Elemountary my dear Watson
Leslie Watson has gone to the top of Mauao 100 times — and lost a few kilos in the process.
His mother was on the summit of the Mt Maunganui landmark when her son achieved his milestone — her first trip to the top with her son in three decades.
It was an emotional moment for Watson, who has been on a mission to lose weight after tipping the scales at 209kg.
“The last time I have been up here with her was when I was about 11 or 12,” Watson, 44, said.
Watson was proud to have inspired his mother and many others to climb the mountain since his first walk 100 days ago when he weighed a hefty 209kg.
“It feels great to get others off the couch and put one foot in front of the other,” Watson said.
On March 30, Watson was sitting in his office, which looked over Mauao, when he said he had a calling. That day he walked up the mountain and hasn’t stopped since.
“I feel good. I feel awesome actually,” Watson said. “It has been a challenge along the way, I won’t lie. I have struggled a couple of times. But it is all about looking after the body properly, exercising, stretching and eating well.”
The father-of-four had lost 31kg when he weighed himself about two months ago, but had not been regularly checking the scales.
“I now have to get a new wardrobe. I have had to look for some smaller clothes. It feels good.
“Seeing everyone here, the people of Tauranga Moana, friends and whanau it is massive,” he said.