Late
2006 found me tipping the scales at 250 pounds with failing
eyesight. On January 2nd, 2007, I was diagnosed as a Type 2
diabetic. In the weeks following my diagnosis, I was
presented with a diet plan by my nutritionist and an exercise plan by my
primary care physician. In the months that followed my diagnosis, I
dropped close to 90 pounds, bike 15-30 miles daily, and have had the
opportunity through two Tour de Cures to help raise thousands of
dollars for diabetes research for the A.D.A. My most recent
medical check showed my diabetes is now under control. You can read more
about my victory over diabetes, including my blog entry about the
2008 Crank the Kanc event at my Diabetes
Website.
The
2008 Crank the Kanc event marked my first competitive event. I set
my sights at a very reasonable level. My goals were threefold...
1) To actually finish the event, 2) to beat the 2 hour mark and 3)
to not the the last place rider in my age group. My victory was as
close to perfect as possible. By far, the toughest endurance event
I have ever completed, I finished in the top 1/3 of my age group
at a respectable 1 hour 31 minutes (and four seconds ;-).
Yes, I will compete again next year.... with goals a bit more a
lofty, but lest I forget- the true Joy is in the Journey!
