On 31st March 2018, aged 37, I went to my first parkrun in Livingston. I had heard of parkrun but did not know what to expect however I knew I needed to make changes in my life and I thought maybe something like this would help. At the time I was nearing 24 stone in weight, having put on weight in High School and never managing to lose it, despite numerous attempts over the years. I was stuck in the vicious cycle of losing a little bit but as the losses slowed or stopped, I would become despondent and bad habits would start again. I have two children though and I knew I was not being fair by them. My health was impacting them even if they didn’t know it. I couldn’t be a role model to them and I was scared that they might turn out like me. So I went to parkrun and that day changed my life forever.

When I did my first parkrun, I walked it. I couldn’t run more than 10 seconds without struggling. Even something like couch to 5k was so far beyond my capabilities that to even attempt it would have been so detrimental. Instead, I used the principles of couch to 5k but I adapted it to what I could manage. I gradually increased my pace and managed to start running small blocks of time. I would run along my local cycle path, walking whenever I saw someone approach, my head down so I didn’t have to look at them. I kept returning to parkrun and gradually my time improved. I still remember my delight at managing it in less than 50 minutes, less than 45 minutes and so on. It wasn’t just my delight though. The volunteers who saw me week after week were so pleased, my husband was so proud and my family started to notice the changes in me (I hadn’t said much to them about what I was doing due to failing so many times before). I managed to run a whole parkrun one week and almost cried as I crossed into the finish funnel. Of all the achievements I’ve managed since then, nothing will mean as much as the first time I ran the full 5k. Having walked my first parkrun in 1:04:22, I am so happy that my 5k PB now sits at 26:34.

I have since completed 10ks, half marathons, a few marathons, 50k ultras, one 100k ultra and a 70 mile epic ultra along Hadrians Wall from Carlisle Castle to Millenium Bridge in Newcastle (non-stop). I love the training, the planning and the getting out there and running. I often have moments when I’m running when I think ‘oh wow … I can run’.

My life transformation hasn’t been limited to my running achievements however. I have so much more confidence in myself. I will push myself out of my comfort zone and try things that I would never do before. I am able to talk to people more than I ever used to and I no longer need someone to hide behind. I used to only go out if my husband or kids were with me as I could deflect situations around me onto them.

Having changed my life so dramatically I know what a difference it can make. I know how it feels to feel uncomfortable in your own body whilst trying to pretend you are happy. I know the embarrassment we can feel about ourselves and I understand the frustration of wanting to be able to achieve more.

At the same time, I know now that it is entirely possible to make the changes necessary when you have someone there to support and motivate you. Someone who is going to encourage you and keep you going when you don’t think you can. This is why I became a Personal Trainer. Because I want to help people realise that they can acheive more than they have been lead to believe. I know because for 20 years I didn’t think I could ever be anything other than what I was. I am no different to you, if I can do it, anyone can. And I can help you realise your potential.