Tracey Kelliher wanted to get fit. She bought a bike and planned to cycle the 12-mile round trip to work. But she didn’t know how to get started. Sound familiar?
Then she spotted our cycling challenge, Sofa2Saddle, on Instagram. She followed the eight-week plan and transformed her routine. Now she cycles regularly and rides more than 30 miles every week.
“I used to love cycling as a child. I would ride for miles with my dad. When I decided to improve my health, cycling felt like the right choice.
“I had tried running before and even signed up for Couch to 5k. But I could never complete it. I felt too overweight to run, while cycling seemed more achievable.
“I bought a bike and planned to cycle to work. It’s a 12-mile round trip, so I knew I couldn’t just jump on and start pedalling. I didn’t really know where to begin. That’s when I discovered Sofa2Saddle. The idea of an eight-week plan to guide me really appealed.
“My father-in-law had also died of lung cancer, so the challenge felt especially meaningful.
“The challenge came with a clear eight-week plan, which made everything much easier. Knowing I was raising money also kept me motivated. On the days when I thought ‘I can’t do this’, I carried on because I had made a commitment.
“By the end of the eight weeks, cycling had become a habit. I no longer needed that extra push. I now cycle to work three times a week. If someone had told me seven months ago that I would cycle 36 miles a week, I would have laughed. So would everyone who knows me! Now, if I don’t cycle, I feel it.
“I would definitely recommend the Sofa2Saddle challenge to anyone thinking about cycling. The well-planned programme took me from an unfit beginner to a confident cyclist in just eight weeks.
“I have lost nearly a stone. More importantly, my mental health has improved so much. I feel fitter, stronger and full of energy.
“I would like to thank the team at Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation for creating this challenge. Nothing else had worked for me before. Now I’ve found something I enjoy and can stick with.”