31-year-old Rob Sparkes of Somerset, England knew he needed to make a change. Not only for himself, however for his two youngsters as nicely.
Topping the scales at 441 kilos, Rob was lacking out on most of the issues that different dad and mom acquired to do with their youngsters. Issues like occurring rides on the play park and going to motion pictures. Simply strolling up a flight of stairs would go away him breathless.
However greater than the FOMO (concern of lacking out) was the concern that if he didn’t do one thing quickly, his youngsters would develop up with out a father.
So, he determined to lose the load, and in doing so, gained a complete new life.
How a Dad Misplaced Extra Than Half His Physique Weight
After a routine checkup and a dire warning from his physician that he was on the street to diabetes or worse, Rob started his weight-loss journey in September 2019.
Residing off of a food regimen of pizza, bacon, chips, and burgers & fries and chasing it down with a 2-liter of Coke, Rob was consuming a whopping 6,000 energy a day. Greater than double the really useful quantity, in response to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
“I simply couldn’t cease. I simply acquired in a very dangerous rut,” Rob said.
Utilizing his youngsters as motivation and with the encouragement of his spouse, he began by altering his consuming habits. He changed his junk meals with hen and veggies and ditched the sugary snacks. Six months later he determined to start out figuring out.
Whereas the world was coming to a cease because of a worldwide pandemic, Rob was simply getting going. In March 2020, he downloaded the Sofa to 5K app and joined the health club and a working membership.
9 months later, he crossed the end line of his first marathon, having simply run 26.2 miles (42.19 km).
“It was meant to be an official one, however all of them acquired postponed because of Covid, so my working membership did an unofficial one. I had my spouse and children there ready for me on the finish, and it felt wonderful. I ran it in 5 hours and 24 minutes, however I ran the entire thing.”
And he hasn’t stopped.
Shedding Weight Was Simply the Starting
In simply fifteen months, Rob misplaced a formidable 228 kilos. Not solely did he attain his purpose weight, however he additionally gained a brand new ardour for working. These days, he spends practically each weekend working a half marathon to remain in form.
He’s additionally raced in a number of marathons and raised $1500 for the Alzheimer Society by climbing the Yorkshire Three Peaks Problem—a 25-mile hike up the three highest peaks in Yorkshire.
And in January 2022, Robert Sparkes fulfilled his dream of competing in an ultramarathon, working a grueling 43 miles (69 km).
He accomplished the Country to Capital Ultra Marathon, which winds by the English countryside and into the center of London, in 9 hours and 55 minutes.
Rob’s transformation is really an inspiration. With dedication, dedication, and arduous work, he was capable of obtain his weight reduction targets.
At this time, not solely is Rob capable of sustain along with his youngsters, however he’s additionally capable of do issues he by no means thought potential. By prioritizing his well being, he was capable of obtain a more healthy and happier life for himself and his household. And he not worries that he received’t be round for his youngsters, which is the largest win of all.
