Cheryl Ran Off 24kg!
A former emotional eater learns to love herself again.
Name: Cheryl Green
Age: 38
Home Town: Table View
Height: 1.75m
Occupation: Senior Clerk, SAPS
Time Required: 9 Months
Then: 107.1kg
Now: 83kg
THE WAKE-UP
When a loved one committed suicide, my family and I struggled with our loss. Emotional eating became my way of coping; and as a consequence, my weight ballooned to a point where I wasn’t just uncomfortable in my clothes, but also in my own skin.
That’s when my life took a turn for the worst. My newfound hatred for my body negatively impacted my moods – to the point where I had to take medication for depression, and my doctor warned me that if I didn’t change, I’d end up in a clinic.
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Though my tipping point was when a work colleague asked if I had a secret I wanted to share with him, and pointed to my stomach. I knew exactly what he meant, and I felt embarrassed.
THE SHAKE-UP
I dusted off an old pair of running shoes and went for an 800m jog, but my knees weren’t ready to withstand the impact of my extra weight, and sadly I ended up on crutches. Unperturbed, I set myself New Year’s resolutions: to get fit, and lose 15kg. I ran on the treadmill at first, before progressing to a 5-K fun run; and I learned how to manage my schedule, so that I always made time to run.
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THE REWARD
I have running to thank for losing 24kg. To date, I’ve finished over 30 races, including two half marathons. I’ve learned how to set goals, and achieve them, without doubting myself; and I can honestly say that getting up each day to go for a run is no longer a struggle.
RELATED: 5 Ways To Save Your Knees And Joints!
But my biggest reward is that running has helped me to love myself again. My depression is under control, I’ve stopped taking medication for it – and when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, I’m a role model to my kids.
Inspired by Cheryl’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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