Weight nearly gone...

[jdtate101]

I've read many of the inspiring weight loss stories on here, especially that of gaz. Thought I'd share my story, although it's not nearly as marathon as some peoples.

In Mid May I have what some people call "a moment of clarity", where I just decided enough was enough and I had to do something about my 18.5st weight. I'm 6ft1 and fairly broad across the chest and whilst this weight did not look really really bad on me, I felt terrible, was tired all the time, was pissing my wife off with my snoring and generally felt like crap. My self esteem was in the toilet and none of my favorite clothes fit anymore.

I was miserable and worried about what would happen if it went higher still. I have two small boys and was also concerned about my future with them. I'm only 36 and don't want to be dead by 50.

So I decided to get back on my bike. Why biking? Well my knee's are damaged as I have a family weakness in our cartilage and running just causes pain and swelling. I used to row at university so I needed a low impact sport and cycling seemed a good option. I started out on my old mountain bike and couldn't manage 6 miles without bad sweats and being out of breath. Then I got myself a boardman race bike which continueed the journey.

Fast forward to today and I'm 14st and doing 100mile sportives. I haven't changed my diet a huge amount except I've cut out the sweets and take aways, but still eat the same basic stuff, just smaller portions. My plan is to dump another 1-1.5st (down to about 12.5st) by next spring ready for the new season. I have also bought myself and lovely new Pinarello which is just a joy to ride. Over winter I'm mixing up the riding with circuit training with the local British Military Fitness guys down the local park (boy that is tough), and planning on starting to do some light running (the running should be ok now that the majority of the weight is off and the pressure on the knee's is a lot less).

So I guess if I can do it , anyone can.

Never give up....Pain is temporary...quitting is forever.

 

[jdtate101]

BTW, just seen this film.....truly inspirational (especially trucker Phil's story). May give the 7 day detox a go.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1227378/ (Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead).

 

[smokeysmoo]

Well done to you mate, that is a fantastic achievement.

I'm still waiting for my moment of clarity, I think I get it every morning but then realise it Mrs S switching the friggin' light on to get me up

I know I can do it, (I've done it before), but that seems to make it all the harder to do it again for some strange reason.

I'll get there, and people like your good self posting their successes helps people like me keep re-focusing.

Keep up the good work and thank you for sharing your success

 

[4F]

Congratulations that is a great effort.

 

[Nearly there]

Well done fellla yours is a similar reason as me as to why i started cycling and i love it.

 

[Mozzy]

HUGE congratulations. For me it was being diagnosed a coeliac and giving up all the bisquits that worked. 15 down to 11.6, still loosing so need to increase calories now. STICK (yes I'm yelling) TO IT; that is just as important. Too easy to steadily pile on a pound here and a pound there. Well done indeed!

Mozzy

 

[DCLane]

Well done - I've lost 3 st in the same time period (14 to 11), but you've done better than me

 

[mr Mag00]

 

[MattHB]

Well done
I'm just starting out on my journey too.. Some very inspiring stories here

 

[mcshroom]

Well done, that's a great achievement, and I hope you can realise your new goal.
(I really need to have a 'moment of clarity' myself

)

 

[Moodyman]

Bet your bike's a lot happier.

Well done for losing. Don't forget that the real challenge will be keeping it off.

 

[Ghost Donkey]

That's awesome. You deserve the Pinarello

 

[DougieAB]

Well done! I just have to keep reminding myself that just because I commute 25 miles a day does not mean ican eat whatever I want. Have put on a few punds in the last year mainly because I am a gready sod. Have to stop clearing the kids plates of leftovers!

 

[dongo]

Well done for losing. Don't forget that the real challenge will be keeping it off.

Definitely well done and +1 on keeping it off.

I've just lost 4 stones and am now adjusting to maintain rather than loose weight. Increasing what I eat gradually and getting used to judging what amount keeps me on an roughly even keel. It's amazing how many people think you can diet / exercise for a bit and then stop, go back to the old ways and somehow, this time, not just pile all the weight back on.

I've sent all my big clothes to the charity shop, which is a compelling financial incentive to stay slim and entered a Triathlon (and told everyone), so I'll have to keep up the exercise (and learn to swim but that's another story!).