In 2004 I was in my second year of university. I was studying accountancy (yes, exciting) at UCLAN in Preston. I had a shocking diet of takeaways, late nights and alcohol. I was lazy and would rather grab a pizza after a shift in my nightclub job than cook myself a decent meal.
I was overweight, unfit and depressed. The depression wasn't a result of the weight gain but it certainly didn't help matters. I had gone from a fit and active teenager to a fat and miserable young adult, I was newly single and my life needed a big shake up.
My parents told me how along with my two elder brothers they were signing up complete the BUPA Great Manchester 10k Run, would I like to join them? We'd always been an active family, so I said yes, I'd give it a go.
I set out for my first run in January 2005, 5 months before the race. I was wearing a pair of cheap fashion trainers and I couldn't make it to the end of the street. It was a shock! I figured running would be fairly easy, I was wrong. My lungs burned, my body felt like a ton of bricks and my feet were less than impressed about the lack of cushioning in those shoes.
I tried to go out 2-3 times a week from there until the race, each time aiming to jog that little bit further before I stopped to walk, a lamppost further each time. I bought myself some proper running shoes. The first time I made it to the big junction at the end of the road was a milestone, then to the park, round the park and finally home.
Back then there were no GPS watches, I didn't even own a laptop or have internet access in my uni halls (I know, prehistoric) so Strava or Couch to 5k wasn't a thing. The only way I could record my progress were those damn lampposts! When my parents came to visit I had my Dad drive a lap of my route and tell me how far it was. Turns out it was just over 3 miles, or 5k, so unwittingly I'd done my own couch to 5k programme - I had to use the voice in my own head rather than a helpful lady in my earphones.
(Speaking of earphones - music was a bit tricky back then. I had an mp3 player, honestly it held about 5 songs. I remember a friend telling my that this company called Apple had just released a gadget called an "iPod" that could hold a gigabyte of music and I was amazed. I now feel very very old.)
In the mean time I got my act together with my eating. I cut out the rubbish, as being on first name terms with the guy in the pizza shop is never a good thing. I started to eat all the things my Mum had told me were good for me, rather than the foods I wanted to eat when I left home in a streak of rebellion. Frosties were swapped for Bran Flakes, chocolate bars for bananas and McDonalds for Jacket potato and beans.
I never starved myself. I didn't join a slimming club. I didn't follow a plan. I just ate sensibly and enjoyed my treats in moderation. I still drank enough alcopops to sink a small ship but I danced hard enough on those student nights that it didn't really matter.
My brother Gary had a place for the Great North Run in September - could I do it too? I took a charity place with Breast Cancer Care and worked hard training and fundraising, raising over £250 through car boot sales and sponsors. The whole family got involved, they were running for Leukaemia research.
I fought my way around that half marathon in 2hrs 30mins. It was hard going. I was overtaken by a banana at one point (i figured a little walk wouldn't hurt after that). It was hot, people were passed out on the side of the road and on that last mile along the sea front I truly thought I might die but I did it, I was proud and I had run a half marathon.
I completed the Manchester 10k in 2006, 2007 & 2009 and the Great North Run again in 2006. My weight continued to drop and I was a comfortable size 10. My mental health improved dramatically. My confidence returned. In my last year at university I decided I needed a new hobby to go with my new body and took up ballroom dancing. There I met a rather good looking dance partner called James and the rest, as they say is history.
I kept running for fitness and weight maintenance but I didn't complete any more events except for the Manchester 10k again in 2010 shortly after my Dad passed away, it was emotional not having the whole family team together but this time I had James by my side.
But that was almost 6 years ago, so much has happened since then, it would be far too much to post all at once, so I will fill you in on the rest next time!
The important thing to note here is that change can take place if you're willing to work for it. Learning to run, losing weight and battling mental health problems isn't easy. I know this from both my own experiences and those of people close to me who inspire me every day. The key is to be consistent, to talk down the negative voices and to focus on that end goal - don't give up chasing your dreams!
Jenny xxx
