StumpJumper84

Hey guys. A bit about me, the real name is T.J., I just turned 30. I spent most of my life overweight. When I finally decided to do something about my weight, I maxed out the 400lb scale at the hospital. I joined a gym and started eating better. My first goal was simply to lose enough weight my 350lb max bathroom scale would give me any meaningful data other than a flashing "E"

I watched what I ate, adopting caloric restriction rather than fad or crash diets. I'd aim for about 1300-1800 cal a day. If I went over every once and a while, it was ok. I'd aim to go to the gym 6-7 days a week. I'd split my time on strength training and cardio. Swimming, Incline Walking, etc.

After about 10 months I was down to 280, I decided to try jogging. When I started, I could only do about 2 miles at 4.8MPH, however as I pushed harder, and lost weight, my speed and distance improved. Three months later, and at about 240lbs, I did my first 5k in 32 minutes. I had discovered a real love of endurance cardio. There was just something so gratifying about being able to jump in the pool and log 2 miles, or snug up my shoes and run 10 miles in one go. It really makes you feel.... empowered. Finally, after 16 months, I hit a milestone I never thought I'd reach. I got on the scales and was greeted to a weight of 198lbs, and a % body fat of about 12%. I had officially lost over half my total body weight.

3 Chapters in and what does any of this have to do with cycling? Well, on a run one day, I stress fractured a bone in my foot. Walking was fine, but if I tried to run, I'd be met with excruciating pain. Grounded, I felt like a bird with a broke wing. A cousin of mine, an avid cyclist and my mother, an ex-cyclist both persuaded me to get a bike. Before I could buy one, they beat me to it, getting me a hybrid for me this past Christmas.

Since then, my foot has healed, and I run again, but now I have 3 loves, running, swimming, and cycling... I regularly go on rides with a small group of friends and family as well as solo trips. The last of which I logged 57.4 miles in 4 hours and 11 minutes fighting a 17mph wind on the last half. My quads were toast. lol. I also did the 45 mile route in the Tour de Cypress a couple weeks ago in 3 hours and 3 minutes. My non cycling (or exercising for that matter) friends think I am crazy. I probably am, but that is beside the point.

Pics of me...
Before (the blood is fake, at a Halloween party)


After (my gym made me this shirt)

DavidKos

Amazing! You're an inspiration, keep it up.

10 Wheels

Hey TJ,

Welcome to Bike Forums.

Ride safe.

Lacumo

Welcome to BF, congrats on the monumental weight loss and be sure to stick with that program!