Earlier this year we put out a call for an adventurous couple who wanted to make a healthy lifestyle change together.

Karen and Mark answered that call and, over a twelve week period, they’re giving us an honest, in-depth account about what life is like when you’re on the Weight Watchers plan. They’ll also be helping and supporting each other along the way.

This week Mark and Karen are talking about running together, nearing the end of their Weight Watchers challenge and being proud of each other.

Mark and Karen have taken up the Weight Watchers challenge!

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Name: Mark

Starting Weight: 14st 5lbs

Current Weight: 12st 7.5lbs

This was my second last week of the Weight Watchers challenge. Aside from a night where I ordered pizza and another evening that involved a large popcorn, a coke and Iron Man 3, I ate pretty well. I also did a lot of exercise: I ran approximately 45km (this included a very tough 16km hill run too!).

I missed the Samsung Night Run last weekend though which I was annoyed about – I’ve heard such great things about it.

I lost a pound at my weigh-in this week. I’m nearing my final goal weight and have decided that I only want to lose another 2-3lbs.

I think in the two-and-a-half months that I’ve been on the Weight Watchers programme, the most important part for me has been the weigh-in. Knowing that you have to weigh yourself in front of other people is great at motivating you, especially if you’ve had a bad day or two.

Karen has started coming on runs with me more and more in order to prepare for the Flora Women’s Mini-Marathon. It’s been great. She even dragged me for a 6km run the other day! Oh, she’s also trying to get me to sign up to some martial arts classes with her. She has lost a huge amount of weight so far and is looking absolutely fantastic – I can’t remember the last time she had this much energy. I’m very proud of her.

I’m currently in the middle of doing my college exams, so I’ve been keeping my head down and studying hard. They finish in two weeks, thank God!

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Name: Karen

Starting Weight: 12st 8.5lbs

Current Weight: 11s 2lbs

This week has been tough for me. I’m currently changing jobs and I’ve found myself really tired in the evenings and fairly stressed. This mean that I skipped the gym a few times. Also, the people I used to work with were bringing me chocolate and cupcakes, and sure it would be rude to say no!

I tried my best to enjoy what I could within my ProPoints allowance and I did manage to go for a run and do one session in the gym this week.

Strangely enough I was down 2.5lbs! Although this has me worried that I might pay for it next week.

This week in class our leader, Mary, spoke all about the BBQs that might start popping up due to the better better and what to try and avoid. I love a good BBQ burger but after hearing how many ProPoints were in them I’m a bit shocked! You don’t stop eating after just one burger.

However, that being said, if I was to swap the big burger buns for a low-fat alternative, it will save a few of my ProPoints so I can still enjoy one – all I need now is an invite to a BBQ!

There’s only one weigh-in to go and I’m hoping I can pull out another loss for my final week!