From Marathon Finisher to Losing Myself - and Finding My Way Back
Last weekend, thousands of incredible people crossed the finish line at the London Marathon. Watching the coverage brought back a flood of memories - because in 2013, that was me.
2013: The Marathon
I crossed the finish line of the London Marathon in 2013 in a time of 6:08:27. It was one of the proudest moments of my life - and one I will forever be proud of. Completing a marathon puts you in the 1% club, and no matter what has happened since, nobody can ever take that away.
But if I'm honest, I wasn't in a great place when I ran it. I was going through a divorce, and those 26.2 miles gave me a long time to think. In some ways, the road was the only place that made sense. I trained hard, I showed up, and I crossed that line. That meant everything.
2016: The Biggest Loser
Three years later, in 2016, I took part in a local 'Biggest Loser' competition - ten years ago now. It was a brilliant experience. I lost nearly 28lbs in 12 weeks, met some incredible people, and felt that spark of possibility again. It felt like a turning point.
The Years In Between
Life, as it tends to do, got complicated. The years that followed were up and down. And then Covid arrived - and with it, something unexpected: I fell in love.
My new love and I spent lockdown the way a lot of people did - eating, drinking, and finding comfort in each other. I was genuinely happy. But my body told a different story. My lowest point came in 2022 when I realised I couldn't do my own shoelaces up. That was the moment I knew something had to change.
November 2022: Starting Over
In November 2022, I joined a gym, found a personal trainer, and made a decision to start all over again. Not to chase the person I used to be - but to build someone stronger.
And the best part? That love I found during Covid - I married her. I am now the happiest I have ever been in my life. Truly. And from that place of happiness, I've been able to completely readdress my relationship with food, with fitness, and with myself. I'm stronger mentally and physically than I have ever been, and I feel like I'm only just getting started.
Why This Matters for Gym Stuff Plus
Gym Stuff Plus was born from this journey. I know what it feels like to walk into a gym and not find clothes that fit properly, that feel good, that make you feel like you belong there. I know what it feels like to be a plus size woman in a fitness space that wasn't designed with you in mind.
That's why every piece we make is designed for real curves - for comfort, for performance, and for the woman who is showing up for herself, whatever stage she's at.
Whether you're training for a marathon, starting over after years away, or just taking your first steps back into a gym - you belong here. And you deserve kit that works as hard as you do.
Welcome to Gym Stuff Plus. This one's for us.
If you're on your own journey and looking for kit that actually fits and moves with you, take a look at what we've built.