It's amazing what you can accomplish when you ignore your brain.

[nicostar]

OK, after reading around the community for a few weeks now, I think now is the time to tell my story...

18 months ago I was a 19 stone, morbidly obese 23 year old. A dress size 26, with a BMI of nearly 42 and on the way to a life of hell... I decided to do something about it. It's a shame I haven't made a video diary to track my progress, but I never thought in a million years I would be where I am now.

Through all my blood sweat and tears over the past months I've managed to keep my motivation alive and strive to be the best I can be and I'm now a 12 stone, healthy, running 24 year old and ready to finally take the world on and I couldn't be more proud of what I am today. I might still be a couple of stone off target yet, but after all the times my brain has told me I can't do it, I have to stop, I can't carry on. I've managed to push through it and I'm now running every other day on this program (on week 7 now) and compared to how I was on my first run (even before I came across C25K) I am elated with my results.

After being on the Couch 2 5K program and remembering being on Week 1/2 and feeling sick even after running for 60 seconds and now here I am only 6 weeks on and running 25 minutes non stop without any trouble just seems like a miracle. My confidence levels have soared and I'm glad that people can see me running now rather than covering myself up and staying in the background.

Anyone reading this wondering whether or not to start this program, or as I've said to many people who've asked me about weigh loss, I have always recommended this site because although I have done so well to get this far, it has been from C25K that I have to thank for making me realise that I can feel different about myself.

Thank you to everyone for all their support along the way, I couldn't have done it without you. Here's to pushing past that little voice in your head, here's to carrying on when your body wants to quit and here's to getting up and doing something with yourself. *clink*

[paterson]

So inspiring. Will keep reading this to keep me on track

[TJFlute]

Wow! What an inspirational blog. You are one of lifes great achievers! You imagined a new you and then did something about it. Really well done and I can't wait to hear how you get on with the next couple of weeks.

Theresa

[nicostar Graduate]

Thank you both for your kind words It has been a very hard physical and mental battle but glad to say I think I'm winning xxx

[gypsydepp Graduate]

Brilliant blog. I love this.

I think you are a star, nicostar !

Can I ask what eating plan ( if any ) you followed.

Well done. You look great in your " after" photo

[nicostar Graduate in reply to gypsydepp]

Sent you a message! Thanks very much for your support xxx

[gladiator in reply to nicostar]

Hi and congratulations, an extraordinary effort!

I am just about to start and avidly reading all the messages - I note that you say 'sent you a message' was there any particular reason for not making it available to everyone?

Well done again.

Regards

[Greg_M Graduate]

Incredible what a spectacular life change. I can't begin to imagine how proud you must be.

[nicostar Graduate in reply to Greg_M]

Thank you so much ! It helps to have surrounded myself with a very supportive family and small group of friends I couldn't have done it without them either! xxx

[gladiator in reply to Greg_M]

Hi to you, how did you earn the 'position' of 'Volunteer'?

Regards

[Greg_M Graduate in reply to gladiator]

I just hung out here for ages and chipped in to conversation from time to time.

[gladiator in reply to Greg_M]

.......many thanks for that.

I am passionate about healthy eating and fitness although unfit at the moment so I hope to 'chip in' from time to time without being OTT!

Regards

[suki_007 Graduate]

Wow wow wow! So inspiring! Many congratulations for such an achievement!

[nicostar Graduate in reply to suki_007]

Thank you ! xxxx

[christian1 Graduate]

Brilliant. Well done on losing all that weight and getting fit at the same time. We all have trouble with our brains blasting us with negative thoughts but you have managed to be positive. Keep up the good work!

[Stevetheb Graduate]

Yay! Amazing - very well done...

[beatasthma]

Wow, your blog is fantastic and I totally agree with the need to quiet the sabotaging voice inside that doubts commitment and capability - and you've really done it. I was a bit late getting myself going today but it was reading blogs on the site that got me up and running....I'll be coming back to yours when I need to motivate myself in future.

You look like a totally different woman in the photos and bet you feel that way too, confident and proud of your achievements. Best of luck with your upcoming runs

[nicostar Graduate]

Really thanks to everyone who has commented on this I'm absolutely over the moon that my experiences can inspire people to do the same. Even if its just that little get up and go on one day is enough for me to be happy that I can pay it forward

Something Laura said on Week 3 (i think) will stick with me forever and has got me through some tough patches over the last few weeks:

"The pain you are feeling right now is nothing compared to the sense of achievement you will feel when you finish"

Almost like she was telling my life story in one sentence! xxxx

[wilmacgh Graduate]

Well done you. I'm sure the commitment you've shown doing this will go with you into others things you want to achieve for yourself.

[welshwoman56 Graduate]

You are one amazing woman! So brave as well! What you have done takes an enormous amount of courage and determination. You have turned your life around and will inspire others to do so as well. I'm also on week 7 and that quote from Laura has helped me as well. I'm not overweight any more but I am a 56 year old Nana who has never been able to run Good luck with the rest of the programme but I know you won't need it. Xxx

[handstand Graduate]

Congrats for taking the steps towards a healthier life. Thanks for sharing your incredible story! You are amazing!

[Grammadog1947 Graduate]

What a wonderful success story you are, nicostar! Just can't express how delighted I am to read your post! Best of luck to you...no matter where you set your goals, you WILL achieve them! Congratulations!

[AliB1 Graduate]

Wow inspiring blog nicostar

[runwalkrun Graduate]

Well done! Fantastic and absolutely inspirational!

[pakhtar]

I was feeling a bit sorry for myself today and reading your blog has inspired me. I have just completed week 2 and come down with a head cold. So was contemplating giving next week a miss but having read your blog I am inspired to push through it.

Any advice on how you lost the weight? I am struggling and hoping running will help me shed the stones. I have 7 stones to lose and the thought of the journey terrifies me. How did you keep yourself on track?

[nicostar Graduate in reply to pakhtar]

Sent you a message thanks so much for your post xxx

[nicostar Graduate]

Thanks again to everyone who has commented on this. Your kind words and support are appreciated so much xxx

[Lorri1202]

Well done such an inspiration thank you. Can you tell me how you managed to loose your weight did you follow an specific plan. Well done againe.x

[kc407]

Inspiring to say the least. I just started and stories like your are the ones that help me get over the tears and fight harder. Thank you for sharing!