When Tracy Jones crossed the finish line of the Cardiff marathon she was literally half the person she used to be!
Two years ago the Llandysul mother of two said to herself enough was enough and decided that she was going to do something about her weight and lifestyle and the transformation since then has been nothing short of inspirational.
Weighing in at 22 stone and 2lbs she was very unhappy with her size and decided to change her life completely. With gritty determination, a lot of tears and dedication, Tracy, a receptionist at Tysul Vets, now weighs 10 stone, 11.5lbs and running is now a big part of her life and she admits to being as fit as a fiddle!
She completed the Cardiff half just a few weeks ago and before that she ran the Cardiff 10k.
“It’s something I never thought I would ever achieve. Running helps me keep my weight off but I still have to watch what I do. This is how my life will be from now on, but I am much happier and healthier. I feel and look like a different person. I love going clothes shopping whereas before I used to end up in tears walking out of a clothes shop as there would be nothing that would fit me. Now I feel like I could skip in because I know I can walk out with a new outfit.
“It took me two years to lose the weight. I didn’t do any exercise at all throughout my journey, I only changed what I was eating. I had tried many different diets over the years but never stuck to them. I knew I needed to lose weight but always brushed it to the back of my mind, until one weekend I was out in Swansea and I saw this girl. She was really pretty had a real nice outfit and she was dancing on her own and I thought to myself that’s how I want to be – I want to be able to look like that, and. I don’t want to be this person anymore,” said Tracy, age 28.
That was on a Saturday night, and on the following Tuesday, Tracy joined the Llandysul Slimming World Club and has never looked back.
“It really wasn’t easy, seeing everyone one around you eating the things that I used to crave and what I used to love, but I knew I needed to better my life so I had to be strong and continue with my new life style. It brought me to tears several times and I felt like giving up but I was determined to fullfill my dream and be a size 12 again,” added Tracy.
She has now started running and completed the Cardiff 10k and Cardiff Half Marathon this year and feels fit as a fiddle.
“I have a lot more energy to play with the kids, and a lot more energy just to do day to day things. I’m not as tired and I am enjoying life a lot more. My advice to others would be don’t ever feel like you can’t do it. Always believe in yourself and keep at it and you will get there. It’s not an easy journey. It’s a rollercoaster but if you want it, you will get it as long as you’re willing to work at it,” concluded Tracy.
By Anwen Francis.
