I don’t know why I never got discouraged, but I didn’t. I stuck with it and noticed very quickly that I could push myself a little each ride and slowly started adding more distance. At first, I started adding quarter miles, then soon half miles, then full miles. By February I was riding 10 miles at a stretch, and that’s when I started to want to go faster.

I also started paying more attention to my diet. I cut out all saturated fats and processed foods and opted for oatmeal and fresh fruits. When I ate also became important. I now eat a very big breakfast at 8am or earlier, eat again at 11am, then again for lunch at 1pm. I also eat something at 4pm to hold me over until dinner at 6pm, then I eat something with heavy protein in it around 8pm. I never eat anything after 8:30pm. Ever.

My recipe for change was simple. I changed everything I did. I had no need to cheat, no reason to lie. If I let someone down, it was me. If I lied to someone, it was me. It boiled down to two simple things. I’m not saying EASY things. I’m saying SIMPLE things.

Discipline and self-control. That’s it. All you have to do is… do it.

Over one-quarter of my bodyweight is gone.

Last night I did 105 sit-ups without breaking a sweat.

I’ve ridden over 1,000 miles in less than three months. If I just keep it up at the rate I’m currently riding, I’ll finish 2009 with over 4,800 miles under my belt. Jeff, for the win.

Quick Facts

Age: 42
Hometown: Myrtle Beach, SC
Family: I’ve been married for 10 years and I have a daughter,
Abigail, who’s 3
Career: I’m a programmer at LHWH Advertising & Public Relations
Gear: I ride a Trek Alpha Series 2200