Roman: from 150 kg to 88 kg

From elementary school, I never really cared about what I ate, how I looked, or how I took care of myself in general. I didn’t worry about injuries, joints, or my overall health. I was young—so why should I? That mindset lasted quite a long time, through all of high school and part of college. I loved playing floorball and cycling. So I had movement and an active lifestyle… right?

During high school, injuries started piling up, especially from floorball. I still didn’t pay much attention to it. After all, getting injured while doing sports is normal. At least it meant more time for computer games. Yes, a few people mentioned that I might need to lose some weight, but whatever—it didn’t seem necessary. I went to school, did some sports in the afternoon, and in the evening I sat down at the computer, ate properly, and played games with friends until morning.

Back then, I didn’t weigh myself often—and more importantly, I didn’t value myself. Looking back, I realize how hard I was pushing my body. When my weight passed 125 kg, it was already very noticeable, even though I’m 188 cm tall. I kept hearing that I should start doing something about it. So, even though I didn’t like it, I finally thought: “Alright, maybe they’re right.”

I started drinking fewer sugary drinks and cutting back on junk food, but one thing stayed the same—poor eating habits. Not eating for half a day, sometimes not eating at all, and then completely emptying the fridge in the evening.

I tried to change things several times because of others, but when my weight eventually climbed toward 150 kg, it was clear that it wasn’t working. That was the moment when I said to myself: “Enough. You have to do something about this.” I knew it wasn’t healthy and definitely not good for my joints, bones, or overall health.

Without studying or reading much at first, I started my transformation. I knew strict diets wouldn’t work for me. I love food—especially traditional Czech cuisine. So I had to take a step back and really think. I realized I needed to include movement, eat healthier, and change my mindset. I started searching online—diets, exercise, healthy lifestyle—and tried to take what made sense and apply it to myself.

I came to understand that it’s all about mindset—and I stand by that to this day. If you don’t change things in your head, half the success is already gone. Instead of dieting, I decided to start eating regularly and more balanced than before. For me, that meant learning a routine: breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, second dinner.

I added movement as well. I tried running, although at my weight it didn’t work very well—let’s call it alternating between running and walking. I also knew that Coca-Cola and other sugary drinks weren’t helping, so I cut them out and limited bread. I didn’t forbid myself everything, but when I knew I’d be going out in the evening for dinner or a beer, I simply ate lighter during the day.

And it started to work. The weight began to go down. It was amazing. Stairs became easier, clothes were looser, floorball felt better, cycling too. I told myself I would keep going.

I added regular runs and home workouts. A former colleague asked me if I wanted to try Spartan Race. I had no idea what it was. I searched online and said: “I’m in.” It was a sprint—absolutely amazing, but completely exhausting for me. Still, it was love at first hill. I knew this was something I wanted to do. I just needed to lose a few more kilos.

I started running every morning and training at home, but my weight stopped at 119 kg and wouldn’t go any lower. Unfortunately, with the weight loss came health complications—gallstones. I had my gallbladder removed, and before the diagnosis was confirmed, I went through two very difficult months. After coming home from the hospital, I stepped on the scale and saw 108 kg.

I told myself that everything bad is good for something. I decided not to let myself slip back and to keep moving forward. Since then, I run and train every day, and Spartan races have become my regular weekend activity. I started racing in the Age Group category, where I began to do quite well, and that convinced me even more that this path makes sense.

Another injury came—this time from floorball. But thanks to it, I met my now wife. She was an operating room nurse during my surgery, and the moment I saw her eyes, I knew. She started supporting me and became my driving force. Spartan became part of our lives. Morning runs got longer, training sessions too. It clears your head and makes you feel incredible afterward.

Then came trips abroad—of course, Spartan Trifecta weekends—and also success. In 2024, I competed at the Spartan Sprint World Championship in Hvar, where I finished 5th in my age category. That meant everything to me. When I realized the journey I had been through and how much work it took, I knew it was all worth it.

Today, I know it’s not about the number on the scale. It’s about how you feel, how much you value yourself, and what you’re willing to do for yourself. It’s about mindset, priorities, and consistency.

My family is the most important thing—my parents, my wife, and my son. Without their support, it wouldn’t have been possible. I’m surrounded by amazing people who give me energy to keep moving forward.

Spartan Race is a matter of the heart for me—it’s a second family. That’s why I’m proud to be able to represent Spartan Race as an Ambassador for 2026. I truly value it and see that everything I do has meaning.

Through racing, I also met the amazing OCR Veverky team led by Vladimír Veverka. Thank you for welcoming me—after more than ten years, I won’t be racing just for myself, but also for the team.

Conclusion

I’m sharing Roman’s story even though I didn’t personally help him on his journey. I believe it can inspire someone to start a change, give motivation, and show that when you really want it, it’s possible. That’s why I asked him to share his story.

Roman, thank you for your trust.

Vladimir Veverka
Personal trainer and nutrition consultant