I was always fairly athletic but never accomplished much in my youth. I experienced an abusive family life and anger got me involved in rebellious activities including smoking and drinking. I experienced lots of emotional issues later in life including anxiety. Then I rediscovered sports including first running and then cycling. I also dabbed in triathlons where I turned my weak leg, swimming, into my strongest.

Now it's mostly cycling for all the physical as well as mental outcomes

But I do condider myself an athlete for several reasons. One is I've got lots of awards, trophies, and loads of shirts and race results. More importantly it's something I've done most of my life and I probably get in more time on the bike during the year than Eddy Merck or Greg LeMond.