22/03/2023
Rochdale MvF: Players Tribune
Meet Danny Young
My journey started on 21st March 2022, when I got my email for the Rochdale league saying, Real Black puddings have made a new signing. So a year in and what a year it has been, I thought I would share my journey and what has helped me throughout. I will also share my measurements from start to now and the dates of my certificates, this shows you that you can still enjoy holidays, Christmas and any other occasions by planning for it or working hard after.
First I need to say a few thank yous, I have done my journey but without others this would not of been possible. First one has to be my wife and family, for the help and pushing along the way they have to deal with the good and bad days. Next has to be the lads from Rochdale, not just my team but the whole, we have such great lads and the banter and support is fantastic, our 11s team for that extra support and push to be able to complete 90mins of football. Our coach Roman, he picks us up when needed, offers great support and helps introduce new things to us.
Weight started 125 kg
Weight today 94 kg
31.9 kg lost, that’s mental to think it’s 31 bags of sugar or even to think it’s just over 12 bags of potatoes.
Waist 42 inch - 37.5 inch
Hips 44.5 inch - 40.5 inch
Neck 17 inch - 15.5 inch
Chest 43.5 inch - 39 inch
Thigh 27 inch - 23 inch
Calf 18.5 inch - 16.5 inch
When I got started I was very nervous and known about mvf for a while but kept putting it off convincing my self I’m not good enough or I will be one of the biggest ones there. But at the age off 36 I was given high blood pressure tablets and thought I need to make some changes and signed straight up, I have tried many other ways like most to shed some pounds but nothing has worked for me before and I give in.
I got added to my what’s app group and did the same message as most, Hi lads looking forward to it, it’s been a while since I played so don’t expect to much 😂😂. I headed down for my first night, weigh in completed, match played and headed home. I loved it the whole team spirit and support from everyone, noticed there was different football abilities and it really was for everyone. But then I received my email with my weekly report and it had me down in position 27 or something and I was like no not having that and started to change it, before you knew it I was in the top 10 and finished 3rd in season one after 7 weeks. Season 2 is where I started seeing the changes happen and my fitness improved, our 11s team was formed in April so we all improved massively and the whole team spirit grown as-well. Season 2 I got presented top scorer at our presentation, season 3 was my hardest one as Rochdale grew and we added more teams and changed our teams up, it was great fun on picking names and we chose Gladieaters, I think we all struggled with settling in to our new teams that season but I pushed after Christmas to finish on a loss for the season as I felt I waisted a season and wanted to lose something. We are now in season 4 and it’s been the best so far. Most teams are competing and we go into our final season week with 3 teams that can win it. Massively proud of all the lads this year.
November I completed my first 5k without stopping, I have had to buy new pants nearly every 2-3 months must off bought about 6 belts over the year.
5% 25/04/22
10% 30/05/22
15% 25/07/22
20% 14/11/22
25% 20/03/23 just in time to mark the year.
I had to make some massive changes but I found it important to make it as enjoyable as possible, Roman mentioned to me about podcasts and honestly I said they are not for me. I tried them and I love them, they help massively to keep me motivated or to keep me company when on walks. My top 2 are Diary of CEO, Stephen has a pod for everyone some real live changing stories and how people have got through their struggles and become better people. Peter Crouch, what a legend his pods are really entertaining, talk rubbish and many time I have just burst out laughing when walking and getting some looks 😂. Make sure you check his out, passing the pod. I have done my journey by calorie counting, it was so much easier for me to use nutracheck as it has everything I need. I have recently purchased an exercise bike to help push my self further, to help improve my fitness and to tone up a bit. I listened to mvf pod early on in my journey and someone on that said how important water was, to help keep your skin tight and healthy and that always stuck with me and I have done it since. Most of my meals are done from pinch of nom or bbc good foods, some great meals out there and I have happily replaced most high calorie meals with better tasting meals and lower calories. I found planning my week or batch cooking helps, as if you don’t have time to cook and rather than picking your phone up to do a quick just eat, I just b**g a meal in the microwave.
It has come with its struggles along the way, injuries and when I started I had to tape my feet up otherwise I would get pain and struggle to walk for days after playing football, that has totally now gone. My hardest struggle was shin pads, socks and football boots. I researched asked on mvf community and settled with some black leather boots from decathlon, slip on shin pads and got some grip socks and sock sleeves. Joys of having wide feet and big calf’s, now they ain’t as bad and even lost weight off my feet. I felt as the seasons I couldn’t compete with the personal leagues as I was further in my journey and new lads was joining, well this season I’m currently 4th so that showed me.
Sorry didn’t realise how long this was till I scrolled back up, just shows that loads have happened and still more to come. I have seen many things work for others but not me, so keep trying new things you will eventually find something that works. If you are thinking about joining up, don’t delay will be the best thing you have done.
