Michael Read, before and after his 90-pound weight loss
Michael Read
35, Ottawa
POUNDS DROPPED: 90
My turning point: The introduction of a new bus pass in Ottawa meant my bus became overcrowded before it arrived at my usual stop. So it would often skip my stop because it was too full. Suddenly, walking was quicker than waiting for a bus to stop. Three months later, I was changing for a Christmas party and my pants on a two-month old suit fell to my ankles as soon as the belt was undone. Thinking the alterations weren't done, I brought it back to the store where they measured me and was told I had dropped a size, almost two. Realizing I'd lost that much weight by just simply walking to work made me want to do more.
My method: With the encouragement of one of my best friends, I hired a personal trainer in January, 2011, who designed an exercise program for me and put me on a nutrition plan. On a dare, I took up running and did a 5K in Ottawa. That challenge lead me to take a clinic at the Running Room. A year later, I'm teaching clinics and running half marathons. I'm planning on training for a full marathon in 2013.
My kryptonite: Pizza! Chicken wings! Shawarma! When I have a moment of weakness, Shawarma Palace and Pizza Pizza are the closest fast food places to my apartment so they tend to be my crimes of opportunity.
This interview was condensed and edited by Amberly McAteer.
Tell us how you lost it: tgam.ca/weightloss