Before: 18st 11lbs
After: 12st 6lbs
I wasn’t ever an active person; I would give up exercise in favour of video games and junk food. I gave up smoking three years ago and tried a little kick boxing. I did kick the nicotine but the fling with kick boxing was short-lived. That’s when the weight piled on uncontrollably.
My wife would gently remind me that I was in really bad shape and that there are multiple risks attached to obesity. I knew she was right, but it was just hard to get to the point of starting a diet and exercise regime.
The first thing I did was to start a meal-replacement diet, where I swapped breakfast and lunch for nutritional diet shakes. I would then have a very light dinner. I also got an elliptical cross trainer: I found it really boring but it helped to burn some extra calories.
I started jogging, slowly and painfully at first. The first few outings were really tough, but the healthier diet and light exercise began to energise me. Encouraged, I decided to keep on going strong.
My first race was the National Lottery Anniversary Run in July last year, three months after I started my diet and training regime. It was a five-mile road race and it took me 40 minutes, but it was the most exhilarating thing I’ve experienced in recent years. That first race was all it took; I’m completely and utterly hooked now.
I have done a few park runs, a couple of 10K races, a couple of half-marathons, a marathon, an ultra, a 12-hour enduro race and several obstacle course races. I prefer trails to road runs and I prefer longer distances to short. Great moments? Every day is a great moment, every run and every race. I love encouraging others that are interested in running and weight loss. I am also working toward the lofty goal of a sub-three marathon.
My life has changed completely. I am fit, healthy and really happy. I spend as much time as possible outdoors training and walking the dogs and enjoying nature. I’m grateful for the encouragement from my wife, friends and family. Without them cheering me on, it wouldn’t have gone this well.
