If Henry wanted to compete in karate, he would have to slim down… – By Lisa Nevitt

Age: 33
Home Town: Despatch
Height: 1.6m
Occupation: Professional Nurse – Life St George’s Hospital
Time Required: 2.5 months
Then: 98.7kg
Now: 69.5kg

THE WAKE-UP

My sensei noticed I was overweight. I was participating in our national championships and felt very out of breath. After my kumite (fighting), he told me straight that I was too fat, and that I wouldn’t get any further unless I was willing to slim down.

I had succumbed to working life, which is different to being at school: you don’t have time to be active with your friends, and when you’re on the go, it’s easier to grab a quick bite at a fast-food restaurant.

THE SHAKE-UP

I followed a strict diet, carefully monitoring my kilojoule intake. I took up CrossFit in the mornings, and at night I started walking five kilometres – in Crocs! When my weight began to drop and I felt stronger, I bought some running shoes and started jogging. Soon, I could run five kilometres with ease, and began gradually upping my distance to 10 kilometres.

Watching my family eat whatever they wanted, while I had to watch what I ate, took tremendous willpower. Finding the time to exercise between work and my personal life was also difficult. There were some people who doubted I would be able to keep the weight off; they said I would return to my old habits.

THE REWARD

I joined an athletics club in Despatch, and achieved a time of 1:49 at my first half marathon. By committing to my weight-loss – despite temptation, and the fact that others doubted me – I’ve learned that the mind is powerful enough to help you achieve anything. My rewards might sound silly to some; but to be able to wear smaller clothes, and have people hardly recognise the new me, is just the best!

Inspired by Henry’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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