3 stone down - 3 to go!

Hi everyone.

So, some of you see my exploits on the 80 days around the world thread, and I know some of you have read my Isle of Wight Challenge posts, but here's a different one.

As I've mentioned previously in my other posts I have had many battles with my weight in my life. I have been overweight for as long as I can remember. I was a relatively active person in my teens and 20's, but I never found my rhythm with any sport or fitness training to take it to the next levels.

I had relatively active jobs or jobs where I was stood up/walking most of the day, but my current job of nearly 8 years has been spent sat at a desk. It is also the most stressful job I have had. While my mood/motivation plummeted my weight rocketed.

My weight and lack of activeness was a big part of my last relationship ending, which you would normally think provide the incentive to do something about it. However having an anxiety disorder and depression sent me the wrong way. I ballooned up in weight, lost all confidence, motivation and drive.

What I have realised though is that things can change quick in life. After bringing my mood to a level, and having (very painfully) completed the London to Brighton 100k Challenge, I all of a sudden wanted more of the feeling when I crossed the finish line.

After re-joining the gym, taking up swimming lessons and finding work colleague to buddy up with in the spin classes, I found myself enjoying what I was doing. No special training programmes, no special diets, no weighing myself once a week. Just doing what feels good for me, and not feeling guilty if I don't go or having to make it up the net time, not preventing myself form having a takeaway, beer, chocolate, etc. Not even having things in moderation either. I don't go hungry and I don't feel like I'm missing out on nice things.

It feel freeing and enjoyable. I am fitter, healthier, can do more and for longer. Best of all, I have managed to lose 3 stone in 5 months, and I have now lost enough weight to feel like I can take up running. I have entered a few park runs now and am setting my sights on a couple of 10k's later in the year, after I complete my 106k Isle of Wight Trek in April.

I am still overweight by about 3 stone. Now that I have found my rhythm I know can get there, and there's no rush because it's a lifestyle change, not a race to get in swim-shorts for the summer.

Thanks to everyone who has given me words of encouragement on here, and good to luck to everyone out there on their own journey!

G

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Oh wow Geza, what a fantastic achievement! Well done you! Your life has done a complete 360 and you're flying!

Wishing you lots of luck with all your endeavours and here's to the swim shorts at some time

[Hidden in reply to moreless]

Thanks moreless!

Indeed, it feels like I'm going in a completely different direction! I have a great incentive not to go back. New relationship on the go and we are looking to move in together soon

Haha, the swimshorts may make an appearance on my next holiday...

[moreless Administrator 7 stone in reply to Hidden]

What wonderful news! Wishing you and the new Mrs Geza lots of happiness together

Can't wait to see the holiday snaps

[Hidden in reply to moreless]

Well, in 5 weeks I will be going to visit my lovely in Dakar, Senegal. She's leaving tomorrow to go there for 2 months to study. Can't wait and counting down the days

[moreless Administrator 7 stone in reply to Hidden]

How fab! I'm a sucker for a good love story

[MommyWhoop-Whoop]

Lovely news, fabulous achievement, thanks for sharing and well done to you

[Hidden in reply to MommyWhoop-Whoop]

Thank you!

[kantara71]

Well done Geza, an inspiration to us all !!

[Hidden in reply to kantara71]

Thanks very much.

[LessToLose Restart April 2024]

Wow, you have done so well and looks like you are well on the way to achieving your goals.

Being able to run again is a goal of mine, but I am still too heavy for my joints just yet. I am delighted that you are ready to run, though - well done!

[Hidden in reply to LessToLose]

I'm sure you will get there soon enough. I spent 4 of the 5 months doing intense spin classes and using the cross stepper. They helped me build the muscles in my legs to be able to take my weight when running. I still get joint pains, but no where near as much as when I have attempted running before. I also don't get the cramps in my shins which always stopped me running more than 200 yards before.

[Zest Healthy BMI]

Hi Gezasaurus,

Yes, I remember one of your earlier posts regarding your Isle of Wight Challenge, and it's very good to read your update post here regarding your weight, and the great progress you've made - Congratulations on losing 3 stones in 5 months, that is fantastic - great that you're feeling so much fitter and healthier, and that you've taken up running. Enjoy those 10ks, and good luck with everything.

Hope you'll keep us updated on your continued progress. Very inspiring post.

Lowcal

[Hidden in reply to Zest]

Will do Lowcal, thanks for the message

[asics]

What an achievement!

What an inspiring post. Life style changes can only mean more success in the long term, creating the right foundation for maintenance too.

Well done...keep going! 😊

[Hidden in reply to asics]

Thanks Asics! It's always nice, and somewhat surprising to hear the words inspirational relating to some I have written down.