A sales director swops cholesterol tablets for Comrades. – By Lisa Nevitt

Age: 33
Home Town: Cape Town
Height: 1.92m
Occupation: Sales Director
Time Required: 3 Years
Then: 130kg
Now: 90kg

THE WAKE-UP

At high school I was active, and when I left matric I played a little sport. But then life got in the way. The funny thing is, when I looked in the mirror I didn’t even notice my weight had ballooned to 130 kilograms. It was only when I went for an annual medical check-up that concerns were raised. My blood pressure was extremely high, and my doctor gave me a choice: either shed some kilos, or start taking tablets to get my cholesterol back under control.

THE SHAKE-UP

At the time I was only 28 years old, and I didn’t want to start taking medication at such a young age. So there was only one thing for it: I would have to lose weight.

I went to see a dietician, and she recommended a healthy-eating plan. She helped me to realise that what I put into my body affects what I get out of it. My wife and I began walking around a three-kilometre loop close to our home, and eventually my dietician recommended I join a running club.

Sticking to my new routine was challenging at first, but I soon got over that when I saw the positive difference it was making, both mentally and physically.

THE REWARD

Running has played a massive role in my weight loss. If you’d have told me three years ago that I’d go on to run 15 marathons (PB: 3:29, on a hilly course) and achieve a Comrades personal best of 8:56, I probably would’ve given myself a heart attack by laughing so hard. But not only has running encouraged me to lead a healthier lifestyle; it has taught me that with hard work, anything is possible.

And through my newfound passion, I’ve met like-minded people who’ve become lifelong friends – they’ve helped me on my journey in a way that only runners will understand.

Inspired by Greg’s story? Join the club and start your weight-loss journey with the Run It Off Plan below. What are you waiting for?

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