Struggling --- yep so was I

[rolysmate]

Well where to start?

I packed in smoking in March at the age of 59 and had smoked all my life, I started banging the weight on (big time) and needed to do something about it.

On top of this I have high blood pressure and my cholestral is a little high

I started cto5k and bloody hell it was hard but I stuck it out and with the support and advice of people on here I did it AND on Sept 9th I ran a 5k charity run and raised over £500 and sept 11th I was 60

I now run 5k 3 times a week and am increasing that

With regard to the blood pressure/cholestral I am taking no medication and we are going to monitor results because with the life changes I have made it is felt I may reverse this and to top it I've lost quite a bit of weight

Yes it's hard work BUT the results are worth it keep at it

[Hidden]

THAT is AWESOME 😊

[rolysmate Graduate]

If I can do it then anybody can

[swisstony4 Graduate]

Inspirational Rols, well done 👍

[rolysmate Graduate in reply to swisstony4]

Just read a post where someone was struggling so just trying to give folk hope

[Fishypieface Graduate]

Wow, great to hear your story, you've made some amazing changes! It's always interesting to hear why everyone is doing this. You've come so far and this will be a massive inspiration to many I am sure. And very impressive to boot!

[Hidden]

That's amazing, I really admire you changing your lifestyle instead of taking medication.

[rolysmate Graduate in reply to Hidden]

for those starting out it shows what can be done

[antet Graduate]

Fabulous - once I've got rid of this cold I'm back pounding the pavements. Very inspirational!

[Maudiejoy]

Brilliant. I'd lost 7.5 stone but then put a bit back on so am determined to sort myself out. So I've given up smoking and singed up for a 5k . Keep going 😊

[rolysmate Graduate in reply to Maudiejoy]

well done, keep at it

[aliboo70]

Thats great! You should feel very proud of that!☺

[rolysmate Graduate in reply to aliboo70]

oh I am but want others to know that it can be done

[aliboo70 in reply to rolysmate]

I'm sure they will take inspiration from such a positive post 😊

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Running has changed your life Rolysmate.😊 x so pleased for you...

[Martin_Rose Graduate]

Inspirational post mate.

[Irish-John Graduate]

Good man!

[ejvcruns Graduate]

Yes! You did it and it can be done. What did you find hardest? How did you keep going?

[rolysmate Graduate in reply to ejvcruns]

When I committed myself to doing the charity run and people started backing me there was no going back.

The structure of cto5k was brilliant and the forum and the support gained from the forum and the knowing that others where struggling through this journey with me all helped

But at the end of the day each and every graduate has completed their own journey/challenge and has continued to get their arse out of the door when at times I suspect each and every one of them has had doubts/fears/worries and that's why they're graduates, they have NOT given in

[Sarahb18 Graduate]

You have done brilliantly rolysmate!!

Stopping smoking and starting running will no doubt make big changes to you !

I don't smoke but I have always had high cholesterol levels..... think I was born that way !!

I'm on medication but it's still high .... however ,since starting this running thing my triglycerides ( the lipids that we ourselves control through diet and exercise) are now in normal range 😱.... I nearly passed out !!

My Gp was delighted with this and will encourage others to do likewise 😁

Happy belated 60th birthday 🎉 🎉

[rolysmate Graduate in reply to Sarahb18]

thanks and this exercise milarky is doing unexpected things