My Journey to a Healthy Lifestyle and Running a Marathon
- OYNB
- Nov 17
- 3 min read
“I longed to find out what a year off beer would do for me — but it seemed impossible.”
OYNB Hero Story
My journey started a year ago.On paper, everything looked great — a wonderful wife and son, a good job, a nice home. But inside, I was broken and unhappy, and I didn’t know why.
I was an average-to-heavy drinker. The kind who joked that health organisations must have confused their “recommended limit” with a light lunch. I drank daily, and weekends were heavier still.
The Wake-Up Call
One night, a couple of “quick” drinks after work spiralled into a 4am bender. As I walked around London trying to sober up before work, it hit me: I needed help.
I called my boss, admitted I had a problem, and took the day off.I was diagnosed with depression and sent for counselling. It helped me focus on my family and try moderating my drinking.
But Christmas came — and I went straight back into oblivion. At a family event, I got completely smashed. My wife was upset, and I told myself I’d stop drinking to lose weight. I was 15 stone.
I told everyone I was quitting “for a month”… but deep down, I longed to go longer. I knew alcohol was the issue — I just wasn’t ready to admit it.
January went well. I felt happier and dropped to 14 stone.
Then, at the end of the month, I went to a gig with friends. Despite my best intentions, I gave in. Tempted, nudged, encouraged — I caved.
By March, the weight was back on. By April and May, so was the drinking.
Finding OYNB
One day I heard Andy Ramage on the radio talking about One Year No Beer.I was fascinated. A whole year off? It sounded impossible — but I desperately wanted to know what it would do for me.
By late May, I was drinking heavily again. I knew things were heading out of control, but I didn’t know how to stop.
Then something huge happened.
I had dinner with my best friend. After some pressure, he admitted he had a drinking problem. I admitted mine. I told him about OYNB; we both agreed to read the book and think about signing up.
On June 2nd — Day 1 — I signed up.(My best mate started earlier, but not with OYNB.)
The First Breakthroughs
With OYNB backing me, the daily emails, the structure — I did everything they recommended.
On Day 2, I signed up for the London Marathon. I started running.I focused on three good things.I told people I was quitting for a year. When they laughed, I thought, watch me.
I knew I couldn’t hide for a year, so I kept going out — with a plan. I paid attention to what I actually enjoyed. I realised there was no gap without alcohol. It was the people I loved, not the booze.
Every outing made me stronger.
The first 30 days flew by.
When cravings hit hard, I ran or swam. It worked every time.
Days 30–40 were the worst.Cravings every day.A constant urge to cave in.
But I had something to prove — to myself and to everyone who doubted me.
The Magic Window: Days 40–60
Somewhere between Day 40 and 60, everything shifted.
My depression lifted.The constant baseline of fear, doubt, worry — gone.Only then did I realise how low I’d been feeling for years.
On Day 60, I went to a festival with the same friend who had encouraged me to drink back in January. This time, I was ready. Saying “I’m not drinking” was shockingly easy.
On Day 82, I started reading This Naked Mind by Annie Grace. By Day 86, I had my answer:I wanted this change to be permanent.
Freedom I Didn’t Expect
I’m thrilled I made that decision.I feel genuinely euphoric — like a second cloud has lifted. I feel calm, relaxed, and fully present.
Here’s what I love most about my alcohol-free life:
Freedom from obsession. No more planning drinks, timing drinks, thinking about drinks.
No more lost days. I’ll never wake up on Boxing Day wondering what I missed.
No more shame or regret.
No more disappointing my wife.
I’m the role model my son deserves.
My health no longer feels at risk.
I get to truly live my life, not numb it.
I fill my time with real challenges and experiences.I read more.I enjoy my evenings.Train rides home are now golden — music, films, books.
Where I Am Now
Today is Day 90.I’m 13.5 stone.I can run 10km.I’m training for the marathon in April.
And honestly?The rest of the year feels easy.
I’m excited to live a sober life.
Oh — and my best mate?He’s still off the booze too.And loving it.
