That was it, appointment over. I had kind of hoped for a different answer. I know now that he was right, but maybe he should have put it differently!!
Knowing that I needed to get fit, I had gained 3-4 stone since leaving school in 2003, I tried a variety of things.
I tried swimming, but I wasn't very good at that. I tried going for runs but I cannot think of anything more boring than that, plus I found it quite painful. I also joined the gym, like most of us do, only to hardly ever attend. Again, I found boredom a determining factor in my non-attendance.
Eventually, in November 2009, I decided to buy a cheap mountain bike and give that a go. I started cycling small loops of my home - 4-5 miles - and then progressed to cycling to work ( a 14 mile round trip). All of a sudden I had found something which I enjoyed, but I still struggled to get into a regular routine.
So when, in April this year, my employers Total Gas and Power announced that they were looking for participants to cycle from Redhill to Paris in 3 days, I saw a perfect opportunity to get serious about getting fit. I bought a road bike from Halfords and joined my local cycling club, Crawley Wheelers and gradually I started cycling longer and longer distances progressing from 20 to 30 to 40 to 60 miles in just a few months.
By the time of the ride in September I had lost two stone in weight and managed to complete the ride. It was a fantastic experience and one I will always remember. Most importantly, it did give me a focus and I trained almost every weekend. Since I came back from Paris I have only been out on my bike once. I know that needs to change, but I need some motivation.
Maybe I need a new challenge for 2013, so if anyone has any ideas let me know....
(I managed to raise £682.50. Yesterday I got a certificate from Mind .)
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