Blog | I Run For My Mental Health

Running gathers many fans and followers for a whole variety of reasons.  Whether it’s the thrill of achieving a once thought impossible 5km / 10km / Half or full marathon goal or attempting the punishing ultra-marathon distances.

For others it’s something subtlety different.  It’s used as a crux to support and improve their mental health and well-being. Whilst all runners/athletes will go through mentally tough periods to achieve their aims I want to talk about what it means to me and how taking up running has been a positive experience (even with all the small injuries).

I suffer from anxiety; I’ve suffered from depression.

I’ve had good mental health; I’ve had bad mental health.

I’m in a high-pressured job. I have a team of 35 staff I have to look after and I put them out into potentially dangerous situations everyday of their working careers.  Overtime this responsibility starts to grate and eventually my anxiety takes over.  I’ll second guess my decisions, become more irritable, disconnected and depersonalised from everything around me and suddenly I’m in a whirlpool without being able to stop.

The scary stats about Mental Health are staggering and whilst I don’t want to dwell on figures I think it’s important to show some aspects of the

• Suicide is the most common cause of death
  for men aged 20-49 years in England and Wales

• 1 in 15 are estimated to have made a suicide attempt

• 75% of people with diagnosable mental illness
  receive no treatment at all

The World Health Organisation have these stats

• 800,000 people will die due to suicide this year world wide

• 2272 per day

In the time of one Tuesday night running club session 94 people will have taken their lives.

Two of my favorite (if there’s such a thing about this subject) quotes about depression are below, one serves to show how I once felt and the other the path to a better place.

“Depression is the most unpleasant thing I have ever experienced. . .  It is that absence of being able to envisage that you will ever be cheerful again.  The absence of hope.  That very deadened feeling, which is so very different from feeling sad.  Sad hurts but it’s a healthy feeling.  It is a necessary thing to feel.  Depression is very different.” – J.K Rowling

“And so rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” – Ronda Rousey

Last year I started with Run Macclesfield on one of their C25Km course.  This encouraged me to join the club and get myself active again.  From then on I’ve raced multiple 10km’s and recently signed up for my first half marathon.  I’ve even signed up for 121 coaching sessions…. although I fleetingly regret those after every painful session.  

But… the BIG but for me… the social aspect of running is more important than the events.

I’m not interested in beating my fellow runners.  I’m after a good group I want to run with. A social group that understands and supports through the tough steps is key to being in a safe space. 

I love running (I also hate running).  Being out in your own mind space just worrying about the next step or milestone on your run, not worrying about anything else is ace! 

The release from everyday pressure and being able to just focus on the run and to lose yourself within the exercise.  There’s nothing better than coming in from a good run.  Your exuberant, checking the splits on strava and telling the world how good each step was.  Running has even improved my family life.  I’m less anxious at home and I have an avenue to release my work pressures.  I don’t bring things into the family home and worry my wife.  I literally tread them into the pavement or ground them into the dirt when I’m out running.  

On the flip side, there’s also nothing worse than coming in from a run having ran slower than the previous.  Every step is under analysis and you wonder “how am I worse than my last run?”  I’ve come in from runs hating every pain and every ache. 

Pain is good, pain is a “feeling” – it’s different to depression.  It makes me want to go again and smash that bad run into the ground.  Struggle means growth and growth means you’re taking the initiative.

The relationship between sport and good mental health is backed up through many studies and the NHS suggest it alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy “CBT”. 

Getting up and getting active is so important to give you a goal to achieve. It also…

• Reduces stress by lowering the body’s stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol.  Aerobic exercise can reduce both generalized anxiety and anxiety sensitivity.

• You’ll see an increase in body confidence through training, self-esteem and social confidence, as well as determination and resilience.

• Running encourages social interaction, both online and in real life. While this can also create anxiety in itself (who hasn’t had the worry that they’re not fast enough to run with a group?)

• A social network is so important when dealing with mental health. It encourages speaking out and the hardest first step of accepting it’s okay to not be okay.

I’ve struggled to think of something fitting to close this. However, anxiety, depression and mental health don’t have closing segments. They always have the potential to be raw, open and ready to burst through at any moment. Everyone has scars, but not all are visible. It’s important to have the social support network that I’ve found from my amazing family and through running.  However, if you need to there’s nothing wrong in admitting you’re not okay and that you require further help. We need to break the stigma attached to mental health.  I encourage anyone who wants to talk about any of the above to feel free to get into contact if they need an ear to talk to.

