About 3 years ago, I got serious about my Spring training. Two months on the trainer, Riding Base for an additional month. Long Slow Distance Rides to build my engine (LSD). Spin Classes, Group Rides, Lots of high end work. All ended up beating my immune system up enough that I got a cough. I ignored it, it turned into bronchitis. I went to the doctor for drugs, kept training hard, trying to lose weight. Next thing I knew............................. I went to the doctor, pneumonia. He gave me two choices, two weeks in the hospital or two weeks at home in bed. I chose the latter. Grew the first beard of my life, my wife loves it. So do most other women I ask.
P.S. I am not too proud to dye my beard blonde, and will continue to do so until I'm 99.