As my finger hovered over the mouse, I hesitated. “Are we really doing this then?” I asked my daughter, Nicola. Smiling, she replied: “Let’s go for it!” And with another click, we’d signed ourselves up for the Margate 5K Race for Life.
Even signing up was a real milestone for me. When I joined Slimming World with my mum in July 2021, I was a size 22 and had to walk with a stick. By Food Optimising, I’d dropped four dress sizes in a few months, and it gave me the confidence to begin the Body Magic activity support programme.
I started small at first, building in active habits like parking a little further away from the shops and getting off the bus a stop early. To most people it was just walking, but to me, getting my steps in and collecting my Body Magic awards in group was the beginning of a brand-new relationship with exercise.
MORE FOR MEMBERS: Learn how to run in just 10 weeks with our step-by-step training plan.
During this time, my mum received a letter from Cancer Research UK, who were recruiting volunteers for a blood test trial. She put herself forward and, to our shock, was diagnosed with lung cancer. Suddenly, the Race for Life – which had started out as a simple activity goal – had taken on a whole new meaning and I was more motivated than ever.
MORE ON THE BLOG: We’re sponsoring Race for Life 2023 – and you can get 30% off the entry fee when you walk or run with us. Find out how
While I knew I could walk the course, receiving those Body Magic awards had really boosted my self-confidence, and I decided I wanted to run it! In July 2022, as I jogged the final few metres towards the finish line, with Mum’s name on my back, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
Those small steps I’d taken months before had allowed me to achieve something I’d never thought I was capable of. Mum was so proud of Nicola and me for taking part. And without the funds raised for Cancer Research UK by events like Race for Life, her diagnosis might not have been possible. I can’t wait to run for her again this year.
Build active habits, at your own pace
Whether you’re already active or you’re looking for support to get started, Slimming World’s physical activity programme meets you where you are right now. As a member, you’ll also enjoy access to our full get-fit tool kit, which includes:
- expert support to help you recognise then overcome any personal barriers
- more than 60 fun, easy-to-follow activity videos and a series of guided walking podcasts
- Body Magic awards to celebrate your progress
- fitness quizzes and articles, including exercise guides and activity ideas
- member-exclusive podcasts to listen to on the go
- a handy online tracker to plan and record your activity
If you’re planning to start a new exercise programme, we recommend you check with your GP first – especially if you have an existing health condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or asthma. If you’re pregnant, check the suitability of the exercise with your midwife