"I started walking first, just to get my joints moving again. When I could finally jog, I joined the Lake City Athletic Club's half marathon clinic.
"Now I try to jog every other day, plus work around the farm."
With Walmsley's work and family commitments he does worry about sticking with it.
"It's a challenge to keep a consistent training pattern and, when there are gaps, I worry about gaining weight and getting injured by trying to catch up again too fast."
Walmsley attended several winter sessions with Kerris Browne at the Lake City Athletic Club.
"It was hard but different than expected.
"I learnt about pace, proper form, and breathing. But the best thing was the long runs - they were easy pace and you learned how to keep hydrated and nourished for those long runs.
"My legs were a little sore the days after but I'll absolutely be going back."
The Lake City Athletic Club's running clinics had helped him a lot, he said.
"They have been very patient with my level." His message to those who are overweight is simple - there is a place for you to start and once you begin work it will help you lose the weight.
Walmsley was excited about the coming year.
"I'm definitely doing the 50th Rotorua Marathon next year and shrinking my waistline is a bonus.
"I'm aiming to get under 100kg. A friend hadn't seen me for a while and recently asked where the other half of me was."
*The Lake City Athletic Club is holding a free information evening on January 16, 8pm at the clubrooms at Neil Hunt Park. Contact Jodie Hickson on 021 970482 or email: lakecitymarathonclinic@gmail.com
