Here Comes The Rain Again

Along my weight loss journey, the biggest and most poignant moment was the decision I made to start running. By my own admission, I am probably the worlds worst runner. I start and I stop, but this time I intend to see it through until the end. I sometimes make every excuse under the sun (or rain) not to go out and run. So far I am on a 5 day winning streak, and while writing this post, I am already thinking of the benefits of going for a run today - hey the clouds and rain have even disappered and the sun has come out - is that a sign or what!

I made a decision to run (something that at well over 105kgs in weight I never thought I could do). I purchased a pair of expensive trainers, and for this I used a professional running store. They measured my gait (the position my foot lands when I run), and advised me on the best pair to get. I still cannot bear to throw my first pair of running shoes away!

I downloaded an app - I can highly recommend this, and it was great until I got to around Week 5. I moved countries, to a much hotter one and I stopped running. Up until this point, in only 5 weeks, the difference I saw in my body shape was astounding, and everybody else noticed it too.

Moving countries was a big hindrance to my weight loss, I missed home, and was adapting to my new surroundings and trying to settle in. In reality, I should have continued with my running to give me some sense of normality. My other half is a marathon runner, he runs like a gazelle and I feel totally inadequate next to him, so this threw me off kilter also. If I learned one thing, it is be yourself, no one else will lose weight like you, so stick to your guns. If it works, then do it.

I began to use everything as an excuse, the weather was too hot, it was raining, I was tired. If I had still been at home in the UK I would have been running. The point I am trying to make here is that only you can make a difference, and you have to do some kind of exercise. When you exercise make sure that you push yourself to your limit.

Have a goal - find a local race and enter one that is around 8 weeks away, and start small. I have ran a 5k and now have two 10k races under my belt. This was something that I never thought I would do. I am writing a separate page on running tips, but if you have lots of weight to lose, then this is a serious contender in assisting your weight loss - rememeber to consult your GP if you are severely overweight though - all running guides will recommend this. Anyway, I am heading for the great outdoors now - please comment if you have found any of my posts interesting or inspiring so far!

Me Before I could Run for 1 Minute

Me completing my 1st 5km race in Birmingham, UK