Vet loses 6.5 stone and does a triathlon

Fiona O’Brien achieved a life-long ambition completing a 750 metre open water swim, 20k bike ride and a 7km run.

A practicing vet in Lurgan Veterinary Clinic, Fiona said: “This time last year no one would have believed that this was possible.”

Fiona had always been overweight, even as a child, however, while studying for her final exams her weight problem got totally out of hand.

Having passed her exams and in full time employment she decided it was time to tackle the weight issue. She joined the local Weightwatchers class in Lurgan.

Fiona said: “Although I have always been overweight I had never seriously tried to lose weight. However, when I started having back pain I knew I had to do something about it. I went along to the Emmanuel Church Hall where the classes are held and was made very welcome and comfortable by my leader Bernie.

“The classes were very informative and I found Bernie very motivational and encouraging and we have great craic every week. I steadily lost weight and have now just over 6st 7lbs off. It has taken me just over a year.

“I was encouraged to be more active and Bernie always says ‘just do more than you did before’. I was always interested in sport so last Christmas I bought myself some running gear. By the time the spring arrived I decided I needed a challenge so not to do the thing with half a heart I decided my challenge was to take part in a triathlon sprint!!

“The training was tough but I completed my triathlon on 1st September this year. It was a 750m open water swim, 20km bike ride and a 7km run. The sense of achievement is unbelievable I think I now know how the Olympians felt.

“In terms of my food intake - until I started having to write down what I ate I really had no idea about just how much I consumed every day.

“I would advise anyone who is thinking of losing weight to ‘just go for it’ Make the decision once don’t keep saying I’ll start tomorrow. Make it a priority in your week go to a Weightwatchers meeting and make time to stay at the meetings. I did and look at me now.”

For information on classes phone Bernie 0778 981 3337