For a lot of of our MAN v FAT neighborhood, each within the US and the UK, shedding pounds on this system is the stimulus to extra sporting exercise.
Whether or not enjoying extra soccer or hitting the highway to take up operating, these further bouts of bodily exercise would have been onerous to think about previous to getting began with MAN v FAT.
One member benefitting from the burden he’s shed with MAN v FAT Soccer is Garret McDowell, who joined the Carrollton league in Texas at the beginning of 2026.
He’s now approaching his 20% weight reduction and BMI Boss landmarks, so we checked in to search out out extra!
Inform us a bit about your life exterior of MAN v FAT
Nicely, as somebody who simply modified careers, that is undoubtedly ironic timing. I’ve been a trainer/educator for the previous decade and have lately switched to working in a non-profit right here in Dallas. My life actually is altering drastically, so it’s bringing new challenges as I regulate my life, health, all the things to a model new schedule.
As well as, I started operating about two and a half years in the past, and it’s turn out to be an enormous a part of my life and my journey. Altogether between operating, consuming higher, and MAN v FAT, I’ve misplaced now 140 kilos – 40 of which have are available in MAN v FAT in these first two seasons.
I ran my first marathon final month, and my coach was an enormous a part of serving to me with my routine, coaching, and fueling as I modified from 10Ks to that distance. I’m operating my first world main: the 2026 Chicago Marathon this October, and. I’m extremely excited. I’ll be operating to boost funds for Oasis For Orphans and you will discover out extra right here.
What was it that made you join MAN v FAT Soccer within the first place?
Just a little over three years in the past, I used to be in the course of a enjoyable, not critical pick-up basketball sport once I simply couldn’t go anymore not even midway by. I needed to look within the mirror and understand that it was time for a change. My aim was to lose sufficient weight that I may play soccer once more, as I had rising up and even once I first graduated from faculty.
Quick ahead just a few years, and I’ve had highs and lows with the figuring out health routine, shedding pounds, and many others. Again in October/November, I first heard of MAN v FAT and {that a} league was coming to Carrollton, and I received’t lie, I used to be very skeptical at first. A weight reduction soccer league?
However my spouse inspired me to test it out, regardless that I had made some progress to start with earlier than soccer. Nevertheless, having an opportunity to proceed my long-term well being targets and play the game I really like…simply priceless. As well as, the preliminary curiosity assembly the place Anthony and Terry talked concerning the help and all the things that got here with it, that basically pushed me to signing up.
What’s it about MAN v FAT that has labored for you in your weight reduction and wellbeing efforts?
I’ve been capable of lose a big quantity of weight and construct muscle for my total targets – which at this level has turn out to be endurance operating. I ran my first marathon lower than a month in the past, and whereas I had deliberate to take action previous to MAN v FAT, Anthony was instrumental in pushing up my targets. His recommendation and suggestions was enormous as I tackled it.
The accountability from the league and teammates has been an enormous assist in sticking to my monitoring and pushing ahead. I feel the league is barely nearly as good because the Coach, and since Anthony has a wealth of expertise to attract off of, he’s been capable of assist me greater than others would have been capable of. The construction of the league has benefited me mentally as effectively, particularly as I transitioned into a brand new profession.
The neighborhood is extremely supportive. Though everybody desires their crew to win, all of us help one another. I signed up a number of folks on totally different groups to run a 5K with me again in Could/June. The entire aim is health and stepping into form, in order that half is for everybody.
The entire motive for me to get into form was to ensure that I stay longer and may do extra as an alternative of sitting on my butt all day. I wished to stay life to the fullest, and the neighborhood right here remembers it. My crew, Largentina, is all about our stability and remembering that stepping into form is about extra than simply soccer, it’s about having fun with life. I can level to a number of people throughout our league who’re among the most supportive like that as effectively.
What would you say to any man within the space considering of becoming a member of this system?
I get it that it’s daunting. I get it that it’s terrifying. I get it that it’s embarrassing…however we’re fats. Cope with it. We’ve obtained your again, as a result of all of us are on that journey, simply at totally different factors.
What are your long term well being and wellbeing targets?
Nicely, I began monitoring my weight at 311 lbs however we all know i used to be greater than that, and I’m right down to 171 now…140 kilos down formally however as you see the photograph beneath, it was extra. My aim is round 150, however I’m starting energy coaching as effectively. My total aim is to ensure that individuals are extra energetic and match as effectively. I simply need folks to be more healthy.
My plan for all times is to run as many marathons as I can now, however extra vital than that to me is that folks simply begin getting up and shifting. It has meant extra to me that a few of my closest buddies have begun to get extra energetic and run as effectively prior to now two years since I’ve began. One even publicly pointed to me as his inspiration, and meaning the world to me.
So I suppose simply extra energetic and fitter. I need to proceed to assist encourage them? I additionally need to go sub 4 hours on my marathon PR by the tip of 2027. i already hit sub two on my half marathon PR!
Need to be a part of Garret in motion?
We at the moment have two busy leagues in Carrollton, that are amongst 30 we run throughout the US. To have a look on your closest league, go to www.manvfatsoccer.com.