Podcast Summary
From never thinking he could run a marathon to training for one, Trev's inspiring journey: Despite starting from a place of doubt, determination and community support can help anyone achieve their goals, no matter the size
No matter where you start from, you can achieve great things with determination and support. Anna and I, your hosts of the Slow More World podcast, have been fortunate to have an abundance of inspiring guests on the show lately, sharing their stories from all over the UK and Ireland. One such guest is Trev Kearns, who just a few years ago, never thought he could run a marathon. But today, he's training to do just that. This year, we're joining him in the challenge by participating in the Race for Life 5k event in Manchester on July 7th. We invite you to join us, whether you're in the area or not, to walk or run with us in person or virtually. The goal is to support each other, no matter our pace. It's a testament to the power of community and determination to make a difference, even in small steps. So, if you've been thinking about taking that first step towards a goal, remember, you're not alone. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Joining a running community can enhance weight loss journey: Running provides a fun and inclusive way to boost confidence and connect with others after weight loss. Consider joining a running club or Slimming World's Marathon Team to push past comfort zones and celebrate achievements.
Running, or physical activity in general, can be an enjoyable and accessible way for individuals to utilize their newfound energy and confidence after weight loss. Slimming World's Marathon Team provides an opportunity for individuals, even those who consider themselves non-runners, to join a supportive community and participate in various races and events. Applications for the team typically open between June and September, and applicants are required to have completed a half marathon. Emily Young, a guest on the podcast, shared her personal journey of discovering running after being encouraged by her consultant during her weight loss journey. She started small, joining a local running club and finding a community of individuals of all abilities. Despite initially feeling intimidated, she discovered that running was an inclusive activity with options for walking and bringing dogs. The Marathon Team and running clubs like Dublin Front Runners offer opportunities for individuals to push past their comfort zones, make new connections, and celebrate their achievements.
Breaking down big goals into smaller steps: Starting small and building up can lead to significant progress, whether losing weight or training for a marathon. Enjoy the journey and find pleasure in the process.
No matter the size of your goal, whether it's losing weight or training for a marathon, the challenges and the journey to get there are similar. Starting small and building up over time can lead to significant progress. The speaker shared an inspiring story of a Slimming World member who lost over 8 stone, emphasizing the huge impact it had on her confidence and physical abilities. Similarly, Emily, who is part of the Slimming World marathon team, shared her dream of running the London Marathon and the joy she found in training for it. Both experiences demonstrate that breaking down big goals into smaller, manageable steps can lead to great achievements. Additionally, the importance of finding enjoyment and pleasure in the process was highlighted, as it can help overcome perceived challenges and make the journey more rewarding.
Breaking down large goals into smaller steps: Focus on the next step, consistency, and habits are essential for achieving long-term goals.
Setting large goals can be overwhelming, and it's essential to focus on the smaller steps to achieve them. The speaker shared her experience of participating in a half marathon, admitting that she often struggles with getting motivated to start, despite the sense of achievement at the finish line. She emphasized the importance of reminding oneself of the end result and breaking down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps. The Body Magic program, with its awards and focus on consistency, was mentioned as an effective tool for building active habits and achieving long-term goals. The speaker also highlighted the importance of staying focused on the next step rather than getting overwhelmed by the end goal. Consistency and habits were identified as key components of success, both in personal goals and at the head office level. The speaker shared her personal experience of following the Body Magic program and achieving her bronze award as an example of the effectiveness of this approach.
Discovering joy in consistent physical activity: Consistently engaging in enjoyable activities boosts mental and physical well-being, leading to personal growth and self-confidence.
Consistency in physical activity, no matter the form or intensity, plays a crucial role in building habits and fostering a sense of achievement and pride. The Body Magic Awards, an activity support program, offers a framework for individuals to discover and consistently engage in activities they enjoy, leading to improved mental and physical well-being. The feeling of accomplishment and endorphin release can eventually become the primary motivation, surpassing the initial need for external rewards or milestones. Whether it's running a marathon or simply walking to the next lamppost, everyone has their unique "marathon" to conquer, and the journey towards reaching it can lead to profound personal growth and self-confidence. The Body Magic Awards serve as a testament to the transformative power of embracing regular physical activity and the importance of being kind to oneself throughout the process.
