I’m not sure why I’m writing this, but here I am. I’m 39 years old and three years ago I was at a low point in my life, I had lived a really unhealthy lifestyle, and been through some personal troubles. I was a heavy smoker, overweight and completely unfit, I couldn’t even walk the dog to the end of the street without aching and gasping for breath.
Following the death of my father, I kept my promise to him and gave up work to become a full time carer to my disabled mother. My weight increased to 16.5 stone and after getting comments from a few people about my weight, at some point I decided things needed to change. So on January 6th 2009 I gave up smoking for good. It was hard, but I was harder. Three months later I started to feel different, for the first time in my life I felt the urge to exercise.
With the money I saved from giving up smoking, I bought myself a mountain bike and began by cycling every day. It was hard, but I was harder. Cycling most days helped me lose two stone in a year. After hitting the inevitable plateau, I made the decision to do something I never ever thought I would do…. I started to run.
Well, it was more like walking and running at first, as I learned that my cycle fitness counted for nothing when running! It was hard, but I was harder. So I persisted, and within a few months I cracked my first 10k. I felt amazing, full of energy and positivity, and wanted to feel even better. I ran 3-4 times a week increasing the distance when I could. Four months later I ran my first half marathon distance.
Although I didn’t use RunKeeper in the beginning, once i did i was able to more accurately track and analyse my runs and bike rides which helped me take them to a whole other level. Since then I have continued to improve my speed and distance, although time restrictions limit the length of my runs. I run 13-16k at least three times a week and half marathons where time allows. In just over a year I have run over 2,500 km.
Running has completely changed my life. I have energy, stamina, confidence and I feel better than I ever have in my life. I feel mentally and physically strong and in control of my life. I’ve started an OU degree in sports and fitness to continue and further my journey. I’ve also spread my knowledge and experience to friends who see and comment on my RunKeeper posts on Facebook and ask for advice. I’ve even helped train a friend from doing short runs up to and beyond 10k. I am currently getting involved in sports volunteering projects, and in the future I hope to help others transform their lives forever as I have done with mine.
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