‘My son told me to start cycling – I loved it! Soon, I was managing up to 30 miles a day’
of energy and well-being – getting outside, having a goal.
Soon, I was cycling up to 30 miles every day, walking in the mornings, loving my food and smiling everywhere I went.
Out on my bike, I’d often bump into groups of skinny OAPs, also on bike rides. I realised what a scene it was – besides being kind to your joints, cycling created a real community of people wanting to stay fit and active.
I also realised how seldom I ever saw fat people my age. Had they all passed away?
Of course, training so much meant I really didn’t have to try to lose weight. By November 2016, I’d hit my goal of 11st and fitted into a whole new size 12 wardrobe! Everyone was so proud of me but, inside, I was prouder of myself than anyone.
In September 2017, after 18 months of intensive training, Jonathan and I set out from John O’Groats, at the tip of northern Scotland. We finished our ride 13 days later. It was incredibly hard – mentally as much as physically – but we did it, raising over £6,000 for the British Heart Foundation and the educational development charity, Cementing Futures.
We’d covered 968 miles, climbed over 50,000ft and pushed ourselves to the limit.
To think, not long ago, I couldn’t walk up a slight incline without getting out of breath… and here I was, tackling massive hills and averaging over 74 miles a day!
Now, I’ve turned 64, and my daughter, Amy, is getting married this summer. I’m choosing my outfit soon, and I won’t be camera-shy. I’ll wear something bold and beautiful, now I’m finally happy with my figure and all I’ve achieved.
‘If there’s one thing I’ve learnt’ ‘Keeping a food diary a great idea is – but you have to be honest with yourself! ’