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Sunday 24 March 2013

6 Years Ago I'd Had Enough ...


Yesterday was the 6 year anniversary of the day I decided that enough was enough. 

I was 5 stone overweight and miserable. My self-confidence was rock bottom and I drank and smoked too much and cried a lot. I couldn’t think of any way to get out of the cycle I was in … misery eating, weight gain and eating because I was miserable. Then I read a news article where a girl had DIED on a crash diet. Rather than thinking, “Oh my goodness that’s terrible” I thought “Oh my goodness. She lost 3 stone in 3 months.”

I had of course considered the standard diet classes counting points but the thought of staying on a diet for years to lose the amount I wanted to was a horrific idea. I was also in denial. I thought “I’m not fat enough for Weight Watchers”. Yes I was. I was in the obese category ... not just overweight and a diet of rubbish food and little exercise meant that I was staying firmly in that category and moving upwards all the time.

You know how this ends. I lost the weight and finished the diet at 9 stone. It was hard work – every day of the 100 days I had committed to eating soup was a struggle. But the real work started when it was back to normal food. This sounds obvious. It was. From being on a ‘safe’ diet of soup, shakes or bars where each item was carefully measured and contained all of the vitamins and minerals. I was free to go mad on food. Again.


I found this pic recently ... I think it's from Alton Towers. I didn't like having pics taken so this seems to be practically the only one that's survived from then. Not good, is it.
This was a pic taken on Friday. I'm wearing my favourite dress, I've had my makeup done and there was the chance of a glass of wine and creme egg if I behaved myself which is why I'm so happy!

However, I had a secret weapon. My bloody-mindedness.

People were waiting for me to put the weight back on. Waiting for me to fail.

Screw them I thought. Running was the most time-efficient way to burn the calories in a gym so I started doing that at lunchtimes ... then I started enjoying it. Then I discovered I could run outdoors ...

The rest is history. 

... Plus I get to run now. 



18 comments:

  1. Fab! Been on an equally rocky road, and it's a path you never really get to get off. Pix are inspirational, keep up the hard work! ;)

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  2. It's amazing what you can do when you wake up and think 'F*** this!'. Congrats! :)

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    1. Thanks Rachel - that's it EXACTLY!! :) In fact ... I should probably get that phrase printed out as labels ... could use it for everything from a traffic jam to sticking it on an irritating customer! :)

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  3. Good to read :-)
    Happy anniversary!

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    1. Thanks NMOAR! I count and appreciate every anniversary as each year means that statistically, I'm less likely to put the weight back on. I think I'm pretty safe now ... this is my life now but it's nice to know that the poor, unhappy fat girl is getting further away ...

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  4. Can't beat bloody mindedness, I say. It's kept me going for a year and a bit and got from an obese BMI to a normal one. Luckily, I also discovered that I love running, so I'm now mildly obsessed with getting out of the front door.

    Well done, you should be properly pleased - and happy anniversary!

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    1. Thank you and well done you!! I reckon bloody-mindedness is underrated! What came first? Discovering running or the weight loss?

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  5. What a transformation, you look amazing! You must be so proud :) I guess you can say it's bloody-minded but I think it just shows your determination and dedication to change. I hope you enjoyed the glass of wine and creme egg... those are the rewards that us runners can afford ourselves now and then! :)
    I'm now following too, I've followed you on twitter for a while but didn't realise you had such a lovely blog!
    Shushkat

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    1. Thanks Shona! It definitely makes such a difference when I can go into a shop and just choose clothes and know they'll fit ... then discovering running on top of that! It's been AMAZING!

      And being able to scoff creme eggs and wine guilt-free? Definitely worth the miles run!! :)

      Thanks for the link to your blog - it looks fab!! Loving the look of the Tunisian Crocheting!

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  6. I love that you're so happy having lost weight and discovered running - you are definitely an inspiration! You've always been gorgeous though hun xx

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    1. Aww thanks Millie. What a lovely comment. x

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  7. Hey look at you postively glowing!!! Well done Sarah you're a star :)

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    1. Thank you Paul! It's amazing how much happier I am when there's a creme egg on the horizon...! :)

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  8. Happy anniversary! You look unbelievable in the second photo, positively glowing with health and vitality. And it's the bloody mindedness you speak of which is going to help you SMASH your target in Paris. Three cheers for Sarah!

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    1. Awww thanks Sarah! Health ... vitality ... or the promise of wine and a creme egg? :) I'm really hoping I hit that target in Paris! All 10 fingers and all 10 of my toes are crossed!! Might make it a bit awkward to run, though! :)

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  9. The change is massive! Well done! So many people start out intending to make a change but giving up and never making it. Happy six year anniversary!

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    1. Thank you Mary!! Still can't quite believe it's been 6 years .. that sounds such a long time! One of the best things I've ever done!

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