Usually this blog is all about me, and my weight loss. Sometimes, in order to put things into perspective, you need to look at others for inspiration, knowledge and a snapshot of where they are now compared to where they once were.
Andy Fuller and I know each other through the Vags, Facebook and this blog, and until recently I hadn’t even met him. Looking at Andy, you’d never think he’s been anything but a super skinny roady his entire life. Regular updates on Facebook indicate rides consistently over 100 miles, and he’s a pretty handy time trialist (although I get the impression he keeps looking over his shoulder to see where I am)! His last club 10 result was 1st, with a time of 23.39. Unfortunately, for both the blog and the ladies, Andy won’t let me post any pictures of his before and after shots on here, but rest assured the transformation is really quite something. Maybe one day I’ll be able to see my ribs too…
The truth is, Andy wasn’t always the whippet he is now. Andy used to weigh just shy of 18 stone himself, so he’s experienced first hand the battle I am now fighting. Unlike me, Andy has kept rather quiet about it, and (unless I have him wrong) comes across as a quiet guy at the races. The first time trial I didn’t even know he was there, and the second time trial I only recognised him because he rides a Planet X Stealth (a rather shapely piece of carbon fibre).
I don’t think people who lose weight always get the recognition they deserve, it’s a lengthy, grueling and often solitary effort. Unless you’re in the situation - and by that I don’t mean you’re 4 or 5lbs heavier than what you should be - I mean several stone overweight, obese (like I am now) or even morbidly obese (like I was until recently) then you’ll not truly appreciate what it’s like. Yes, people offer words of support, but they’re not the ones who have to maintain self control when the ice cream van passes, they’re not the ones who have to get out on the bike when it’s chucking down, they’re not the ones who have to constantly moderate what they eat even when they feel like binging.
Hats off to Andy. Not only did he shift the weight, he’s now one of the best cyclists we’ve got in our club.
James,
excellent site which i have followed for a while having found it from the Frank Kinlan site. You mention that you can health in building up a healthy lifestyle diet. Do you have one available /
Cheers
Bryan
The journey is indeed a long one and you cannot set out upon it by being totally focussed on your end-point. It is really important to regard every improvement measurable as a minor achievment and every set-back as a lesson to overcome but not get too bogged down by.
I used to be a size 18/20 when I was 30 years old. I also smoked for 12 years, and as I was asthmatic (still am!) couldn’t even run for a bus. I was a complete lard-bucket and couch potatoes used to look to me for inspiration on the best way to do nothing with aplomb!
It took a few years to enjoy excercising, becoming a “normal acceptable” weight and several more to get fit and “slim”.
I am proud to say that I did my first Half Marathon aged 40 and now try to combine riding with running as my current goals are to be able to do both with reasonable regularity; instead of doing one OR the other but unable to do both at the same time.
People now look at me and think I have always been this size. The fact that I am in better shape now than I ever was when I was younger is great, although I do wish I had discovered all this in my 20’s!
Keep it up James. Just enjoy getting your body back and see what it can do when you let it!
Cheers
Lisa
I agree with targets - a long slog is ultimately a fruitless endeavour if you have no short term rewards. My first reward is arriving shortly, with another one to come at 15 stone… mum’s the word!
So in truth, Lisa you’re another weight loss hero?!
Well I do need a cape!
Hi James,
Excellent blog as always, just thought I would say thanks again for being an inspiration last time I posted I was down from 152 to 122kg now I am at 112kg, I had lapsed as previously posted but found comfort in reading your blog and it relit the fire within to push on.
Tony
Hi Tony, glad to hear it!
I am so pleased to hear you’re back on track - keep going and keep us updated with your progress!
Thanks
James