An update 4/12/18, I’ve been asked to reassess this article and add further comments to it. The good news is with the help of Run Macclesfield coaches I completed my first (and not last) Half Marathon. I ran this with my friend and fellow RM runner Jon Wright. In May we managed to finish the Manchester Half Marathon, following the programme developed by Run Macclesfield / Macclesfield Performance. It’s one of the best things I’ve done and I’m really proud of it. The run was hard, it was 28 degrees at the height of summer. I ended up with a ‘runners vest tan’ for a few months afterwards. For me it was a very personal journey, I’ve struggled with weight and mental health issues for some years and to be able to achieve 13.1 (you can’t forget the .1) miles in one run is something I’ll forever look back on and see it as the start of something new.

Personally my mental health has been on an upward curve. I’ve become more involved in helping others. Having taken a variety of Mental Health First Aid courses (I advise anyone to do these). I’m more involved with helping others at work and in my personal life. I’m in the position to being able to potential trigger signs of any issues and be able to provide support if people want or need it. Whether it’s informal support or more direction to any relevant charity or NHS care. If anyone wants further information I’m more than happy to provide it.

I struggled to find an ending to this last time but now I’d like to think that the ending is more clearer. I’ve got a distinct route to improving myself and to help others. If anything I’ve been through can help anyone I think that’s the best ending for the article I can say.

Nutrition | Flour Free Blueberry Muffins

FLOUR FREE BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

Are you on the look out for a light breakfast or snack option?  Perhaps one that helps you enjoy the sweet tastes of fruits and offers the sensory stimulation of a delicious Blueberry Muffin but with less of the sugar, fat and flour?

Well, you might just like our next recipe! 

At MP we are always on the look out for healthier alternatives.  Food ideas that can help curb those cravings and make living a healthier lifestyle a more realistically maintainable option.  It is not for everyone,  some people find that “treat” looking alternatives make no difference when it comes to enjoying something sweet.  They feel cake is cake and chocolate is chocolate and that is that!

For others,  they get a huge sense of satisfaction knowing that they opted for something that they consider less tempting and a little more balanced or goal oriented.

Either approach is fine,  enjoying the odd treat is a good thing,  after all,  life is too short.  You just need to make sure that those treats don’t become the thing that shortens your life!
It is the planning of that treat in to you diet so that it doesn’t become to detrimental to your goals that is key when aiming for success.  If you struggle with this,  then you might find using “healthier alternatives” works well for you.

 INGREDIENTS

2 Large Eggs

2 Medium Sized Ripe Bananas

1 Tbs Coconut Oil – Runny

2/3 Cup Ground Almonds

2 Tbs Coconut Flour  (We got ours from the Real Food Store)

1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract / Caramel Flavouring / Almond Extract  (You Choose)

1 Tsp Baking Powder

1/2 Cup Fresh or Frozen Blueberries

Pre-heat oven to 150 degrees

 STEP ONE

In a large bowl or food processor mash up the Bananas.  Add the eggs,  coconut oil and flavouring.

STEP TWO

In separate bowl, mix the Ground almonds,  coconut flour & baking powder.

Then slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well.

STEP THREE

Gently fold in the blueberries to ensure they are well distributed through the doughy mixture.

Transfer the mixture to a muffin cover tray with parchment paper cups or muffin cases and pop them in the oven for  20-25 minutes. Keep and eye on them to make sure they cook but don’t burn.

We chose parchment paper over muffin cases to minimise the mixture sticking as it cooked.
To create the same look cut two 4 cm x 10cm strips of paper per muffin and criss-cross them in to the tray before scooping in the mixture. They look great don’t they!

Our mixture made 8 delicious muffins!

Running | Winter Trail Running Guide

It’s fun to be a trail runner in the winter months.

Running up in the hills in the snow, dashing round trails in the rain can be exhilarating but all too often mountain rescue and other emergency services are called out to assist people who just aren’t properly equipped to be out exploring the local hills and countryside.

Be you a newbie to trail running or perhaps you see yourself as a bit of a “pro”. Preparation is essential to keeping yourself safe and prevent unnecessary call outs and the use of stretched and limited emergency resources.

Mountain rescue are an invaluable resource, run by a team of volunteers.  Looking after yourself means that you can prevent an emergency and potentially life threatening situation before it occurs. 

