“Pedalling in the pandemic helped me shed four stone”
SALES DIRECTOR DAN MARSHALL BECAME A CYCLING CONVERT IN A BID TO LOSE WEIGHT
“In March 2020, I weighed 20st 8lb (130kg). I was concerned about the impact my weight would have on my health. I could only wear slipon shoes as I couldn’t bend to tie my laces and had constant heartburn. I decided I needed to lose the belly.”
“During the first lockdown the good weather enticed me to order a bike. I went cheap and cheerful with a Specialized Crosstrail. I didn’t think my belly would take to me riding a road bike and I wasn’t sure if I would stick to cycling.”
“By May 2020 I was besotted with cycling, so much so that I ordered a Wattbike for some serious Zwifting and to keep cycling around work commitments. Cycling was the first type of exercise I’d ever truly enjoyed. I couldn’t wait to get on the bike and, as the miles increased, the pounds began to drop off.”
“I cut out alcohol in the week and ate more vegetables and lean meat and no junk food. I went from having a 40in to a 34in waist and gained so much more energy.”
“I use my old ‘vices’ – a few beers and a curry – as a reward at the weekend. My former lifestyle included lots of drinking and eating out. Lockdown stopped that habit, which helped me considerably.”
“By August I’d signed up to my first major cycling challenge. I’d worked up the confidence and competence to enter a Cycling 200 ride in September. With a few friends for support, I rode 200 miles over a weekend to my home town of Southport. The challenge was an emotional achievement for me. I raised over £7,500 for Cancer Research, a cause dear to my heart as I lost my mum to breast cancer.”
“The sense of achievement, empowerment, fitness and allround better wellbeing cycling has brought me gave me the confidence to join a cycling club – K Velo – in Knottingley. I did my first 100miler with them and have met lots of great people. I’ve upgraded the bike too – I’ve gone all out and bought a Pinarello Dogma F12, which is my dream machine!”
“Cycling has helped me shed almost five stone in weight already. I now weigh 15st 13lb and I’m riding at least five times a week. Along with the physical benefits, I’m finding that a ride after work clears the mind after a stressful day too.”
“Cycling has brought me a s e n s e o f f i t n e s s , a c h i e v e ment, empowerment and b e t t e r well b e i n g ”