SO, WE ARE coming into the final stretch of RTÉ’s Operation Transformation and results have still been coming strong for me.

I lost four pounds this week. Some people might think that it’s not a good result, but for me it’s crucial because I have left the 20s behind and have finally hit the teens in weight loss.

• Read Alan’s previous columns here>>

To say I am ecstatic is an understatement. I haven’t seen those numbers in years and I finally can start to see the finishing line getting closer and closer each week.

It’s still going to be a long road with a lot of pain, but I feel that I’m well able to accomplish my goals like everyone else is.

This week has been pretty hectic yet again. I’ve been very busy going to schools giving talks and filming with RTÉ.

I finally decided to apply to do a nutrition course and I suppose my goal by the end of this year is to be able to have a diploma in nutrition and become a qualified personal trainer.

I believe if I can help other people reach their goals then that would be a great accomplishment. It’s great that sponsorship is still coming in and I would personally like to thank ATAK Sports for sponsoring my Under Armour gear which is crucial for training on them cold mornings.

Alan 'Murph' Mullen OT Leader 2015 / Facebook Alan 'Murph' Mullen OT Leader 2015 / Facebook / Facebook

I think when it comes to exercising you have to be comfortable in all surroundings, which comes down to your clothes and the atmosphere around a gym. I’m lucky to have both at Rahan Fitness. People starting out know what it’s like to walk into a gym for the first time and feel like you’re out of place, but trust me when I say this, there is a right place for everyone, you just have to find it.

My mind has become so much clearer since I’m back exercising. It doesn’t come as a chore anymore, but more of a routine. I want to be there and I know the extra five minutes on the treadmill or rower might get me over the line next week to reach my goal. I always suffered from paranoia, because of my weight and even the smallest thing of walking into a shop made me think, ‘are people looking and laughing at me?’.

Maybe they weren’t, maybe it was all in my head, but that’s what is wrong when you don’t believe in yourself and you have doubt in everything.

Alan 'Murph' Mullen OT Leader 2015 / Facebook Alan 'Murph' Mullen OT Leader 2015 / Facebook / Facebook

I know now I am better than that and I can achieve my ultimate goals when I want to and nobody can stop me from doing that. The sky is really the limit for me. I still always have that doubt in my head that people are laughing at me, but like everything I just take a step back and think to myself: ‘Look what I have accomplished and look how far I have come.’

Don’t get me wrong, I do see people slagging and slating people over their weight and I think it’s absolutely appalling. They know gaining weight was to no benefit to them, but if they’re trying to change their life, don’t discourage them or make a laugh out of them because at the end of the day what are you doing with your life that is so special?

I think as a country we need to be able to encourage people that might have weight problems and mental health issues to come and seek help and ensure they are not in fear of being laughed at by the people around them.