Sharon is our August Calendar Girl
Sharon, has lost 11 lbs on our Light Choices diet plan and the closer she gets to her target weight the faster she will paddle to success. Sharon’s chosen Calendar Charity is Breakthrough Breast Cancer, the largest and most influential UK breast cancer charity, fighting the disease on three fronts - research, campaigning and education. All proceeds from the calendar are donated to the Charities listed in the Calendar.
Sharon describes the difference the Light Choices diet plan has made to her day to day life.
Have you achieved a lower dress size?
I dropped from a size 22 to size 16/18.
How has your life changed for the better in 2010?
Late in 2009, I became involved in the Great Britain Senior Women’s Dragon boat team training squad. I felt as my kids were getting a bit older that it was time to start doing something fun and challenging for myself again. Early in 2010 I took the decision to train and trial for the team to compete in the European championships held in Amsterdam August 2010. I reduced my working hours and re-juggled my schedule to fit in the necessary training of paddling and weights session. As a result my weight started to drop slowly. To speed up this process I joined Tesco diets as it fitted so easily into my new lifestyle. Not only have I lost weight but I have built muscle again so I look more toned. I keep discovering muscles I had forgotten as they slowly come back into view.
What steps have you taken to achieve this positive change?
I trained with the rest of the team about once a month, more often once I had been selected for the final squad. If you saw them in their normal clothes they look just like an ordinary group of women but as soon as they sit in formation in the boat a transformation takes place, attitude kicks in. To get more time training in an actual dragon boat I also joined one of the clubs involved in the national league so from February to September I race with Exe-Calibre. People from all walks of life, ages and obviously men and women are involved in this sport. I have made so many friends and it is this factor that has helped me stay focused and committed. Everyone is so supportive. My two children and husband became involved and at some events all four of us have raced together in the same boat. My daughter also took up the challenge of training for the under 18 Great Britain squad and was the fastest girl in the country at the selection event. It was wonderful to be able to share the experience of competing in the Europeans with her. We are now paddling together every week and looking forward to the World Championships in Tampa, Florida in August 2011.
Is there something you love doing that has taken a major role in this change?
I used to canoe and kayak competitively when I was younger but couldn’t fit it in once my son was born. Being a working mum with two children just took over.
How have your family and friends reacted?
Everyone comments almost every week which is lovely. My colleagues, family and team mates all tell me how much slimmer I’m looking and my photos throughout the year reveal how quickly and dramatically the change has taken place. You probably can’t print what my husband thinks. Let’s stick with he feels I am more like I was when he met me, a younger model. I have more to talk about and am probably more interesting to spend time with again. It’s been a real boost to our relationship.
Is there anything you would like to say to other women to inspire them to change?
Anyone and everyone can achieve a change. I am not really that special, I just took the decision and I regret that I didn’t do it sooner. Don’t put it off. A lot of small changes to exercise and eating can add up to a great deal very quickly. It doesn’t have to be as dramatic as what I have done.
Have you any other information you would like to give?
I would really recommend taking up an active pastime that also has a social aspect. Just spending hours on your own in a gym can be soul-destroying and is hard to keep up long term. Meeting new friends and sharing the experience are what has been important to me . I would like to lose another three stone and I am confident I can do it with all the support and encouragement I am getting.
