A big appetite left Paul O’Brien struggling to tackle stairs, until his love for his daughter got him out of the pub and onto the streets…
1) I’ve always been on the big side, but when my little girl was born it was much easier to pile on the pounds eating unhealthy, convenient rubbish.
2) I ran upstairs one night to read her a bedtime story but had to catch my breath before I could. I was out of shape, and I wanted to be an active dad, not a slob. I was well aware that children can follow in the footsteps of their parents, and I’d rather my daughter followed some leaner, more athletic footsteps, than cumbersome, overweight, heavy ones.
3) I woke up one morning and decided enough was enough. I went quite tough on myself. I cut out all the rubbish and just ate healthy meals. I reassessed my thought pattern, things like not needing to fill my plate or bowl at mealtimes, and having fruit instead of crisps when I’m peckish.
4) I’ve always had a big appetite, so it was hard at first. When people ask how I’ve lost my weight, all I can say is with hard work and perseverance. I haven’t followed a calorie-controlled diet, I’ve simply eaten less and exercised more.
5) A friend told me to try a ‘couch to 5k app’. It was nice to have something structured, and as it’s based on running for a length of time, rather than a certain speed, it’s achievable for anyone. I run in all weather; if it is my running day, nothing is going to stop me. I used to tell myself, “Just because it’s raining, it doesn’t make me any less fat.”
6) Pretty much every week when I got on the scales, my body was responding well. I was losing weight and feeling much healthier because of it, plus it’s nice to know I don’t need to shop at Jacamo anymore.
7) Recently I’ve hit a bit of a wall. The weight isn’t coming off as quick, and my running times aren’t improving as much as they were. I keep telling myself I’ve achieved so much in the last 12 months, and that I shouldn’t beat myself up about it, but I guess I’m just mindful of making sure I don’t fall back into old habits. The weight loss has changed pretty much everything. If I’m not home for whatever reason, my little girl now asks Mum if I’m running, which is a lot better than her asking if I’m in the pub.
8) I recently joined UKNetRunners, which I found through Men’s Running magazine. I’m constantly looking for the next race; I never knew running could be as enthralling as it is.
