Judo coach Beth Woods has lost a whopping three stone and four pounds since January and recently ran the Great North Run to raise money for South Shields Judo Club and South Shields Judokwai.

During this, Beth ran a personal best of 2 hours and 21 seconds and all the money raised will help pay for both clubs joint Christmas party.

“It felt amazing running this year compared to last year and I am looking forward to beating the two-hour mark next year,”she said.

“Last year I was not fit enough and had to walk some of the way. This year my fitness has greatly improved and I ran the whole distance.

“I would like to say thank you to everyone who has sponsored me to run.

“The kids at the clubs are really looking forward to this year’s Christmas party.”

“My personal best in this year’s Great North Run was a great achievement, however, my next challenge is to run it in under two hours!

The London 2012 Olympics inspired Beth to shed the pounds. “I no longer wanted to be an overweight coach. I felt my position is important having contact with so many children each week, I wanted to be a role model. “Being a 2nd Dan I felt that if I were to return to competitive judo to attain my 3rd Dan I would need to become fitter, which would involve losing a great deal of weight.”

So, Beth set about joining her local Weight Watchers group meeting and then her local running club, South Shields Harriers AC.

Then in a New Year’s resolve to beat the flab, she joined in the Government initiative ‘Dry January’.

“I started at 13 stones 7 pounds and currently weigh 10 stones 2 pounds, but I still have a goal to lose another 7 pounds,” she added.

“I now enjoy a whole new way of life and have more energy to coach each week.

“I love going out for a run and keeping fit.” Beth now feels able to return to competitive judo and hopes in the future to participate in Masters events.

Along with her partner Tom Foster (6th Dan), Beth is credited with turning a one night a week club into thriving club operating four days of the week, with over 100 members.

“My partner has provided a great deal of support,” she said.

He even cycles with me on weekends when I am out for 10 mile training runs.”

As well as coaching Beth is the secretary at South Shields Judo Club and treasurer at South Shields Judokwai. She also holds the position of Director of Competition Controllers on the Northern Area committee.

To find out more or get involved contact Beth on 07725111056.

Words by Donna Richardson.