Find activities that complement each other and suit your abilities: Start small, enjoy the process, focus on personal improvement, and celebrate small victories to commit to change and achieve a sense of pride and accomplishment.
The Body Magic program encourages individuals to find activities that complement each other and suit their unique abilities, starting from their current position, no matter where that may be. The process of committing to change and celebrating small victories, even on difficult days, is essential. Advice from fellow participants includes starting small, enjoying the process, and focusing on personal improvement rather than competition. Remember, running a marathon, or any new activity, is not easy, but the feeling of pride and accomplishment makes it worth it. As Nicola says, "Just put on your shoes and get out of the door."
Enjoy Your Fitness Journey: Embrace the journey, go at your own pace, use resources, ask for support, and consider running for a charity for added motivation and mental benefits.
Starting a fitness journey, whether it's running or any other activity, should be seen as a personal and enjoyable experience. Don't be intimidated by others or compare yourself to them. Use resources like Couch to 5K or Parkrun to gradually build up your abilities. Embrace the outdoors, go at your own pace, and don't be afraid to ask for support from friends, family, or groups like Slimming World. Remember, the mental benefits often outweigh the physical ones. Additionally, don't let bad weather deter you – proper clothing is all you need. And, if possible, running for a charity can add an extra layer of motivation and meaning to your journey. The sense of accomplishment and collective support can help push you through challenges and make the experience even more rewarding.
London Marathon training: A transformative journey of challenges and growth: Runners share their experiences of overcoming doubts, enjoying the process, and running for meaningful causes during their London Marathon training. The training is tough but rewarding, with joy found in team support and charitable causes.
The London Marathon training journey is a transformative experience for many runners, filled with challenges, personal growth, and camaraderie. The runners in this discussion, part of the Slimming World team, share their experiences of overcoming doubts, enjoying the process, and running for meaningful causes. Some runners have lost loved ones and see the marathon as a privilege and an honor. Others, like Hayley, are running to prevent others from experiencing the pain of losing a loved one to cancer. The training process is tough, but the runners remain committed, finding joy in the support they receive from their team and the charities they represent. The rain, once an obstacle, becomes a liberating element of the experience. The runners' determination and positive attitudes serve as a reminder that one should never underestimate their body's capabilities.
Overcoming self-doubt to achieve a challenging goal: Running a half marathon can lead to personal growth, improved fitness, increased confidence, and the joy of being part of a supportive community. It involves setting specific goals, training consistently, and pushing through doubts and challenges.
Overcoming self-doubt and committing to a challenging goal, like running a half marathon, can lead to great personal growth and a sense of accomplishment. The journey may involve setting specific goals, training consistently, and pushing through doubts and challenges. The rewards can be both physical and mental, including improved fitness, increased confidence, and the joy of being part of a supportive community. Remember, it's okay to start small and gradually build up to bigger challenges. And even if you have doubts, keep going and trust that you'll be proud of yourself in the end. As one participant shared, "I wasn't even gonna get out of the car this morning, but now I've just completed a half marathon in my best time yet." So, take the first step and see where it leads you.
Participating in endurance events can be enriching for Slimming World members: Slimming World offers expert tips, camaraderie, and resources for members participating in endurance events, making the experience more enjoyable and rewarding.
Participating in endurance events like marathons or race for life can be an enriching experience for Slimming World members. Not only does it provide an opportunity to fuel up properly with expert tips and advice, but it also offers a sense of camaraderie and support among fellow members. The collective experience of training and racing together can help alleviate pre-race nerves and make the journey more enjoyable. The Slimming World community offers resources and events like warm-ups and meet-ups to make the experience even more rewarding. So, if you're considering participating in an endurance event, remember that you're not alone, and the support and knowledge from Slimming World can help you reach your goals.
Inviting guests for a meal: Clear communication and warm hospitality are essential when extending invitations and making arrangements for guests.
The speaker is extending an invitation to two individuals to join them for a meal. They ask if the two need any additional arrangements to be made and offer to set a place at the table for them. The tone of the message is friendly and inviting. This exchange highlights the importance of clear communication and extending invitations to others with a welcoming attitude. It also emphasizes the significance of making arrangements to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and included. Overall, the speaker's message conveys a sense of warmth and hospitality, encouraging a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
