Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - 2009 in Retrospect

As the year comes to a close many of us are making goals for the coming year, me included. But this morning as I lay in bed waiting for the alarm to go off I had a thought, though I have had a bad week as far as my 2009 goals (no weight loss, eating things I know I shouldn’t, not riding enough), I came to realize some of the things I had done this year. Some of them for me have been truly amazing, some things I never thought I would do, and others things that I had been putting off for a while but felt like I had the energy to do this year. So let us hear it folks, what have you done this year that you are proud of.

For me the list is pretty exciting:

I got Married.

I bought my first bicycle (Hardrock) in 19 years with the intention of losing weight, on Feb 1st.

I remodeled our kitchen as a birthday present for my wife.

I poured a patio as a present to myself.

I bought a second bike in the same year (cyclocross this time, which will become my road bike.)

I managed to lose 52 pounds, averaging 1 pound per week, for me an amazing feat.


When i look at it that way, it has been one heck of a good year.

I'd say you had one heck of a great year. A lot of accomplishments to be proud of.

Congrats,

Denny

I thought for a moment of starting a thread titled "Why 2009 sux" after reading the above - but then decided it would simply be sour grapes, whining, and serve no good purpose at all.

Seriously, congrats on all the great things 2009 brought for you! I pray that 2010 will make a list like that for me! I am simply glad and thankful that 2009 is almost over, and I am still here to see 2010.

14 th year of consistent riding and happy miles!:D

davin, that's some nice work!

My 2009 had some interesting highlights. I drove across the country with my wife from NH to Portland, OR, where we now live. Riding in and around Portland has been a dream come true for me. I've also managed to remain pretty healthy (without much weight loss, but I haven't really been trying) and a recent decision to bring my soda/energy drink consumption down to near zero. I've managed to stay employed in this tough economy and still live below our means. I don't have much to complain about at all.

Scott

I decided back in 2004 to change careers and go back to grad school. I graduated in 2005 and finally finished all the experience and supervision requirements and was licensed this year. The change in career was motivated by quality of life issues and has been well worth it. I make less than half what I used to make, but I'm not constantly under pressure and working insane overtime...which, incidentally, has allowed me to start riding and taking care of my physical self.

That was a huge milestone for me and I'm grateful for it but in a lot of ways, 2009 was a really challenging year. I'm looking to do a little 'easy time' during 2010!

My reflections on 2009 can be summed up in a word.

Ouch.

On to 2010.

Just closed out 2009 with a 14-15 mile night ride. Nothing to write home about, but not too shabby for a superclyde on a fixed gear.

Seriously, if your knees can handle it, don't let the tiny little hipsters have all the fun.

(The too-tight girls jeans are another matter altogether, guys, especially our size, don't need to be wearing those.)

Davin1023 - That's a hard list to top. Well done sir!

Peter_C, for what it's worth, your story is pretty damn admirable. If you come out to Los Angeles at any point in the future, bring your bike and we'll ride out to Venice Beach and the beer / burritos are on me.

Not trying to top the Davin's list but it did make me think.

In 2009 I/we:

- Rode our first Tour de Cure (half centry on a Giant Hybrid!)

- Celebrated 10 years of marriage, 2 weeks in Hawaii

- Doubled our nightly ride to ~15mi

- Down 1 shirt size (XXL to XLT) and 2" from pants ... but didn't lose a pound!

- Changed jobs. I'm no longer a contractor. Same desk, a little more money, a lot more more security. Allowing us to:

- Put an offer in on our dream house ... and got it accepted! (Closing hopefully in Jan)

Happy New Year everyone!

(The too-tight girls jeans are another matter altogether, guys, especially our size, don't need to be wearing those.)


Sig line!

Peter_C, for what it's worth, your story is pretty damn admirable. If you come out to Los Angeles at any point in the future, bring your bike and we'll ride out to Venice Beach and the beer / burritos are on me.

Well, the story has to have a good ending first! But that thought is Wonderful! I've been in that area in years past (retired truckdriver) - and riding there with friends has got to be the greatest!

The entire year was like the ride in my Sig. Take a look.