Some sad news

[Lizzie_NewStart]

I received the sad news today that someone I probably would have just referred to as a 'dog-walking acquaintance' passed away recently. Although we only met occasionally and spoke briefly in passing she was influential in an immense change to my life.

The company I had worked at all my adult life went into liquidation during the lockdown and so following that I was jobless, lacked confidence in my abilities and was rather depressed. During a conversation with this lady, she happened to mention there was a part time job going at the company she had worked at. I applied and got the job. When I thanked her for the tip, her comment was "No problem, us middle-aged fatties need to stick together." That was rather a shock as although I had put on some weight, I had no idea that this was how other people saw me. That was the push I needed to lose weight and get fit. My C25K journey began.

Since then, running has made a major impact on my life and along with meeting my soulmate and enjoying our dogs, I can say I am a completely different person to I was back then.

I owe a lot to this lady and did not even know her name until today.

[Annieapple Administrator]

🍏 Aw 🤗 what an incredible story! Sad loss but how wonderful if we all made such a positive contribution to life as she did! Hope you will do a run in her memory! Xx

[Lizzie_NewStart 60minGraduate in reply to Annieapple]

I definitely thought of her when I started my run today. Although I did not appreciate her comments at the time, she did mean well. I am not sure how I would have found the right words to thank her for the push that I needed. Saying "Thank you for saying I looked middle-aged and fat" would not sound very appreciative.

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10]

What a lovely tribute to this lady who unwittingly helped you so much <3

At least she said 'Us' and not 'you', mind you I wouldn't have enjoyed being called middle aged when I was in my 30s.

May she rest in peace and know how much you appreciated her help.

[Lizzie_NewStart 60minGraduate in reply to Yesletsgo]

I was not sure what was worse, the middle age bit, or being referred to as a fatty. Yes, I was a bit overweight, but the fact that she referred to 'us' was probably the bit that that got to me most. She was (putting it politely) quite a large lady who was at least 10 years older than me and I was horrified to think that she (and others) may be seeing me as the same. I was a few pounds (rather than stones) overweight but I was not in the best frame of mind at the time and so logic did not come into it. Probably for the best, else I would not have started the C25K.

I feel bad that at the time I resented her for her comments, but they gave me the kick I needed.

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Lizzie_NewStart]

The older I get the harder I find it to work out people's ages. I'll see some old geezer and find out we were in the same year at uni. Or think someone is really young and they're my age.

I bet nobody would EVER think of calling you an old fatty now and that's all that matters 😁

[VS1975 Graduate10]

Ah, that brought a tear to my eye. I believe people come into our lives for a reason. She has gained her angel wings. Sorry for your loss x

[Fionamags Graduate10]

A sad report Lizzie. However, this was such a lovely tribute to someone that had such a positive impact on you.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

Aw, Lizzie_NewStart I’m sorry for your loss. It’s surprising how much impact people have with little comments that stay with us. I hope your runs can bring you some comfort and the chance to think about what she meant to you. ❤️