My story started less than 10 years ago, I was an overweight 20-something guy who had grown accustomed to a lifestyle of fast foods, beer and zoning out on the couch watching TV.

In 2010, disaster struck when my indulgent habits resulted in me suffering a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke. That life-changing experience was a huge reality check and I needed to make a change.

The TIA was brought on by high cholesterol and lack of exercise, I had ballooned to over 110 kg and my health was clearly in danger. After a period of medical tests and recovery, I decided to start a healthy eating plan and was determined to get into shape.

I hit the gym, started running and playing squash in an effort to work off the extra weight. In one year, I lost nearly 30 kg and have been happily weighing around 80 kg ever since.

The change of lifestyle has done me and my family a world of good, leaving me feeling fitter and healthier than ever before. In 2017, I ran my first ever Two Oceans half-marathon and went on to do two more 21 km races in the same year. I love my new active lifestyle and have also started hiking as a hobby, which has allowed me to explore the natural beauty of Cape Town.

What helped me to KEEP GOING was forgetting about the end result and where I wanted to be. Instead I focused on enjoying the journey by learning about healthy food and exercise but also how to make it fun.

After that it’s all about putting the new-found knowledge into action. I believe a healthy lifestyle should never be boring!
Keep Going Jacob!