Following all the hype of the Olympics it was great to hear how Jackie Walker, who at the age of 50 had been inspired to pick up the phone and make that first enquiry to get into the exercise habit. Six weeks on and this is her story:
“I think that the Olympics has put the GREAT back into Britain!
Well, it certainly has put the GREAT back into me. Seeing, those wonderful athletes and admiring their strength and determination, somehow, made me feel a little envious. I want a piece of the action, I want to be as fit as I can be, and I want to be as slim as I can be. I want to feel good about myself. Over the years I have piled on the pounds and I really do not like making excuses or hearing others make excuses for such weight gain.
GREED, LAZINESS and SELF PITY: my recipe for my weight gain.
I thought that I could get a running club up on the internet and join in with Bob of Walsall running club. When I explained that I was 18 stones he was very sensitive and asked for me to speak with Sally Ellis. After, speaking with Sally she advised for me to join the walking group at Wyndley Leisure Centre on Mondays at 11 a.m.
I am so glad that I did. I appreciated the welcome, the diversity of age, the diversity in levels of fitness, the friendliness and the chat. The fact that I feel so good after meeting such wonderful people as well as exercising is a bonus.
I am not running yet but I am sure that I will be soon.
I AM SO LOOKING FORWARD TO MONDAY AT 11 A.M”
If you have been inspired by those amazing sporting achievements this summer why not give it a go.