Starting the right way

[Tony1978]

Hi all,

I’ve been doubtful about writing the following, even now I’m not 100% sure. And that’s only due to the short time I’ve managed to spend around here, W6 only, not long enough to play smart. Anyway, here I am.

I am a 40yo male, 1.69 cm height. Pretty fit in my younger years, up to 26yo, then I’ve bigger until 31-32yo (as big as 83kg), got back to 75kg with some diet and lots of walks within the next two years. And since then I’ve got on saving mode, until January 2019 when the scale read out was 97.9kg. Bit less than 0.1 tons. Never been so scared in my entire life. I dug a little deeper, and my BMI was 35+.

Absolutely convinced I couldn’t carry on the same way on a long term, and based on previous experience (going down from 83kg is not too difficult at 30yo, 10 years later the story differs dramatically), I stood and had a long thought giving various answers (all honest) to the same question ‘what makes me fat?’. Few answers were there and made the game changer: sugar, bad fat and the wide range of furniture items stuck to my back. Starting 15th of January, my diet had 0 sugar, 0 bad fat (or whatever I think of as being bad fat), and almost 0 alcohol (had two glasses of red wine). 0 sugar - before January a day without 3 Mars/Snickers bars, jumbo pack of biscuits, ice cream and as many lovely chocolate cupcakes would not have been day worth living. Bad fat - leaving work at 3 or 4pm I would have stopped to my favourite fast food for a 1800+ calories meal as the first of the day, and chocolate straight after, and some barbecue in the evening with some drinks; and again next day and so on. Nothing close to that after January 2019. By the end of March I was already at 80kg, but bored of hummus, thins and lettuce, and looking for something new. And C25K came up, joined the program, got absolutely enthusiastic about it, starting two weeks ago I stopped smoking (and I will take no credit for that on a personal level, I quit due to my desire of going ahead with the running routine, but more important, due to the fantastic support I found on this very forum). Earlier today the scale read out was 76.7kg.

Time to make a point. C25K is not a joke. One can get hurt, or disappointed. Or could get fun and change an entire life. It’s all attitude, mindset.

For the ones starting today, your first run should not be W1R1, but the FAQ posts on this forum. I did read them by my W2R2, I really wanted to had red much earlier. Go slow, and listen to your body, stay safe. Wear good quality shoes, jacket will come after.

For the ones looking just to lose weight, the answer is not C25K. Find your answer in your own plate, or in your shopping basket, and then hit your knees and hate yourself for going too fast, too soon.

Thank you.

Keep safe and Happy runs!

[Tony1978 Graduate]

Forgot the main point. 2 weeks ago I went to doctors and had a blood test, all good. Most important, fat or not, fast or not, stay safe.

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Great post Tony - it’s not easy airing such personal stuff out loud but you’ve come a long way, so big ups to you! Enjoy your running, week 6 is a biggie - I’ve just done run 3 and felt so chuffed, at the same time as my calf was grizzling at me! Enjoy your last 3 weeks!

[geb6o8 Graduate]

What a good honest post. Very well done to you Tony. The most important thing you could do for yourself was to change your habits. This you have done.

You've now become disciplined. You are in control of your life and that is something to celebrate.

I've had to choose to lose weight which I've been doing for the past 2 plus years. One lost over 7 stone!

I had the app for C25k on my phone for a year. In January, encouraged by me 20 year old daughter, I started the programme. I have never ran in my life. This has been a life changer for me. I graduated last month and have been running 3 times a week since. I love being on control and seeing the changes.

You are doing amazingly Tony . Keep it up and keep us encouraged by writing up to date posts.

[Jerichomile Graduate]

Tony1978 I don’t know you but I am honestly so proud of you! to hear you stopped smoking and continued on the path of looking after yourself well has made my day. You are a brave person and I salute you 🏆

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done, Tony.

The best is yet to come!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Great job all round Tony. Congratulations and happy running.

[Julia187 Graduate]

Wishing you many happy, healthy and running years ahead 😊

[trogdelight Graduate]

good on you. keep it up.

[Lynne1916 Graduate]

Well, A for Achieving, I hope you carry on and find your ultimate goal in running and in life.

I am fast approaching my runniversary and my only regret is that I didn’t get my backside off the couch earlier

👏👏👏

[MuddledGardener Graduate]

Fantastic post. Well done for taking control. Your story will inspire many, I’m sure.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

A superb and motivational post Tony... and thanks for the references to reading the FAQs...

I am hoping that many folk will read this.... it is one for all of us! x

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Great post and very honest. 👍

Change only comes when we make a change and you've done that in the best ways.

You're on a roll... but without the butter! ✊😁

[DiverIzzie Graduate]

Wow! Tony - well impressed at your total honesty and focus - congratulations on your progress so far - keep up the great efforts