So it's been six months since my Dad died and after months of comfort eating and binge drinking, I'm trying really hard to get my own health and fitness back on track. In 2015 I weighed a healthy 60kg (9 stone 6 pounds), I am now topping the scales at 73.5kg (11 stone 8 pounds) - the heaviest I have ever weighed in my life.

I am 167 cms (5 foot 5 inches) tall and I'm 44 years old. My Body Mass Index is 28 - lying somewhere in between the upper end of normal and overweight.



Today as I start a new school year (I'm a teacher), I figured it would be a good time to reign in my bad eating habits and get back to work on improving my fitness through regular yoga sessions and training to run a half-marathon in December. I have walked/jogged several half-marathons in the past, with a personal best of 2 hours and 54 minutes. I have fifteen weeks to train and I am feeling optimistic. My target is to get fit, shed some weight and do what Dad always did - live life to the full.



I started off my training by searching the Internet for a training plan. Halfmarathons.net had some nice suggestions for a 12, 14 & 16 week plan, so I used their framework and adapted it to suit my own fifteen week schedule. Every week I am also going to try and modify my diet. This week is a no brainer - I am going to give up booze! No more glasses of red wine, no more sparkly Prosecco..... It's time to turn fat into fit!

1. If your BMI is below 18.5: Your BMI is considered underweight. Keep in mind that an underweight BMI calculation may pose certain health risks.

If your BMI is between 18.5-24.9: Your BMI is considered normal. This healthy weight helps reduce your risk of serious health conditions and means you’re close to your fitness goals.

If your BMI is above 30: Your BMI is considered overweight. Being overweight may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Consider making lifestyle changes through healthy eating and fitness to improve your health.