For many of our MAN v FAT community, both in the US and the UK, losing weight on the program is the stimulus to additional sporting activity.
Whether playing additional soccer or hitting the road to take up running, these extra bouts of physical activity would have been hard to imagine prior to getting started with MAN v FAT.
One member benefitting from the weight he’s shed with MAN v FAT Soccer is Garret McDowell, who joined the Carrollton league in Texas at the start of 2026.
He’s now approaching his 20% weight loss landmark, so we checked in to find out more!
Tell us a bit about your life outside of MAN v FAT
Well, as someone who just changed careers, this is definitely ironic timing. I’ve been a teacher/educator for the past decade and have recently switched to working in a non-profit here in Dallas. My life really is changing drastically, so it’s bringing new challenges as I adjust my life, fitness, everything to a brand new schedule.
In addition, I began running about two and a half years ago, and it’s become a huge part of my life and my journey. Altogether between running, eating better, and MAN v FAT, I’ve lost now 140 pounds – 40 of which have come in MAN v FAT in these first two seasons.
I ran my first marathon last month, and my coach was a huge part of helping me with my regimen, training, and fueling as I changed from 10Ks to that distance. I am running my first world major: the 2026 Chicago Marathon this October, and. I’m incredibly excited.
What was it that made you sign up for MAN v FAT Soccer in the first place?
A little over three years ago, I was in the middle of a fun, not serious pick-up basketball game when I just couldn’t go anymore not even halfway through. I had to look in the mirror and realize that it was time for a change. My goal was to lose enough weight that I could play soccer again, as I had growing up and even when I first graduated from college.
Fast forward a few years, and I’ve had highs and lows with the working out fitness regimen, losing weight, etc. Back in October/November, I first heard of MAN v FAT and that a league was coming to Carrollton, and I won’t lie, I was very skeptical at first. A weight loss soccer league?
But my wife encouraged me to check it out, even though I had made some progress to begin with before soccer. However, having a chance to continue my long-term health goals and play the sport I love…just priceless. In addition, the initial interest meeting where Anthony and Terry talked about the support and everything that came with it, that really pushed me to signing up.
What is it about MAN v FAT that has worked for you in your weight loss and wellbeing efforts?
I’ve been able to lose a significant amount of weight and build muscle for my overall goals – which at this point has become endurance running. I ran my first marathon less than a month ago, and while I had planned to do so prior to MAN v FAT, Anthony was instrumental in pushing up my goals. His advice and feedback was huge as I tackled it.
The accountability from the league and teammates has been a huge help in sticking to my tracking and pushing forward. I think the league is only as good as the Coach, and since Anthony has a wealth of experience to draw off of, he’s been able to help me more than others would have been able to. The structure of the league has benefited me mentally as well, especially as I transitioned into a new career.
The community is incredibly supportive. Even though everyone wants their team to win, we all support each other. I signed up several people on different teams to run a 5K with me back in May/June. The whole goal is fitness and getting into shape, so that part is for everyone.
The whole reason for me to get into shape was to make sure that I live longer and can do more instead of sitting on my butt all day. I wanted to live life to the fullest, and the community here remembers it. My team, Largentina, is all about our balance and remembering that getting into shape is about more than just soccer, it’s about enjoying life. I can point to several individuals across our league who are some of the most supportive like that as well.
What would you say to any guy in the area thinking of joining the program?
I get it that it’s daunting. I get it that it’s terrifying. I get it that it’s embarrassing…but we’re fat. Deal with it. We’ve got your back, because all of us are on that journey, just at different points.
What are your longer term health and wellbeing goals?
Well, I started tracking my weight at 311 lbs but we know i was more than that, and I’m down to 171 now…140 pounds down officially but as you see the photo below, it was more. My goal is around 150, but I’m beginning strength training as well. My overall goal is to make sure that people are more active and fit as well. I just want people to be healthier.
My plan for life is to run as many marathons as I can now, but more important than that to me is that people just start getting up and moving. It has meant more to me that some of my closest friends have begun to get more active and run as well in the past two years since I’ve started. One even publicly pointed to me as his inspiration, and that means the world to me.
So I guess just more active and more fit. I want to continue to help inspire them? I also want to go sub four hours on my marathon PR by the end of 2027. i already hit sub two on my half marathon PR!
Want to join Garret in action?
We currently have two busy leagues in Carrollton, which are among 30 we run across the US. To take a look for your closest league, visit www.manvfatsoccer.com.
