Big day is nearly here...

I did it!

Five days before my 40th birthday and I’ve got my first 10k under my belt.

It’s not like I broke any world records, but let’s cast our minds back to why I started this journey.

My body was permanently sore from the weight I was carrying.

My kids had become accustomed to pulling me up when I wanted to get off the couch.

Any over exertion left me hobbling about like someone in their 60s or 70s, despite still being in my 30s.

I set out to work with a personal trainer who would get me fit for 40.

I thought I’d shed the pounds and become someone who worked out regularly. I was told I’d be able to run by the time the 10k came around.

But something entirely different has happened.

I have shown that even at 20 stone, your body can achieve things most obese people wouldn’t think possible.

With eight stones of the 10 still left to lose, I completed the challenge that was determined before I knew the plans would change.

Of course, I had other goals in mind that I have still to reach.

I am still on a quest to find the right approach to diet and exercise to get me to my 12-stone target weight.

I am still trying to juggle looking after my health and wellbeing with the demands of being a single mum.

I’m retraining a life of unhealthy habits when it comes to food and activity levels at the same time as forging a whole new career.

I realised something on this journey I’m ready to share.

I have worn my fat like body armour.

At times, I’ve felt a duty to wear it to prove you can be fat and happy.

In unhappier times in my life I’ve built up the armour to protect me.

There are lots of plus size role models these days, so I am passing the torch to them.

I no longer need this armour. It’s weighing me down and I don’t want it.

When my birthday celebrations are over, I am going to banish this fat for good.

And I’ll be sure to check in with the Paisley Daily Express readers when I reach my target.