A guest post from my wife
This post is written by my beloved wife
I started writing the guest post last year sometime… and then never got to finish it. My last draft is not really up-to-date with what’s happening anymore, so I had to restart.
You’ve all seen what an amazing transformation to his life, his shape and his confidence with himself through this new healthy lifestyle and running. You’ve all seen the photos of him before and “current”. What you may or may not have seen, is a picture of what he was like when I first met him… not a real picture, so you will have to use some of your imagination.
When I first met him, he was big, I mean BIG. Where I came from, I’m considered overweight even with a BMI of 20. So for me, he was HUGE and tall.
He used to be the one organising just about all the social outings we used to have. The University of Auckland is nicely situated on the top of the hill, sort of; while the town, ie. Food places and movie theatres are at the bottom. So I remember the times when we went to town for lunch, dinner, movie etc, coming back to uni for the car… actually I don’t remember walking with him much, without almost killing him. I can walk uphill the same speed as I can walk flat and I don’t walk slowly, other than in the shopping malls and supermarkets. So all I could really remember, was him panting ,deep breathing and just about half dead.
Once, we decided to go hiking with another two couple friends, before we were going out. We were happily marching along, and him and this other VERY skinny male friend; both of them on the way back uphill, were taking a lot of breaks and moaning why there isn’t an escalator in the middle of the nature bush walk. I must say, that was rather funny. I remember that was also the hiking trip that he was compared to a hippo (not by me), with all love and respect. Even though he’s always seemed to take the fat jokes quite well but I’m sure deep down, it must have hurt and must have affected how he feels about himself.
Eventually, he started going to the gym and he was losing weight slowly; that was the end of 2002. I think it was sometime during 2003, when he’s not losing as much weight, he went on Atkins for a while. He was going to the gym every weekday before the wedding as well, hoping to look good for the wedding. I think 100kg was where he got to and found it really hard to go down anymore. I remember at the time, we thought, 95kg would probably be a good weight for him and it’d be a dream if he can be in early 90s but chances are he’ll never be able to get down below 90!
So, let’s assume 100kg wasn’t too far off from his “ideal weight”. Even then, trying to get him to go out for a walk is like a torture to him. His parents love walking, so do I. My parents also go for walks, too. Every time I tried to drag him out for a walk, it’s always a very short one. This is when he was doing regular exercises and losing weight on and off, yet, even just walking around isn’t something easy for him to do.
This all changed, when he started doing C25K.
Slowly but surely, he started to feel more energy and fitter than he was before. He’d even carry the little one out for a walk, after he had just came back for a run!! Many times I asked, are you sure?! He was still keen! He might have been a little sore but still keen to get out and be active!
So apart from the changes in what you can see in photos; this is the change I see as well.
I’d like to also add, usually, women get married and overtime, they get a bit more of their men to love than less. It is normal for a married man to start putting on weight, especially round the middle as the years of married life goes up. I must say, I’ve got one that actually is looking better and better as the years go by. He is feeling much better about himself; feeling more confident; being more active and healthier! That’s pretty good!
Also because of him, there are a few more of his friends and people he knows had started running as well, myself included. Most amazing one is his mother; she’s now training for her 15K race coming up!! She only started running late last year!!
Sometimes, it may seem weird, but it’s really amazing the influence he has had on others, simply by doing it and sharing his experiences.
You can read her blog here.
Comments
19 Responses to “A guest post from my wife”
Daily Mile
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RoadID
Thanks so much for this post! I have often wondered about the amazing woman behind this blog as well. what you are thinking about all this. how it impacted you, too!
and this:
Sometimes, it may seem weird, but it’s really amazing the influence he has had on others, simply by doing it and sharing his experiences.
not weird at all.
We can totally see it here every.day.
MizFits last blog post..Hungry Girl Interview & Giveaway.
This is a wonderful post!
I’ve loved reading Andrew’s blog, but as Mizfit indicated, its interesting to see the perspective of our loved ones as we go through these changes in our life.
Gregs last blog post..Yellow Peep Sandwich Recipe
Twitter: livefitblog
Wonderful post! Hard work and momentum are wonderful tools, but having the support of loved ones is even more valuable. Kudos to both of you for making a winning team!
Cammy@TheTippyToeDiets last blog post..Makeover Monday: Happy Feet, The Sequel
Twitter: tippytoediet
This is a great post! I rarely think about how my weight loss has affected my family/wife, etc., but I know it has.
I too, wish they would make an escalator for tall hills
TB–Milwaukees last blog post..Anchors Aweigh
Great post! And congratulations on a magnificent turnaround for Andrew and your entire family.
Vavas last blog post..12km Run in Ottawa
Great post. It’s interesting to read a spouse’s perspective on one’s weight loss and fitness accomplishments. He (and you) have really inspired so many people.
That was such a nice guest post about your hubby!!
How lucky you are to have a husband who has changed his life around and looks better and better each year!!
Great job too, on starting to run as well!
Jennifers last blog post..Food Finds + Yummy Breakfast
What a great post, its great to know that you liked him the past for who he was is the beginning, but…. now just don’t let him get back though to his old weight! But.. I am sure at this point he wont
hehe I’ve always said that I like him not for his looks, but he always seem to get a bit offended… don’t know why, eh!
Twitter: dtsnake
Great post, well done for keeping him on the right track.
Bruces last blog post..2009 Training Log
Thanks for sharing, Mrs. Beloved!
Sometimes this change is hard on our loved ones. We become obsessive about new and different things and our lives change. Your support has always shone through in Andrew’s mentions of you. You are his rock!
Jeffs last blog post..The Perfect Run
I was curious that your wife was a runner and that we didn’t no more about her running.
Your inspiration is incredible, especially since you have involved the rest of your family.
You know Andrew that our stories are much the same and being the “fat” person always sucks.
I still count on your inspiration to get me to my final goal weight and to run a marathon.
Cheers!
Daves last blog post..Satan girl
That’s a cracking post – a good perspective on the other side.
Chriss last blog post..Busy week + race report
Great! Andrew is doing well, although I have found this blog not much before but have read a lot in his last posts. Yep he has done a great job, going for regular gym and regular walk is really tough.
From your post it looks that he started all for you, and continuing it as he enjoys it now. You must be feeling great whatever Andrew has achieved, in the end I would say Thanks for sharing this.
Hey, first time to this blog, and what a wonderful post to start with! I can’t even imagine running a marathon. Definitely the type that avoids long uphill walks, at least in recent years. I’m curious about how you felt about the changes in your husband’s lifestyle, and particularly if there was ever any fricion over dietary choices. My wife is happy that I want to get in shape, of course, but suggestions that we not have bags of cookies lying around or eat deep fried are often met with a bit of eye rolling. Probably I just haven’t come far enough along for her to think I’m really serious yet. Anyway, thanks for a great post.
Great post. Great to hear that the positive influence on others to get active. Andrew is lucky to have you so accomodating allowing time to excercise – and approving gadgets like the garmin
This is great! Its so wonderful to finally hear from you. He is a great influence on many, many people he will never meet. Its great to see you are starting to run as well!
Mary – A Merry Lifes last blog post..Eating Because They Are Eating
Twitter: amerrylife
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awwww…. such a lovely post. Nice to hear from someone with inside info. What an amazing story of triumph and dedication. It’s so amazing to realize that we all have this potential to find so much more joy out of life when we learn to love ourselves and take care of our bodies! Thanks for sharing
Annalisas last blog post..Don’t wanna jinx myself