Dress according to the weather and always carry layers.  If you fall over and sprain your ankle for example you are going to get cold fast and even the layers you have on are not going to keep you warm for long in winter conditions. Carry a waterproof jacket (with taped seams) and a foil blanket. Pack a warm hat and gloves.

ALWAYS wear a good pair of well fitted trail shoes. The good grip will help prevent you from slipping on varied surfaces and uneven terrain.

Running in shorts and t-shirt in the snow might look  “hardcore” but full length running tights are better advised… if your muscles are cold while you run you are at a higher risk of injury. Wrap up in warm breathable clothing designed for runners. There are great running tights for both men and women, so guys, don’t think that this advice is not for you!  

Remember how unpredictable the weather can be. Temperatures can fall very quickly, sudden downpours of rain or high wind and snow can be upon you in a matter of minutes… Be prepared – we live in the North of England!

Plan your route, take a map if you are unsure of the area and have a GPS device to help with navigation.

ALWAYS make sure someone knows where you are running.  A rough route and the time you expect you’ll be back is all they will need to know but this tiny piece of information can mean the difference between life and death in some circumstances. Then arrange to call that person when you finish your run as a check in.  If nobody knows where you are then that can mean a lot of ground to cover looking for you should something go wrong and a lot of lost time if know one realises you are missing in the first place.

Carry a fully charged phone, you should always be able to call emergency services even without signal. 

Where possible run with a group… “safety in numbers”.

Carry food and water, if you end up going off track and adding extra miles in you want to have enough fuel with you to recharge your batteries. Drained energy levels can mean you tire quickly and get yourself into trouble if you have a long way to go. An energy gel, cereal bar or some sweets can be a great pick me up to keep you going both mentally as well as physically. 

If you are out on a long run or running later in the day carry a head torch… Runs don’t always go to plan and you should be prepared if it were to get dark sooner than expected.

Carry a whistle to alert other trail users /emergency services to you should you run into trouble. 

If you are running somewhere that you don’t know at all and are not experienced at map reading why not hire an experienced guide or join the local running clubs whilst you are in the area.  Look on the Fell Runners Association website for local races or look up races that are fully marked and run them whilst you are away… It’s a great way to learn new routes and run safely.

If you are new to trail running  join a running group or run with an experienced running coach. They’ll be able to give you loads of valuable trail running advice from technique, to kit and you get to learn trail routes being led by experienced runners and with the safety of a group.  You can then go back and run these routes on your own as you become more confident!

Stay Safe, Happy Trail Running!

Session Information | Movement Screenings

WHAT IS A MOVEMENT SCREENING?

At Macclesfield Performance we offer 60-90-minute postural assessments designed to help our coaches identify particular movement patterns within our clients that may be contributing factors to reoccurring injury risk, or potential injury risk.

A movement screening can highlight inefficient muscular activation and inefficient joint mobility issues in individuals which in turn can lead to reduced performance and even regular discomfort.

You will be led through a series of movement patterns each designed to help your coach asses your level of strength and mobility in a low impact and controlled environment.

You do not have to be fit and strong to participate in a movement screening. In fact those that are new to exercise can benefit greatly, as a movement screening is the perfect pre-hab tool for anyone looking to start out on a new fitness regime.

You will be given an in depth insight into areas of your body that could present you with issues at a later date should you not address them now, alongside advice as of where to start to correct the issues.

Those that are already suffering from recurrent joint and muscular discomfort have found that attending a movement screening and continuing with the recommendations following the screening has often led to partial or total rehabilitation of the problem.

If you are interested in joining in with our group sessions at Macclesfield Performance but are concerned you will not know how to do the exercises properly. A movement screening can help you and your coaches go through the movement patterns required to participate so you are prepared for your first attendance.

Our movement screenings are free to all MP Elite Members, non-members can book on a 121 movement screenings for £35 or in a small group at £20 per person.

Testimonial | Client Maddie

MADDIE

I guess when thinking of my time at MP, we need to rewind a little further for the work Dom has done to really make sense.

Due to a number of (at the time) undiagnosed medical issues, I’d been unable to consistently exercise for a number of years without my shoulder, knee or hip subluxing.   Finally after seeing the right consultant, I was diagnosed with hypermobility, Polar 3 instability (abnormal muscle patterning, leading to inactive muscle groups) and multi directional instability.  I was referred to the best physio I have ever come across (and I’ve had a few!) as the combination of issues meant that I wasn’t a good candidate for surgery.  After about 18 months of working with him, I decided to jump back in the pool in October 2017 and swam 200m (8 lengths), with no subluxations.  I don’t think I’d ever been so happy to swim 200m!  Over the course of the next 4 months, I gradually increased the distances and joined a swimming club.  It was at that point that I considered I might be able to swim competitively, and that’s where Dom came in.  

