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12-25-07, 09:22 PM
Christmas is the season of rebirth.
On December 22, 2005, I was 385 pounds and hospitalized with chest pains. My physical condition was so poor that in other to perform a stress test, the doctors gave me a drug to simulate the effect of exercise. I wouldn't have been able to exercise enough for the test to register without endangering myself.
On December 24, 2006, I rode a bicycle for the first time in my life. I managed 1.5 miles before a mailbox jumped in front of me and I crashed. It took nearly an hour for me to get through that ride.
On December 24, 2007, I rode 35 miles from Doylestown, PA, to Bethlehem, PA, a ride that featured more than 2500 feet of climbing and a hill of more than 12 per cent grade. OK, I walked the 12 per cent hill, and parts of a few others. I followed up the following day with another ride of 35 miles. This after two days of 25 + mile days. And I'm closing in on the 3000 mile mark for the year.
Christmas is the season of rebirth. I know, because I've lived it. I was lost, and now I am a cyclist.
Me at 360, after losing 25 pounds, February 2006.
http://lh4.google.com/image/neil.thehistorian/RhR9apYhE0I/AAAAAAAAAEg/JM4-66xk8_0/s800/IMG_1162.JPG
Me at 260 or so, this morning, Green Lane Reservoir, near Red Hill, PA. Forgive the extra weight and facial hair, folks, please. It's the cycling off-season. :-)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2324/2136392088_a7e6524d20_b.jpg
On December 22, 2005, I was 385 pounds and hospitalized with chest pains. My physical condition was so poor that in other to perform a stress test, the doctors gave me a drug to simulate the effect of exercise. I wouldn't have been able to exercise enough for the test to register without endangering myself.
On December 24, 2006, I rode a bicycle for the first time in my life. I managed 1.5 miles before a mailbox jumped in front of me and I crashed. It took nearly an hour for me to get through that ride.
On December 24, 2007, I rode 35 miles from Doylestown, PA, to Bethlehem, PA, a ride that featured more than 2500 feet of climbing and a hill of more than 12 per cent grade. OK, I walked the 12 per cent hill, and parts of a few others. I followed up the following day with another ride of 35 miles. This after two days of 25 + mile days. And I'm closing in on the 3000 mile mark for the year.
Christmas is the season of rebirth. I know, because I've lived it. I was lost, and now I am a cyclist.
Me at 360, after losing 25 pounds, February 2006.
http://lh4.google.com/image/neil.thehistorian/RhR9apYhE0I/AAAAAAAAAEg/JM4-66xk8_0/s800/IMG_1162.JPG
Me at 260 or so, this morning, Green Lane Reservoir, near Red Hill, PA. Forgive the extra weight and facial hair, folks, please. It's the cycling off-season. :-)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2324/2136392088_a7e6524d20_b.jpg