Before: 17st
After: 11st 11lbs
Before I started running, I was doing hardly any exercise. I was working long hours, barely resting, eating fast food and drinking alcohol regularly.
With obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease running in the family genes, I realised that I was one step away from a long road of health issues if I did not take control. That’s when the fear set in and led me to say to myself, “I’ve got to make a change.” With that decision, the journey began; I decided to change my life for the better.
I started o ff with walking on the treadmill at my local gym. At first I would get out of breath very quickly, but it did get easier over time. Then I started high-intensity interval training, which involved a combination of running and walking on an incline, combined with sprinting.
I soon noticed that my fitness levels were improving. I wouldn’t get out of breath so easily, my energy levels increased, my weight was dropping, clothes were getting too big, and I was enjoying working out – and looked forward to it, too.
I had only ever run on a treadmill until my cousin persuaded me to sign up for the Ealing Eagles Gunnersbury Park 10K. I thought I would struggle with the distance and didn’t know what I had let myself in for. A friend told me I would be fi ne and took me out on the road for a run; I felt comfortable but wasn’t so sure how to pace myself or if I was fit enough for the race.
On race day, I surprised myself by completing the 10K in 51mins, and crossing the finish line was the best feeling ever. I realised it doesn’t matter about your level of fitness – everyone is at different levels – it’s the taking part that counts.
After the Ealing Eagles 10K, I got the bug. I ran the British 10K and joined the running club at my work. I’ve also taken part in the City v Wharf 5K and Bloomberg Square Mile Relay.
I’m now considering taking part in the Royal Windsor Trail Run and the Blenheim Triathlon.