I showed up to my initial consultation with her in February 2018, with a white board completely full of aims, goals, questions and a very long list of medical issues.  To my surprise, the goals I had put down for a few years time, Dom seemed confident that they not only could be achieved, but some could be achieved this year.  Now I am sure Dom will forgive me for saying, I was very excited, but I did not believe her!

Now to get to work…

Dom programmed my gym and swim work on cycles of 3-4 weeks.  Every single programme took my instabilities in to account, focused on the requests from my physio, and worked to get my inactive areas switching on.  The work Dom did went completely hand in hand with the physio work I’d been given.  What made me even happier is when the physio reviewed the programmes, his response was: “I’ve never seen a coach ditch big ego-lifts in favour of working with bands, nor have I ever seen a coach take so much notice of what a physio has said and worked with me, not against me”.  So much so, that I’d been seeing my physio every 2-3 weeks for 18 months, and within a couple of months of following Dom’s programming, my sessions with him had dropped down to every 5 weeks.

Dom’s focus was not only to get the right muscle groups working though strength sessions, but to increase my speed and endurance in the water.  I followed a mixture of speed and endurance sessions that Dom had planned for me, sending her the results after each one ready for her to calculate what my next session would be, ensuring they were always progressive.  We also included a couple of tests to measure any improvement in speed – within just 7 weeks of following her programming, we saw a 15% improvement on my 1km baseline test.

Within a couple of months of working with Dom, I’d bought a wetsuit and trained in open water for the first time in my life (note to anyone wanting to try it – don’t do it in 6 degree water. It hurts. A lot…) and event #1 came round – a 1 mile open water swim.  The original goal was to complete the event with no injury, however after seeing the improvements in speed, it was hard not to change the goal to “I want to finish within 30 minutes”.  The big day rolled around and despite a bit of a panic in the water, I’d finished the event in 29:38!  I was so incredibly happy, but I wanted to see what I could have done had I not had a panic attack and stopped.  And so on to event #2.  I gave Dom 2 weeks to get me ready for the next event (sorry Dom!), the Big Bala swim in Wales.  Well, it’s safe to say, it went well!  I had no panics, I finished 4th lady out of 50, and more importantly, I came away injury free!

And finally on to the third – the Salford Triathlon relay with fellow MP members, Dawn and Nat.  Anyone that trains at MP will know how incredible these two ladies are, so I was very excited and nervous that they asked me to compete with them!  The shorter distance meant that Dom’s focus turned more to speed, which was hard (06:30am sprint session anyone?) but so much fun!  Again, thanks to Dom’s programming, this resulted in a PB for me in the swim leg, coming out of the water 3rdin my wave and coming in the top 15% of all 300+ male and female competitors that day.  Dawn and Nat smashed the bike and run and as a team we came away with 3rd place in the relay!

So over the course of 5 months of working with Dom, I’ve gone from seeing my physio every 3 weeks to being discharged (yes, that really just happened, today!), I’ve been able to train consistently both in the gym and in the water and competed in 3 open water events!  And it doesn’t stop there, we’ve already sat and planned goals for 2019 and 2020 – work towards those goals start next week!

Training with Dom has completely changed my life.  It’s enabled me to work towards goals I thought could only be dreams a year ago.  She listens to your goals, hopes and concerns, sits with you to devise a plan that you feel comfortable with, goes away and makes it happen.  She’s not afraid to change the plan if it’s not working (or in my case, if my shoulder decides it doesn’t feel like working that day) and is always at the end of the phone for a bit of reassurance and guidance when needed.

Training at Macclesfield Performance opens the door to meet so many incredible athletes that become your friends.  You couldn’t ask for a more inspiring, motivational bunch of people around you.

If you have a goal that’s been at the back of your mind but you think you couldn’t possibly achieve it – speak to Dom, it might not be as far out of reach as you think!

Session Information | Run Macclesfield

No matter your experience, your pace, your distance or your goals at Run Macclesfield we want runners from all backgrounds to feel welcome to come and run with us!  That’s why our timetable has four regular group running sessions on offer 3-days a week, every week – lead by our team of UKA qualified running coaches and run leaders.

