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Ok, so this is my first ever Blog Post. Seems a little silly since I don't expect anyone to read this. I have no plans to promote it on my Facebook or Twitter. At least not yet. Perhaps after I have some degree of success.
This blog (jeez I hate that word) actually starts almost 2 years ago. In February of 2008. I went to my regular family Dr. for a routine yearly physical. I was shocked to learn I weighed almost 280 lbs. I'm 5'10" and am a big quy. Built like a Rugby player, more than a cyclist. But 280, wow! The surprises didn't stop there. Was I ever disillusioned. Blood pressure: high enough to be put on a low dose of meds, with a diuretic included. Blood sugar, borderline high, no meds yet, just a stern warning to get it together. Acid reflux: check. Poor sleep: check, probably apnea I'm told. All wonderful news for a guy in his mid 30's with a 1 year old at home.
I heeded the warnings to a degree. I dropped 30 lbs pretty quick and in fNovember of 2009, it was still off, but no more had been lost. Doc kept me on the BP meds, but removed the diuretic, Glucose was fine and sleep was much better. But none of it is still what I want for myself, my health, my family. During this 2 year period, I was down to 225 during a brief stint of motivation. Still not where I need to be. I need an action plan and extra motivation?
I'm shooting for 180. My primary weapon, a 2006 Tomac Eli mountain bike. Custom built and sweet. More on that later. Also in the aresonal; a full gym at work, how easy is that! At home I have a great neighborhood to do laps on my Masi Soulville road bike, walk or jog. In doors I have a stationary trainer for my bikes, a Nordic Trac ACT Elliptical and a Marcy weight machine. I also have a Vew-Do balance board, balance ball, a 250 lb water bag and gloves. We even just got a Wii, which seems to provide some nice activity, especially compared to TV.
I am determined to make changes, it's not like I don't know how to eat, work out and recover. I do. I know. It's just not always easy or fun. (ie, the need for motivation)
The weekend after Thanksgiving 2009, a buddy convinced me to pull out my bike, and hit the local trail with him. I was all in. On that ride, with tired bodies and clear heads, we decided to make the 2010 Stump Jump race at Croft State Park (South Side) our goal. This trail system is a true jewel in Spartanburg, SC's otherwise lackluster crown. I understand the Stump Jump is a great event. So, I consider my self in training. I've been riding every weekend, eating better and working out. In November, during a follow up Dr. visit, I weighed 244 and my BP was low, so the meds got reduced again. So here is where I started to head in the other direction. I commit with the attitude that by Spring 2010, I'll be faster and leaner than ever. Dropping the hammer on flats, snapping crank arms on the steep pitches and bombing downhill runs with bike and body control I just can't pull off right now.
The real payoff of course, is how this new attitude and level of fitness will pay off in the rest of my life. Time spent with my wife and our girl. Camping, cruising on our bikes, paddling creeks, just beaching it. That will be the real pay off. But more on all that later.........