Saving my own life

[Noclue]

I have been lurking here for a while but this is my first post.

Here is the short version of how I got to the point where I have just one more run to go before I graduate...

For the past few years I have been taking medication to control my blood pressure. There is a history of high BP and strokes within my family and despite this I led a fairly unhealthy lifestyle. I smoked for years, ate unhealthy and have been obese for as long as I can remember.

December 2015 two weeks before Christmas, it had been at least 18 months since I had my medication checked and therefore had an appointment with a nurse to check my meds and get a repeat prescription. She took my BP and went white as a ghost! 260/150!!! She called the doctor, he explained he was deciding if I should take myself to hospital or call an ambulance! Funny this is that I felt absolutely fine.

I spent three days in hospital having my BP checked every hour, 24 hours a day whilst taking various pills and potions.

During my stay I felt completely foolish, selfish and irresponsible! I have a beautiful wife of 10 years, a perfect 7 year old little girl and a crazy 5 year old boy. WHAT THE HELL WAS I DOING! Lying there the guilt was horrible. I decided there and then that I would change, I had to change.

I left hospital a near 30 stone, 33 year old guy with more determination than I'd ever had before.

I had given up smoking in 2013 so I knew I could achieve difficult goals.

I first started by eating better. For me this meant more often. I forced myself to eat three times a day for the first time in years. Less carbs/bad fat and more protein/good fat.

January 2016 I purchased the strongest bicycle I could find and started riding 3 to 5 times a week, gradually increasing speed/distance. In May 2015 I completed a 20 mile cycle event.

Fast forward to July 2016 I decided to try a different exercise activity - Running!

I downloaded C25K app to my phone and completed week 1 three times!

Since then I have never had a "practice run" successfully completing every run.

Today, I have just returned from an appointment with my consultant were he has reduced my medication by 75%. He predicts that if I keep up the hard work that I'll not need medication within 12 months.

I have lost 7 stone since last Christmas and will graduate C25K tomorrow night

I have to admit that despite the fact that I'm only half way with my weight loss I do feel a little smug.

Thanks for reading... I'll stop waffling now!

[Jonesycat Graduate]

Wow, what a great story. You have my total respect for what you have achieved. And I can honestly say that's the highest BP reading I've ever heard of! Seriously, you have every possible reason and right to feel 'a little smug' - you've worked miracles and long may you continue to do so.

Happy running!

[SuperMouse Graduate]

Life is so precious so very well done on changing yours and enjoy your running! 😃😃

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

What a fantastic story - thank you for sharing.

Your family must be so proud of you for taking steps to improve your health and make sure you continue to be around for them.

Keep it going - -and bask in a wonderful glow when you graduate tomorrow!

[Noclue Graduate]

Thank you (blush)

I have the graduate pin and running tee-shirt ready for my post graduate Parkrun on Saturday.

My current Parkrun PB is 40.34 and I am desperate to get into the 39s!

[mariamc67 Graduate]

Fabulous and inspiring story! You have every reason to be smug and also very proud of your achievements 😊

[OndaC33 Graduate]

What an inspiring story! Your determination and will power is incredible. Thanks for sharing with us, and all the best with achieving your future goals.

Happy graduation for tomorrow. I'll be joining you in about another 8 weeks.

[Cookie1166]

I'd be more than 'a little smug' if I were you - brilliant stuff!

[Irishprincess Graduate]

What a fabulous post! A huge well done to you. You've achieved amazing things and you should feel very proud. I feel proud and I've never met you 😊

Enjoy that graduation run and make sure you post here so you can lap up a lot of respect and admiration 🎈🏃🎉 Go you!

[poppypug Graduate]

Aw this is just so amazing ! What a absolutely fantastic post !

Many Many Congratulations to you on turning your life around, your wife and children must be so so proud of you . You are proof that anything can be achieved with commitment and the determination to succeed.

A massive Well done to you , and we will all be cheering you on from the rafters tomorrow ! xxx

[Tombenoly Graduate]

Well done for making great choices before it was too late. You ve done amazingly well keep it up!

