Late post, again. Useless aren't I? Well this time I've been mulling it over, carefully and meticulously. Why? Because this post is about something that I find quite difficult to talk about. Yes, I the banterful extrovert have skeletons in my closet - but this skeleton is slightly bigger boned than most.
I've finally summoned the courage to share with all of you my weight loss journey. While I've spoken to friends and shared Facebook statuses about this, I've not particularly covered my feelings behind all of it, nor have I really shared what it's been like for me as a person - not as an ever shrinking object. I don't like looking at old pictures of myself, or new ones, at the best of times. Digging this collateral up for this post is personally horrific. However, it's absolutely fantastic to be told I've inspired others to get healthy and shift some pounds, but this has come at great mental cost and physical endurance. I want you to know that changing your life is not simply a case of hopping on a bike and hoping for the best, changing your life is exactly that. Commitment over denial is the first step to being whatever you want to be.
I am Laura and I am not the same person I was one year ago today, I am 20 kilograms better.
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My Sis, Da and me on the right - just before I started cycling.
UK size 16 >80kg. |
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My first intro to hills, spring '12.
Size 14-16 ~ 80kg |
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Early summer IoM training '12. Being vulgar as usual.
Size 14 ~ 75kg. |
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L2B with my good friend and colleague Juan. Late summer '12.
Size 12-14 ~ 72kg. |
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The Alpine Challenge - goal #1 met. Sept '12.
Size 12 ~ 68kg |
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The Catford CC hillclimb - Autumn '12.
Size 12 ~ 66kg. |
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Wattbike day out in the west. Autumn/winter '12.
Size 10-12 ~ 65kg. |
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Me and my Da after my 1st race! Spring '13.
Size 8-10 ~63kg. |
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Me at a sportive last month.. chilling.
Size 8 ~62kg. |
So this is me now. I've got leaner even since that last picture from last month was taken. I'm a comfortable size 8 and I'm on my way to hitting my final target racing weight of 60kg. There you have it. 20kg in one year. 20 a day smoker to a non-smoker. Binge drinker to tee total. Unhappy to healthy.
Not much else I can say about that really. If you wan't something done - just go and fucking well do it. x
Hey dude, it's Bennett here. Have to say, it is really impressive what you have achieved. Am not sure I would have the will to quit smoking, quit drinking and push myself as hard as you have been doing recently. Every time your posts popup on facebook you seem to achieve more and more and love every second of it.
ReplyDeleteIt is really inspirational how much you have done and extremely impressive considering the time frame. Keep up the amazing work! Who knows, you might even inspire me to give it a go one day. Best of luck in the future dude
Hey!
DeleteI'm glad you've found some inspiration, you just got to remember that if you have goals - you have to enjoy your method of achieving them.
Giving up smoking was reasonably easy (once I finally did it) because it was part of my ongoing goal to race my bike, I don't think I'd have the will if I didn't have that challenge already set.
Thanks for the comments man, means a lot! :)
Incredible. I'm a GP and success stories like this are few and far between. But you're right- ultimately, it IS down to the individual to want to change. My best hope is to help others see that. (not "preach" to them).
ReplyDeleteHi Roddy,
DeleteThank you for your kind comment, I'd like to think of it as a total success. My life has improved 100% since embarking on this journey.
You're totally right about the preaching thing, I find that has the same affect on people as diets. Preaching, like dieting, is like forcing an individual into something which they may want originally but instantly rebel. I think psychology-wise an individual must absolutely be comfortable and happy in whatever actions they take, that is the only way they can succeed.
I didn't do great at Geography in school, because I didn't like it. I don't run well, because I don't like it. I'm incredible at eating food because I love it and thankfully I have the bicycle to offset that love!
:-D
DeleteI hadn't placed all the pictures in sequence, which you have. Yes, I've seen the change, but not as well illustrated!!
ReplyDeleteI'll happily cook for you any time, and always do when I get the chance. I'm not sure which I enjoy more - watching you enjoying it, or seeing you burn it off!
Proud to be your "before" Dad!! Love you Moo.