BRIAN YATES – NEW MEMBER 26/6/09
I used to do a bit of running many years ago for exercise
but I never joined a team although I sometimes entered local races such as the Blackpool Fun Run.
Around 4 years ago I developed some bad eating and drinking
habits and coupled with a change in lifestyle, this made running regularly
difficult and so I piled on a lot of excess weight.
I jumped on the scales in January 2008 and to my horror I weighed 15st 8 lbs. This was a
huge shock to me as the weight had crept on slowly and I had not noticed quite
how much extra weight I had gained.
I knew drastic measures needed to be taken and I decided to
get my running shoes out straight away, change my diet and cut
out all alcohol.
I will never forget the first day I ran again because it
was during the week the River Dance Boat ran
aground on Cleveleys beach. I felt a bit like that boat
when I ran. as I battled against the wind and rain
while my body struggled to carry me. As painful as it was, I persevered
day after day as I knew this was a way to shed some of those heavy pounds off.
It was really hard work but I kept to a strict healthy
diet and started running around 2 miles a night for the first month or so
then slowly increased the distance each month. By April 2008 I had lost over 3 stone and was
running over 6 miles most evenings. By then I was regularly entering 5k
races and the occasional 10k races and country trials.
18 months on I've lost 5 and half stone and
since I've put my trainers back on, my fitness and performance has
gone from strength to strength. I have completed several half marathons and
after my first full marathon at Brathay Windermere, I
was astounded to learn I had qualified for the 2010
I find that the combination of running and weight loss has
given me more than a new lease of life. It is so motivational; it gives
me a huge sense of achievement and a great feeling of well being. I now
average around 60 miles a week and I consider it to be one of the best
decisions I have ever made because I have never felt so healthy.
I have run as an unattached competitor for so long but
the time is now right for me to join a running club.
After looking at the clubs in my region, I have chosen Wesham Road Runners because it seems to be particularly
well organised. Also the team members I have competed against have been
friendly and encouraging and since joining 2 weeks ago, they have made me
feel very welcomed even though I’m still finding my feet and getting to
know everybody.
Many Thanks Brian Yates
Submitted: 29th July 2009
MR BRIAN YATES
BISPHAM
FY2 9PU
TEL 01253 352492
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