After a much needed physical in 2006 my doctor called me into his office to review my blood test results. I knew I wasn’t in good shape and had bad eating habits but I brushed it off. I thought I was young and had nothing but time to get better. I went in, we talked and he mentioned that I may have a genetic predisposition for high cholesterol but he was also shocked to see my cholesterol levels so high. Whaaa? Shocked? He suggested that I change my eating habits, exercise and if that did not work he would have to put me on Lipitor. Sheesh! At that time I was already wavering around cycling but needed a jump start and man was that the moment! I wanted to be fit. I wanted to become a cyclist. Okay…Perfect!
I loved the sport of cycling, hated running and I liked all the techie gear stuff cycling lends itself to. So I bought a bike. I didn’t have a fitness goal but I knew I just wanted to be fitter and thinner than I was. So there it began, I just rode and rode and rode. My progression did not go as fast as I wanted to. Time, family, work and the actual commitment to cycling were always a battle. I kept riding. Life changes were made and compromises were taken so I could make cycling a priority in my life and part of my families life. Thankfully I had a very supportive wife who understood my passion for the sport. She also knew I had to ride my way to better health. I also did it for her and my children. I wanted to make sure I would lead a long and healthy life with them.
The next six years flew by and fueled my cycling life. Now as a club cyclist and weekend warrior the fitness just followed. I don’t really watch what I eat but I make myself aware of what I put in my body. So usually I make good choices but at times give in to my sweet tooth and carnivorous need for a good steak. My last blood test result actually triggered a call from my doctor warning me that my iron levels were too low. After another round of blood work, all was fine. I mentioned to my new doctor that I cycled and she concurred that it was a probable reason of why I had low iron levels. Today I’m still riding and enjoying my cycling journey. I still struggle with fitness and training and it never “gets easy” as they say but fitting cycling into my life is now easier. It’s just what I do. I feel healthy. I feel fit. All thanks to cycling and of course my wife.
Thanks Babe!
-PJ
Below are a series of pictures and some cholesterol information gathered over my 6 years of cycling. Yes I’ve only had a physical 3 times in the last 6 years and I should do it yearly. What evs…I’m a towering 5’6″ BTW
2006 About 155 lbs nearing 160 lbs at some point. Age 30.
2009 About 145 lbs riding often and feeling good. Age 33
2012 Riding 4-5 times a week and some racing. 134 lbs Age 36
