Conrad Ashton, 30, is preparing for his first bodybuilding competition while also training for an ultramarathon
Conrad Ashton lost an impressive 20 stone
A North East personal trainer is set to enter a bodybuilding competition and run an ultramarathon after embarking on an impressive weight loss and fitness journey. For years, Conrad Ashton struggled with his weight and was in a never-ending cycle of binge eating and drinking too much. His unhealthy habits also left him battling poor mental health.
During his university days he always found it difficult to keep the weight off and even tried crash dieting. But things eventually came to a head during the covid pandemic, when Conrad ballooned up to 20 stone. It was then he knew he had to take accountability.
Personal trainer
Conrad, 30, started with small changes – moving more and eating more sensibly. He then got himself a personal trainer and was so inspired, he decided to quit his office job and qualify as a PT himself. He is now helping others who are in the same situation he was once in.
“I’d always been the fat kid”, Conrad said. “I was bullied in school and then put a bit more weight on in college. Throughout university I wasn’t much better. I crash dieted in the third year but was unable to maintain [the weight loss]. I was very up and down with my weight and not in good shape.
“During lockdown, I probably ballooned to the biggest I’ve been – I was about 20 stone. I got myself a personal trainer and he inspired me to get my qualifications.” Conrad soon quit his job before embarking on his PT training, eventually losing over 60lbs. Within three months, he was in a gym building up a client base.
Conrad Ashton weighed 20 stone during lockdown(Image: Conrad Ashton)
Mental health
Conrad, from Spennymoor, County Durham, continued: “My mental health took a big hit during Covid. I was doing the odd walk but I didn’t do anything apart from eat. I just wanted to show people what was possible. I’ve tried to keep myself in decent nick as a trainer and I’m a full time online coach now.”
Since losing weight and getting fitter, Conrad, who runs Ashton Online Coaching, has been trying to push his own limits. He has completed multiple half marathons, including the Great North Run, a sprint triathlon, and a 50km ultramarathon.
But his biggest challenges are yet to come. On June 13, he will be attempting the 70-mile ultramarathon, The Wall, running through Hadrian’s Wall country. He will be raising money for mental health charity Mind in the process.
Conrad Ashton weighed 20 stone during lockdown(Image: Conrad Ashton)
Bodybuilding
And while training for the ultramarathon, Conrad is also working towards his first bodybuilding competition, which will be taking place merely a month earlier. He will enter the first timer competition run by the Physical Culture Association. If successful, he could be taking part in the PCA Universe one week later.
Conrad added: “I am documenting the entire journey publicly, showing both the physical and mental side of preparation, with the aim of demonstrating what is possible with consistency, structure, and sustainable habits rather than extremes. When I was at my worst, anxiety and depression was at an all time high.
“When I was wanting to get into shape the only people who I could look up to were these Hollywood actors who are pumped full of goodness knows what and it was just not achievable. I’m just someone who’s normal and local, showing what’s possible. Hopefully, that can inspire people.”
Conrad’s fitness journey can be followed on his Instagram. Donations can be made to his fundraiser, here.
Our County Durham Live newsletter is free. You can sign up to receive it here. It will keep you up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from in and around County Durham.