From Sofa to Start Line
is Mike Hare's personal memoir of the four years of his life from age 50 to 54.
This 'eventful' period saw Mike transform himself from a 28 stone 'couch potato' into a 13 stone 'Marathon Runner' WITHOUT Gastric Bands or surgical intervention, and WITHOUT the use of 'designer diets'.
Mike details his 'back story' - how he found himself in that condition in the first place by devoting his life entirely to his business and his four daughters. He then takes the reader along with him on his remarkable journey in a totally frank and open way. His unique approach to the short term use of 'anti-obesity' pills, and how he finally achieves success through 'healthy eating habits' and exercise will inspire anyone who ever wanted to lose some weight!
His 'no holds barred' description of the extreme highs, and deep dark low points is richly spiced with his indomitable humour and (almost) constant optimism in the face of the enormous challenges he takes on and beats. Running was never his intention, but he finds himself getting 'sucked in' after a chance remark and a bet with his Doctor which results in his first Half Marathon, with the totally unexpected media attention in his 'private battle'.
Extreme weight loss like this has inevitable consequences in large quantities of 'redundant skin', and Mike has more than his fair share on his stomach and inner thighs. His local NHS Trust steps in as a result of his personal achievements, and offers to fund the operations to remove this loose skin. Four months after the first operation, with over 3 feet of scars on his torso, Mike completes his first Full Marathon in London, and is appointed the 'Inspirational Ambassador' for the Great Eastern Run. His thigh operations leave him with an extra 2 1/2 feet of scars, but that doesn't stop him from completing a couple of half marathons, and 5 months after this operation the Athens Classic Marathon along the original legendary route from Marathon to Athens.
The only question remaining at the end is 'Whatever will Mike do next?'
This book is a ‘must read’ for anyone dreaming of making changes of any sort in their life.
