A fun Update

First of all, let me start by saying that I am hesitant in making this post. It involves a story of me spending a lot of money. I don't want any readers to think that we are really wealthy or that we are living outside of our means. The combination of having dual income and no kids lends itself to a little more time and money.

If you read this blog, you are all aware that I am in the process of trying to lose weight. I've done pretty good. Although no causal relationship can be determined between my eating of breakfast in the morning and ice cream at night with weight loss, there is at least a correlational relationship. Whenever I do these things I lose weight. I average 1lb each week. I would have lost 16 this summer but I gained 6 back during my vacations.

One reason for losing weight is that I am risk of heart disease. I'm obese and have some pretty bad cholesterol issues. A friend of ours just had a heart attack. He's 28!

Another thing that you may not know about me is that I have lots of pains. Even walking can cause excruciating pains in my hip, knees and thighs. Three years ago I would run in the morning. This worsened the situation greatly. Riding a traditional bike would cut circulation to my arms, but also irritate a nerve in my left elbow. Although you wouldn't think so, I also have a bony bum. Riding a bike would hinder circulation to my already pain stricken legs.

I really love being active. I like to play basketball. I love hiking, but the thing that usually slowed me down were these pains. Yes, I am not in outstanding shape, but I am in pretty good shape as far as my cardio and respiratory systems are concerned.

A few months ago, Jay (my father-in-law) and I went to check out some recumbent bikes. While there, we stumbled across recumbent trikes. I was not so excited to try them out. After sitting in one, I realized that this bike was very comfortable. The only pain I felt when riding it was the sweet pain of muscle building.

After much deliberation, we decided to purchase one of these pricey trikes. Don't ask me about the price. It makes me want to puke. It has been a great purchase so far. I've done two rides this week. I did 3 miles one day and 8 miles today. I'm not going to make any distance records, but the ride was great. After doing both rides, I have no more pain than I did before. I did not have to stop to walk off any pain while riding. I didn't have to push through the pain. All I focused on was pushing myself in getting a good workout. My legs burned, but the good burning. I was breathing hard, and it felt good.

So, please don't think we are rich or living outside our means. I just wanted to share with everyone how happy I am that it looks that I have found some fun exercise that doesn't cause me unnatural pain.

Feel free to enjoy the pictures below. Alison just had to take them. I bought me some good shoes and some white cycling shorts. (I can't where them solo yet!) You have to admit, I may be portly, but boy am I a handsome devil!