[Back2Basics_77]

My story is similar but not quiet as severe, and I don't smoke. History of heart issues in the family, and a recent divorce sent my BP sky high (216/170), which is managed with 10mg of Ramipiril. The Dr says I need to lose a stone by Jan, (I am 18.5st) and they can look at reducing my medication. The things that people don't often realise about weight management and activity levels are apart from heart disease, the risk of diabetes is 80% when you hit a BMI of 40 or above. Furthermore, you are five time more likely to have a heart attack or stroke if you have diabetes. I think the lack of awareness around these topics is poor, and we all know things like junk food and lack of exercise are bad, but do we know just how bad. I turn 40 late next year. I plan to be off the Ramipiril, and I just pray I don't end up with type 2 diabetes.

I read your article, and the comment about guilt is so very true, and I have felt that for some years, but it actually compounds the issue and you feel either stuck like that or lack the awareness of what will happen if you don't change. I am going to read your post every time I have having a bad day and hopefully it will inspire me to live longer and look after myself better so I can see both my girls grow up and maybe have families of their own.

Keep up the good work my friend!

[MVeganlatte Graduate]

Oh bravo!!

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Great achievements, a terrific and inspiring post! Keep up the good work my friend😃

[24927396]

Superb, well done! I've just started and on week 3 - you have inspired me to stick at it.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Great that you have turned your life around. I can't help but think that it would be wonderful if you could have read your own story ten years ago. Better late than never.

Good luck with the graduation run. Keep running, keep smiling.

[Ellymeg Graduate]

Excellent, encouraging post - well done you! You are allowed to feel the glow of acheivement, enjoy!

Savour your graduation run, it I such a milestone! We shal give you a big cheer. Look forward to reading about it.

[TessHardy Graduate]

Absolutely brilliant! Well done!

[misswobble Graduate]

Wooohoo! Way to go you! I am so chuffed for you because it just shows what can be achieved if only you make life changes. You DID and are now reaping the rewards

Being slimmer, healthier, fitter, happier and a GRADUATE! What more could anyone want. You are a rich man indeed. Well done

[Hidden]

Wow ! That's an astonishing story. Well done you, you deserve to graduate in style and I'm sure your children will thank you for your efforts....

[Pc59 Graduate]

That is amazing well done you! Bet you feel terrific!! Keep up the great work😊👍

[Simmypie Graduate]

No more lurking in the background! Your story is so inspirational, all the things you have had to overcome! Good luck with the graduation run and hopefully you can post more in future to help others.

[Vanessa291 Graduate]

Thankyou so much for sharing your story. You are an amazing person 🌟🌟🌟

[RunningGeek Graduate]

Wow! What a journey. Well done. Enjoy your graduation run

[Aldlib Graduate]

Gosh, your story made me quite emotional! I love that our bodies are so forgiving when we begin to treat them with care and respect. Amazing achievement. Good luck with your final run and continuing your transformation journey.

[jt24 Graduate]

'Waffle' away! How inspirational

An amazing achievement - nearly- go and smash that grad' run tomorrow night Then, go claim your grad' badge- it'll fit beautifully

Good luck

[lightweightkate Graduate]

Brilliant post and what a journey you have been on - so inspiring. You deserve to be really proud of yourself 👏😀

[McFitty Graduate]

Guilt to glory! What an amazing post. Savour that graduation run. You've truly earned it. And here's to many, many happy, healthy years ahead

[Tryinghard2016 Graduate]

My goodness that's seriously amazing! Congratulations on your journey to fitness and all the best for your graduation run, which may actually already be done by the time I post this!

[Noclue Graduate]

Thank you all! Such incredibly nice and hugely motivating things being said.

I expect to have completed my graduation run by 19:00 tonight.

[Noclue Graduate]

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Zev1963 Graduate]

What a wonderful story. I have tears in my eyes after reading your story, which is a little embarassing as I am at work. Really well done, and keep it up. Please keep posting your progress on here, it really will be such an inspiration for other runners. I'm sure that the way your body feels now compared to how it felt before is its own encouragement to continue down this path. Happy running Noclue, you'll soon be adicted to running

[Gitts Graduate]

Inspiration. right there. well done and keep it up