About Me

Once upon a time (August 2012) I weighed over 19st:


I had my lightbulb moment on my way up Croagh Patrick when I had to turn around as I couldn't go any further. My heart was thumping in my chest as I sat about 1/4 the way up the mountain smoking a cigarette. I was 29. This was not how my story was going to end.

I joined Weight Watchers and clocked up a few Silver 7s.

I started running in January 2013 and clocked up a few more Silver 7s.

I ran my first 10K that March, my first Half Marathon in May and my first Marathon in October.



I lost 99lbs (7 stone) and quit smoking.

Doing either wasn't easy but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I've learned more about myself and my inner strength in the past 3 years than I did in the previous 30.


This blog is my public journal both to myself and to others, documenting my life, my journey as it happens. I get so much from reading other peoples progress and stories

I'm not perfect, I make mistakes, I struggle with motivation but I keep going. My one piece of advice is: Just start. It doesn't matter how impossible it seems or how slow things seem to progress. One day it'll happen but only if you work towards it!

I have my sights set on two marathons in 2015 - Tralee (March) and Berlin (September). I also have my sights set on reaching Goal at Weight Watchers.



Comments

  1. Good on you for taking that initiative (always the hardest) and you look great now! Hats off!!

    Oliver • http://suedeandsymphony.com

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  2. I found your blog through the skinny doll. I am completely impressed at your transformation, and at how you did it. I am 100 pounds overweight. It makes me cringe just to look at that number. But somehow, reaching that number has motivated me to change. I started a blog, theskinnysoul.com, and I am working at becoming a runner. I ran in my first race this weekend (if it's a 1-mile fun-run, can you really call it a race?), and I am proud of the accomplishment.

    My goal is to run a marathon, but I am so far from that, it seems like it will never happen. Right now, I can't even jog a quarter mile without having to stop and walk. And my heart rate gets embarrassingly high in the process. But I am working at it everyday. Can you direct me to one of your posts that talks about how you got through the frustration of running in the beginning?

    Thank you :)

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  3. Hi Jamie I just found this blog by accident too. I am just now going back to running after a few years off due to injury. Sounds like you are doing just fine - don't be embarrassed that you are panting and red, that is totally to be expected. I used to worry that other runners were staring at me, even that they were disgusted by me lumbering along - but I soon found everyone is focused on their own performance and they are nothing but friendly to newbies. Buy proper, well-fitting lycra gear to make sure you are as comfortable as can be (don't tell yourself you don't 'deserve' it). There is a great book called 'The Slow, Fat Triathlete' that you may find helpful. All the best, I am right there with you, I have 25 kilos to lose!

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