* My Story *

My Story: Weight Loss 

I've always been overweight, having spent the majority of my adult life as a size 16. It never really bothered me - I was able to do all the things I wanted to, wear the clothes I wanted (although I avoided strappy tops, short skirts etc) and although I was at the top end, I was still able to shop in the majority of high street stores.

However, during 2008 I put on around 2 stone. This weight gain took me into a dress size 18-20, meaning that none of my clothes fitted, I could no longer shop where I wanted and I ended up having to buy clothes because they fitted, rather than because I liked them or wanted to wear them.  I also started to notice an impact on my health, I was unfit, really unfit. I couldn't walk up stairs without getting out of breath, I avoided exercise because I was embarassed and I generally felt sluggish and tired.

In December 2008, I had thyroid removal surgery.  I'd been having thyroid problems for several years, and whilst my thyroid issues didn't help with my weight, they certainly weren't the sole cause. Essentially I ate far too much and moved far too little. This culminated at Christmas 2008. This photo on the right made me realise how big I'd become - I hardly recognised the girl from the photo - I looked like a big blob. After fully recovering from my surgery, I started a new, healthier lifestyle in January 2009.

Over the past 2 years I've lost 3.5 stone, taken up running and over-hauled my eating habits. I use a website (Weight Loss Resources) to help me track my daily intake (including calories, protein, fibre, water etc) and also my exercise (to ensure I'm not under-eating for the activities I do).  Twelve months ago I was close to being morbidly obese, unable to walk for long without getting tired, I was lethargic and unmotivated. Today I'm almost at a normal BMI, I can run, and really enjoy it and love entering races, I'm in control of my eating habits and its not a struggle anymore. I have more energy, I sleep better, I frequently wake up before my alarm, I can't remember the last time I had a headache or a cold, clothes shopping is fun, rather than a chore, I don't cringe at every photo of me now and I love seeing seeing the numbers on the scales go down. If I can do this anyone can. :)

My Story: Running

As part of my weight loss journey I wanted to increase my exercise levels, so I took up running in April 2009. My intention was to train for Cancer Research's Race for Life in June (5km). I'd set myself the challenge of being able to run the whole way. The first time I ever ran 5km it took me 39 minutes, although I managed the Race for Life in 35. I didn't want to lose my new running habit, so I set about entering some more races - a 5 miler and a 10km for the coming months. As most of you know; running is very addictive! And now, 18 months later I've completed numerous 5km time trials (parkruns), 5 x 10km races, a 5 miler, several cross country races, 2 x 10 mile (the Great South Run), 2 half marathons (Bath & Bracknell), The Grim and the Thunder Run!!

2010 Goals

- Train for and complete Bath Half Marathon: Completed March 2010
- Achieve a sub-30 minute 5km: Complete February 2010
- Complete a second half marathon: Completed May 2010 (Bracknell Half)
- Beat last year's time at the Great South Run: Completed October 2010 (reduced my time by 9 minutes!)
- Train for and enter my first duathlon: Completed June 2010 (Every Woman's Duathlon, Bristol)
- Take part in the Thunder Run: Completed July 2010

Statistics

                     Start                             Current
Weight:         15st 12lbs (222lbs)        12st 0lbs (168lbs)
BMI:              36.9                              28.0