Graduation!! My story...

[iWillDoThis]

It all started for me back in January 2012. After seeing my mum's health deteriorate at a scarily fast rate for the last few years, I decided (with much advice from doctors!) my weight was only going to add to the possibility of me being diagnosed with one of the hereditary illnesses my family had long suffered. So i went on a massive lifestyle overhaul and began healthy eating and exercise. It worked slowly but surely and by January 2013 I had lost 3 stone. This year, my weight loss hit a brick wall, even though I was continuing with the healthy lifestyle, it wasn't enough and I realised I needed to up my exercise regime. That's when I discovered couch to 5k and as they say the rest is history...

The last 9 weeks has been filled with pain, anger, frustration, embarrassment, determination, joy and elation. Its not been easy, far from it, but it has so been worth it! My self esteem has taken a few knocks from negativity (by one horrible dog walker in particular) but it has also improved greatly as I no longer care what anyone thinks when they see me out running. I'm not the fittest and no where near the fastest, but I'm out there doing it and I'm lapping everyone still sat at home on the couch!

So for anyone reading this who is just starting, or lurking (as I did for the first few weeks!) deciding whether or not this is for them or questioning if they can actually do this, I say yes you can! Do it... its the best thing I have done - the sense of achievement far out weighs anything else you may experience along the way.

Thank you to everyone who blogs on here. Your blogs have helped me out along the way. Whether its been me looking for advice over a tough week, or positive reply to my own blogs, you have helped me so much and made this experience even more enjoyable.

I'm going to continue running 3 times a week, with my own music for a while then onto stepping stones, speed etc.. Oh and iv lost another half a stone and dropped another dress size! happy days

Again a massive thank you to everyone, you have all helped me along the way whether its been directly or indirectly. Happy running everyone!

[jillie100]

Oh well done! What an inspiring story - I wish you much success in your journey onwards!

[alex2009 Graduate]

This is inspiring thank you for blogging its keptme motivated to do more . Fantastic do keep us updated on the rest of your journey. Any newbies starting it is possible even if like me it took 10weeks we are up and off Well done

Catherine

[Hidden]

Congratulations, what a lovely blog and some great successes.

[Healthybmi4me Graduate]

Hello iwilldothis, such an inspiring story. Well done on your achievement and weight loss. My story is soooooo similar to yours. I have lost 2 stone and changed my family's eating habits drastically for the better by following all the advice the British Heart Foundation say. Basically everything "white" exchanged for "wholemeal" including bread, pasta, rice etc.

I have not been as brave as you and have completed my c25k on the treadmill in the safety of my home. I wish I could brave the comments and looks of those nasty "dog walkers" like you. I just wanted to let you know that I used my own music for the 3 runs after graduation and then last night went for it and did the stepping stones podcast. I really did not think I would manage it but Laura is fantastic and when I reached the end I felt elated.

Thanks again for sharing your inspiring story and good luck with the rest of your journey

[Canary1902 Graduate]

Well done. I finished this morning too and it feels good.

[backwardpossom]

Well done, what an inspiring story! Ignore the negative comments, the fact is you can run for 30 mins without stopping and your changing your health with every step. Good on you!

[Miso_14 Graduate]

Inspiring post, well done and congratulations on your graduation

[Hidden]

Really well done and thank you for sharing your story. It helps to keep others motivated. All the very best with your future runs.