Struggling with Weight and Motivation
Two years ago, Cat Byrne from Kidderminster found it difficult to play with her son, noting that he could not fit comfortably in her lap.
"I felt really disappointed in myself and embarrassed that I was struggling to do basic things because of my weight,"
she said.
Byrne shared that she had always been overweight, but factors such as Covid lockdowns, pregnancy, and becoming a new mother contributed to her weight steadily increasing.
Inspiration to Change
Despite these challenges, Byrne was motivated by her son to make significant changes and lose more than half of her body weight.
"For the first few years after having my son I kept telling myself I needed to make healthier choices to be a better role model for him as he grows up,"
she explained.
In 2024, Byrne weighed 23 and a half stone. After joining a weight loss group in January of that year, she managed to lose 11 and a half stone.
Ten months after joining, she had lost nine stone and decided to incorporate running into her routine to further her weight loss goals and enhance her fitness.
Preparing for the Great Birmingham Run
Byrne is set to run the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run 10k on Sunday, 3 May. Her son, the primary motivation behind her weight loss journey, will be there to support her.
Discussing her running experience, Byrne noted that she was encouraged by friends and family who highlighted the physical and mental health benefits of running.
Initially embarrassed by her lack of fitness, she began running alone during lunch breaks when the roads were less busy.
"I would say I was one of the least active people you'd have ever met before October 2024,"
she recalled.
She maintained a calorie deficit, continued running, and added weight training to her routine. By April 2025, she had lost half of her initial body weight and experienced a significant improvement in her quality of life.
A Son’s Influence
Byrne emphasized that her five-year-old son was the central inspiration for her transformation.
"Oh, he is absolutely my main inspiration. I want him to grow up seeing exercise as something to look forward to,"
she said.
"I want him to know that exercise isn't punishment or something we do because we have to, but something we do because we want to.
I now enjoy being able to run and play with him and inspiring him to exercise and be proud of what our bodies are capable of."
Challenging Herself
Although Byrne had previously only run about 5k, she sought to challenge herself by participating in the 10k event to measure her progress.
"It keeps me striving to be better for myself and my son,"
she stated.
"He'll be at the Great Birmingham Run cheering me on and seeing his mum doing something she's worked hard to be able to do."
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