Hi, let me introduce myself. My name is Sariah Jackson and I am 40, the mother of 4 and fat! My struggle with weight began after the birth of my first son 18 years ago and we’ve had a love hate relationship since then. One fad diet after another. Sometimes slimmer – sometimes bigger.
After losing 2 stone since January, I am currently hovering around the 14 stone mark. Not a good place to be when you’re only 5ft 5”. It’s not been a particularly happy 12 months and when happiness ebbs, comfort eating takes over.
In September last year, after a very long struggle my 5 siblings and I lost our mum to breast cancer. It’s funny how losing someone you love to illness brings about an awareness of your own mortality. Suddenly I felt very afraid of my body. Doesn’t overeating lead to health issues? My youngest child is only 4. It dawned on me painfully – I need to stick around. I’d better get off the sofa and put the chocolate down.
I entered the Speedo Stars competition because it seemed to tick a few boxes for me. When I was a young teenager I used to swim, firstly for my school and then for my county. I loved it. I still love it. The beauty of swimming is that no matter how big you get, swimming is accessible. So, the idea of taking part in a number of open water swimming events was very exciting. I did the Big Swim last year and loved it. I have no real experience in open water swimming so that in itself is a challenge. The culmination of events in a Triathlon however, was a terrifying thought.
It’s something I’ve often daydreamed about but I’m not built for running so have never considered it seriously. Now that I’ve won a spot in this competition, whenever I think about the Triathlon I’m filled with excited terror! I’m not worried about times or this other thing I hear about a lot – transitions??? –just getting around would make me a happy girl.
One other motivation for entering the competition was the hope of changing my life for the better. I can’t swim these events and run and cycle if I don’t radically change my life. I’m not horrendously unfit but I have so far to go. The thought of this is very exciting. I long to be able to say that I eat to live, not live to eat.
The biggest motivation though is that Speedo has linked up with Cancer Research. Since the death of my mum I feel very strongly that I can do more. How hard can it be to challenge myself and endure some hardship if it means I can raise a few quid? Looks to me like everyone might win.
I’d be lying if I said I don’t feel anxious about the weeks that lie ahead. I’m worried that I won’t lose the weight, terrified of how I’ll look in a wetsuit, but really, I feel alive. Excited to get on with it. Looking forward to changing my life. No more watching it from the sofa!
Show your support to Sariah and Cancer Research UK donate here - http://www.justgiving.com/Sariah-Jackson-Speedo-Star-2
Comments 7
Ah Sariah you are such an inspiration, I am teary having read your first….and might I say very good blog! You will be amazing and I will definitely come cheer you on…although you are costing me a small fortune in various sponsorships! Love you lots, you are a very brave, special, beautiful, funny lady and I’m sure sexy in a wet suit ; )
Now I’m getting off my sofa and off out for a plod….would like to say run but I think that’s a bit ambitious at the moment xxx
Sariah, you are a brave woman, and an inspiration to the rest of us who worry about how we’d look in a wet suit! I hope you “stick around” too.
Hi sister…….you just made me emotional! Bloomin´love you and super well done for all of this. I’ll be waiting for another fabulous Sariah rendition of Wuthering Heights sung in a sexy tight dress!! xxxx
Sariah is very involved in the community and a popular and clever lady.
Having lost my mother also, I agree it can be a life changing experience.
We all want to better ourselves, but few would take on this feat.
All the very best to you Sariah ! X
Well done my friend! I am in awe of the courage you show in daring to take on a challenge like this, and I don’t doubt for a moment that you will achieve all that you hope to!
If the call of the chocolate bar gets too much, you can always pop it through my letter box!!
Lots of Love xx
You go girl!! In awe of your commitment, well done x x
Hi Sariah, I take my hat off to you for taking on this ambitious task. I am doing the London Triathlon for charity (NACC. National Association of Crohns and Colitis) for the first time ever this year. I have Crohns disease. Like you I’m not incredibly sporty or fit, and the task ahead looks impossible, but its a goal, and we will get there. Good luck with your training. I will be reading your blog with interest and maybe for some tips?! Joanna