Not long ago I shared Andrea’s awesome 12WBT story. I recently got an email from another of my rockstar members that blew me out of the water. Kelly is a wife, mother and business owner – yet she has managed to lose 50 kilos on my 12WBT, and run not one, but several half marathons. This is her story.
I’ve just completed my fifth straight round of 12WBT. I’ve done Beginners, L2R, 10km, 10km Advanced and Half Marathon – and in the process I’ve gone from 108kg to 58kg. A total of 50kg lost!! I reached my goal weight five weeks ago and have been happily maintaining it while continuing to enjoy my running. It just seems surreal!
The program has been such an important part of my life for 16 months that it doesn’t feel right to finish without a thank you! I know that it has been my own hard work and commitment that has got me here, but the framework the program provided was perfect for me.
Finding The Old Me
I’d like to say I’ve completely changed but that’s not quite true. Certain attitudes have done a complete turn around – like my attitude to food and fitness. But as the kilos have come away and I’ve put miles on my runners, I’ve found the old me. The one that cares about herself, is focused, doesn’t give up, has goals, is committed, makes plans for herself. So many of these traits went by the wayside while my kids were young.
The Power of Exercise
The exercise has been key for me. Because I run, I WANT to eat well. My training really motivates me to make sure I eat the right food. I wonder if without the exercise I’d have been committed to making the food changes I have… I don’t know. But I intend to keep up the magic formula for good eating and good exercise because it makes me feel amazing. Plus, I love my size 8 jeans!
A Marathon Effort
Two weeks ago I completed my first half marathon at the Hunter Valley Wineries. I can’t tell you how amazing this was. My son and daughter were so excited as I neared the finish: they were cheering and calling out to me, pointing to the finish line, then hugging me and presenting me with my medal!! I was surprised at just how proud of me they were – it filled my heart.
I then realised what a terrific role model I was for them. They could see that all the hard work I had put in had paid off, in me being able to achieve this goal. I was showing them that health and fitness mattered and that they could set any goal they wanted and work towards achieving it. I had already learned part way through my journey that putting myself first when I needed to train wasn’t being a bad mum, that in fact it made me a better one. Seeing them at the end of my race just confirmed it.
Thanks
Thank you team for offering so much advice and support. And to Mish, thank you for taking the time and spending the energy to turn your knowledge and passion into a business that I could access to turn my life around. Your hard work has paid off too!!
So now I move on with ‘life’. I’ve got this and will never go back to where I was. Next goal is the Blackmores Half Marathon – might see you there!
Thank you so very much.
Kelly
xxx
Kelly is a married mum who works part time, and runs the family business. Her two children, aged 9 and 11, keep her busy as well!
I am very overweight 145 kg and very arthritic it is very painful for me to exercise even walking takes it toll can i do this
Hi Shirley – I’m sorry to hear about your arthritis, this sounds very painful and frustrating indeed. We do ask that you seek advice from your health care professional before embarking on an exercise program especially if you have pre-existing injuries or conditions. They will give you a recommendation as to which exercises to avoid and which ones you can perform safely.
We encourage you to then modify the Exercise Plans to suit your needs, based on the results of your health professional’s assessment of you. The comprehensive 12WBT Exercise Index is a great resource to help you in your modifications and you can also take copies of your Exercise Plan and options from the Exercise Index with you to your health care provider/s for more specific advice about individual exercises and alternatives.
The Move program is the entry level program for 12WBT and this is something you might like to consider in consultation with your health care providers. The exercises in its Exercise Plans are all low impact and low intensity, and the Fitness Program itself is comprised of 4-5 days of exercise rather than 6. The Move program is the perfect program for those people who have never exercised before, haven’t exercised in a long time or who have injuries and/or health concerns that requires them to introduce a fitness routine very gently.
As your goals include weight loss, it’s important to keep in mind that weight loss is 80% nutrition, 20% exercise so even if you have to modify the Exercise Plans somewhat, by following the Meal Plans as prescribed, you can still achieve a great result.
I hope that this assists with making an informed decision about signing up Shirley and I wish you all the best with your health and fitness goals. We’d love to have you on board if you feel the Program is right for you!
All the best,
Leila
12WBT Support Crew
Hi there
I am interested in joining a 12WBT challenge, but, I am already over the age of 60! Is there a place for me? My daughter is a real fan and has been encouraging me to try it. Look forward to your reply
Regards
Suzanne
Hi Suzanne – You’re still a Spring Chicken! Of course we have a place for you, and we’ve witnessed spectacular results from members in far more advanced years than yours, so please don’t write yourself off just yet! If the thought of regular exercise makes you nervous, then you might like to start out on our entry-level ‘Move Program’. There is no need to perform the Fitness Test to join this program – the exercises are all low-impact and designed to be performed at home. You can find more about it here: https://www.12wbt.com/12wbt-programs/move-weight-loss We’d love to have you join the team! 🙂
Leila
12WBT Support Crew