. After consulting an exercise specialist, she was reassured that she could continue running, although she was advised to stick to 5K distances so that she didn’t put unnecessary stress on her body.

And Clare kept going. Even during her pregnancy, she continued to enjoy Parkrun every Saturday morning, adapting her running as her pregnancy progressed.

Now, Clare has an even more exciting reason to celebrate. Her baby boy arrived last week, marking the start of a brand-new chapter for Clare and her husband.

Already, Clare has returned to her pre-pregnancy habits and is looking forward to getting back to group. She is excited to reconnect with her fellow members, continue building on the healthy lifestyle she has created and, when she is ready, get back to doing what she loves – running.

Clare’s journey has never been simply about a number on the scales. It has been about regaining her energy, rediscovering her love of running and developing healthy habits that have supported her through an incredibly important time in her life.

She credits the support of her group and her consultant, Lisa, with helping her get to where she is today.

And while she may never have expected that a photograph from a friend’s wedding would be the catalyst for such a life-changing journey, Clare is incredibly grateful that she took that first step through the door on a wet October evening.

What started as a decision to change her health has become so much more – and now, with her baby boy in her arms, Clare is looking forward to the next chapter of her journey.

 Want to find out more?

Contact Lisa 07916 618779