Kirkcaldy Wizard Jim’s magical weight loss story

At aged 40 Jim weighed 20 stone (inset) and says his weight was creeping upwards towards his previous heaviest weight of 22 stone. He said it was then that he decided to try and make a change.

Jim, from Kennoway, said: “I started Slimming World in January 2016 and after a successful couple of months I eventually felt ready to use the Couch to 5K introductory running app that I’d downloaded years ago.

“It wasn’t easy on my own and I felt really self-conscious but I eventually did what I thought was unthinkable. I ran a whole 5k. I think it took me around 40 minutes but I did it.

“I eventually plucked up courage to enter an actual running event. My brother and I did the Kelpies 5k, a night time run around those famous landmarks in Falkirk.

“I absolutely loved it the whole buzz of the event was amazing. It’s fair to say I was hooked!

In February 2017 Jim did his first local Parkrun which he said “changed my Saturdays forever”.

“I’ve found volunteering just as rewarding as running and met an amazing group of new friends and acquaintances.”

After joining the running group Scramble Legs in Glenrothes, run by Frani Horsburgh of Fife AC, Jim completed his first 10K and started to think about attempting his first half marathon.

“I entered the Edinburgh half marathon in May 2018,” he says.

“This was a different kind of challenge where a plan was required which I actually found quite rewarding, following a structure with a goal in mind.

“Come the day I felt confident I could cover the distance, but had no time expectation. Crossing that finish line was more emotional that thought it would be.

“I’d just ran 13.1 miles in 2:00:41.

“It’s probably my favourite race because of what it represented in terms of where I had come from.

“I felt amazing but five minutes later I was annoyed I hadn’t broken two hours. I think I was definitely becoming a runner at that point.”

Jim smashed his Parkrun PB in July 2018 with a time of just under 24 minutes and achieved his weight loss target of over five stone and, importantly, was keeping the weight off.

In October of that same year joined Kirkcaldy Wizards, a group which he describes as “amazing”.

He said: “I was so nervous that first night but I knew a few faces and I was made so welcome. The support from the wonderful coaches who give up so much precious time for the group is just outstanding.”

“I’m a proud member of two running clubs now and both are very important parts of my life. If you had told me this when I turned 40, I’d have laughed you out of town.”

He said he hopes his story can be an inspiration to others.

“Please, if you are thinking about having a go at Couch to 5K then do it. It changed my life and probably extended it too.

“What have you got to lose? Go for it!

“It’s never too late, you are never too old, you are never too unfit, you will fit in and be made welcome.”

“Do it now!”