T-Group (Tuesday 6.30-7.30pm)

Suitable for runners able to run an average pace of 10-min/mile or faster over 5km. T-Group is a 40-60 minute group running session, with a different focus each week. From road to trail, intervals to endurance, uphill to downhill running and high to low intensity – every week your coach Nat will lead you through a progressive running programme providing guidance and feedback on running technique and intensity.

Our routes are a minimum of 3-miles, but for the speedier runners in the group our ‘loop back’ drill gives an opportunity to cover more miles in the session.

W-Group (Wednesday 6.30-7.30pm)

Each session is suitable for c25Km Graduates and new runners able to run an average pace of 13-min/mile or faster over 5km. W-Group is the next step in your running journey after graduating from our Couch To 5km (C25K) course and for anyone who would like to see progression in their 5km ability.
You will learn to run as a group (without stopping) and we’ll introduce various techniques and sessions within the run. We’ll look at further goals and how to get you there. Whether it’s completion of a Parkrun or even further distances to tackle.

Our runners are welcome to run with any group they choose. This means some weeks to provide yourself with a different level of challenge depending on your ability, running goals and other running plans for the week you may wish to run harder or easier.  All we ask is that any runner can meet the target distance or pace ranges of the planned session for the group – so every runner gets the best out of the session.

There really is a coached group run for everyone at Run Macclesfield.

Nutrition | Beetroot Brownies

BEETROOT BROWNIES

There are lots of alternative recipes out there for those seeking a different take on their sweet treats and favourite snacks.  We like to explore a variety of different recipes and then blend together the best bits in the hope to come out with something a little bit special.

So firstly, lets not pretend… there is no denying that those expecting a Millies Cookie or a Krispy Krem donut tasting snack might be a little disappointed.  If you take away all the additives, refined sugar and colourings what you find is a slightly less sweet taste.

The thing is,  we have all become so accustomed to far more sugar than is needed in our food and because of that,  the alternatives can take a little getting used to.  That being said,  give it time,  reduce the amount of sugar you have as often as possible and your taste will soon change to a less sweet liking.

One of the recipes we tried recently were beetroot brownies.  Theses are gluten free and have an subtle earthy taste that you will recognise as beetroot but at the same time the raw cacao and prunes really give them that sweet touch – making them a pretty nice healthier alternative with a great texture and they look beautiful. 

 Give them a try and let us know how you got on.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Cooked Beetoots (Peeled & Chopped)

• 4 Eggs

• 100g Ground Almonds

• Half Cup Soft Prunes

• 30g Raw Cacao

• 2 Tsp Vanilla Essesnce

• 1 & Half Scoop Vanilla Whey Protein Power

• Handfull Chopped Walnuts

• Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees

STEP ONE

Blend all of the ingredients (excluding the walnuts) together in a food processor until the mixture is smooth.

STEP TWO

Fold the walnuts into the mixture.

STEP THREE

Pour the mixture evenly into a brownie tin lined with parchment paper, make sure it is even and smooth at roughly 1cm thick.  Place in the oven and bake for 15 -18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean if you prick the mix.

STEP FOUR

Remove from oven, allow to cool and cut into even squares and serve.

Testimonial | Kim

I contacted Macclesfield Performance’s Head Coach Dom directly in December 2016 for help.

I had hit rock bottom. I was self-conscious, I had no confidence, and had a constant negative mood. I met with Dom and arranged to have 121 personal training sessions, for one hour every other week. I also arranged to attend a Run Macclesfield session once a week, and classes PADS and core conditioning. I knew that I wanted the old me back, and contacting Dom was my first step.

My motivation and determination grew from my first 121 session with Dom. I felt positive and happy after my sessions, and began to love my body again. Slowly but surely, my confidence began to grow, and I became less self-conscious. I was also developing muscle!

With Dom’s experience and support, I began lifting heavier weights and became stronger. I began to push myself further and set myself new goals to smash. I couldn’t wait for my next sessions.

In summer of 2017, I started the twelve week strength and conditioning course ran by Louis at Macclesfield Performance. A group class of ten people lead twice a week for an hour. I enjoyed the course that much, that I have now completed my sixth course and to not intend on stopping. You learn a lot in the sessions, and also meet great people and have a laugh along the way.

Every aspect of my training at MP is fun, and I am learning so much. In my 121 sessions with the coaches at MP I learn techniques of exercises, as well as which muscles I am using. Knowledge is key to performing a correct technique.

