I'm getting paid to exercise now...
 

At the first of the year I decided I was going to be getting in shape. As a long haul trucker there is almost no time or ability to get quality exercise on a regular basis. I was home every couple months (no family and I lived in the truck to save money) so working out just at home was pointless. In January I said enough of this and quit with nothing to go to.

From that time I have lived off my savings just relaxing, exercising, and learning to eat healthy again. I worked little bits here and there for/with friends for something to do but considering I have had no time off in the last 4 years I figured I deserved it. I told myself I would not take a job unless I could use it to help me get into shape somehow. Well, I did it.

I have been hired as the head night security officer for a property that is about 4 miles long and a mile wide. I discussed with them from time to time parking their provided security car and doing some of the patrols on foot/cycle and they where all for it. They liked the idea of having security that would be a little more into physical fitness, and not being in a car all the times makes it easier to catch people off guard.

I would spend the first half of the shift mainly walking and climbing the stairs over and over of a 3 story building. Then the second half I am free to roam the property as I see fit for the most part. I'm going to push the cycling as much as I can then working into a little jogging as well. On top of that its about a 7 mile one way commute. Looks like I should be getting a lot more miles in soon. I already placed an order with my LBS for a second computer mount for my MTB as my Allez wouldn't be able to handle most of the roads on the property.

I may be taking a little bit of a pay cut over my truck driving but if you factor in the time and money I'll be saving by not needing to get a gym membership to get the same exercise it works out in the end.

Way to go. Believe me your gonna find time to like riding now.

I worked at a college and I rode my bike all night long plus all the foot patrols I did. I also worked as a bike cop in the small town I was in and one of my major duties was to shake storfront doors and back doors making sure they were secure.

It definately breaks up the boredom of the night.

Jdub, that's just great. I salute you for your determination to seek out a healthier lifestyle, and your creativity in making it happen.

Man, GREAT to hear! I am looking for a job such as that. Might have to move to an apartment soon(renting a house) which makes sense because I don't need a garage and lawn.

what an excellent life choice, good for you.
Does this mean your name is going to change to cyclist_jdub ?

IMO you got out of trucking at the right time. Fuel costs will eliminate the independents.

Now you're going to be healthy too.

Man, i envy you, exercising every day at work.

Last night was my first night on the new job. It was a short night at only 6 hours of work due to the first 2 being taken up with the finishing of paperwork and going over the rules and guidelines of what the management wants done. On this first day (and for the next couple) I didn't bring my bike. I want to get a feel for the way things are run first.

To get an idea of how much walking there was to do. I brought a pedometer(sp?) to keep track of how many steps I took. I took just over 17,000 steps just while I was actually on the clock. I have read that 10,000 a day is really good to keep you healthy. I have already been pointed to a great locking storage area that I will be the only one with a key to that I will be able to keep my bike in (and out of the weather) so I wont have to worry about leaving it unsecured when I'm doing other things.

I think this is going to be a really good thing for me.

That would be kinda bad for a security guard to have his bike stolen hunh?

Sounds like a good way to keep fit - good luck.

I was talking to an older lady (50's(I'm guessing), sorry ladies I'm 30 so she is 'older') that works on the property that I'm security for. Turns out she is an X triathlon competitor. I'm not too interested in the running and I know how to swim as well as I care too but it would seem like I have stumbled upon a wealth of info when it comes to cycling training.

Most of the specific component type conversations will pass her by as she isn't up on current equipment but she is still able to recall her training (Although she says she has a full Campy racing Trek from the 80's sitting in her garage; I want to see it so bad). I loved the conversation, its one of the first 'real' people that I have met who is knowledgeable about cycling that doesn't work at the LBS and will still give me the time of day. I think I have stumbled upon a job that will help me WAY MORE then I ever would have suspected.

I just had to say something. I'm so stoked; with talking to her and the great weather I've have had, all I want to do is pound the peddles as much as possible. But I was chastised by her for not owning a helmet and clipless pedals (In a friendly way for the clipless, not so friendly for the helmet). I guess I have a couple things I need to buy now.