In “PADS”, a boxing based interval training class, I push my cardio to the limit and release all of my daily frustrations. Everybody can relate to having a bad day at work and struggling to juggle a hectic life.

“Run Macclesfiled” which is lead by both Emma and Natalie, is another aspect to Macclesfield Performance, ideal for keen runners or those that want to learn to run. I get to run different routes and distances with the groups.

In strength and conditioning I get to develop my progress week on week. Core Conditioning classes help me me test and progress my core strength.

In late summer of 2017 I discussed with Dom a new goal that even six months prior, I never would have dreamed of. I wanted to transform my body and compete in a bikini modelling competition. Dom was very supportive and suggested I work with Louis for my new goal, as Louis is a bodybuilder as well as a personal trainer and nutrition coach.

In winter of 2017 Louis started my nutrition and exercise plans. I initially found this challenging as it was a whole new routine, and I had to juggle everyday life and fit everything in. Four weeks in, and I had myself a new routine and was seeing changes. I was enjoying the challenge, the exercise plan and also nutrition plan. It is now my goal to compete in May 2019. This gives me enough time to transform my body and to be prepared to step on that stage and show myself and the world my achievements.

As with anything in life, there are setbacks, and not everything goes to plan. In early February 2018 I had the flu which was followed by a chest infection. This hindered my training and nutrition for a three week period. However, I am back to feeling great and am more determined than ever to achieve my goals, and to be a healthy and happy me.

Macclesfield Performance has helped me to achieve more than I ever thought possible, and the goals keep on growing which is amazing. From Dom’s support and encouragement, to Louis nutrition and bodybuilding experience, to Natalie cheering me on in strength and conditioning classes, to Emma’s recommendations and help with my running and gait analysis. They are all fantastic coaches and are always there to help and support you. The members are friendly, and you enjoy exercising.

Thank you Macclesfield Performance for all that you have done, and all that you continue to do for me!

I cannot recommend Macclesfield Performance highly enough.

Testimonial | Client Amy

I had just been asked by my beautiful size 6 friend to be a bridesmaid at her wedding. Standing next to 5 other beautiful ladies who wore dress size 10 on a bad day… in my head I was a large size 14,  in reality I was a large size 16 and had been getting larger slowly for the past few years.

In the past I had reached a small size 12 by over exercising and limiting my food intake,  but this method was failing me and the thought of being the fat bridesmaid filled me with dread!

MP Coach Dom and I talked about past diets and current eating habits. I kept food diaries and Dom even went through my cupboards & fridge and even took me round Tesco’s.  This was not to reprimand, shame or catch me “cheating”,  it was to understand my relationship with food and this formed the beginning of my re-education.  Dom helped me to see that food isn’t something to feel bad or guilty about,   it isn’t to be used as a treat after a bad day at work,  or to be restricted to weekends and it isn’t something to stress about.  Food should work for me, not against me!

Dom has never told me what I can or can’t eat,  but rather given me guidelines and helped me to understand what food does to my body and this has allowed me to learn how to be the healthy.  I have re-found my love for cooking,  previously telling Dom that I found cooking “too time consuming” and therefore “couldn’t possibly fit it into my day”.  I still eat chocolate and drink wine,  but not everyday and in a conscious way, I certainly do not feel deprived or “on a diet”.  My food bills are lower and my food waste at the end of the week negligible in comparison.  My body just feels better,  I can train harder and for longer,  I am far less tired and fed up and my food based guilt has reduced too.

I eventually started seeing Dom for nutrition once a month,  to keep things on track,  there was no quick fix and the good habits slide every now and again, but knowing the basics of good nutrition has allowed me to keep control over my eating and bring things back in check without panicking.

Fitness has not been as much of an issue for me as I have always been active.

No class or PT has ever been the same at Macclesfield Performance, the exercises are explained and supervised to a high standard.  At the end of each class you go away smiling with a feeling of achievement.  The other people at MP are all friendly and because we share the same overall goals we therefore share in everybody’s achievements along the way.  

Looking back there have been several moments when I have been thankful that I found MP.

I was not the fat bridesmaid at my friend’s wedding,  I bought a size 10 pair of jeans,  my belly doesn’t jiggle when I run. I stood next to 10 other skinny girls in bikinis and felt ok.  I fit all the small clothes in my wardrobe, most importantly I can look at photos of myself and see me instead of seeing my fat!