A little over a year ago I went in for what I thought would be a routine physical. Unfortunately, genetics caught up with me and I had some blockage in my arteries. I wasn’t going to end up with a heart attack like my paternal grandfather (dead by heart attack) or my father, so I decided to change my lifestyle right then and there: cut back (almost none) on added sugar - hard in this country - and reduce saturated fats. I already excerised quite a bit, but decided to dedicate more to regular cycling instead of weekly hikes and one or two rides a week.

When roads started getting icey, I decided to get a Zwift indoor trainer which I (mostly) enjoy. That gave me ample time to work on more Strava badges - the harder ones, especially.

Around these parts, it’s hard to avoid climbing on your bike so, with already strong legs, I leaned into it: I started signing up each month for Strava’s 7,000m (22,966ft) challenge. I lost a bunch of weight and my legs got stronger to the point that training with friends and cycling teammates meant frequently having to wait for them at the top of hills. I don’t mind. Fun to get out with people and (usually) to take a break after longer climbs.

I even finally road my first Bike MS: Deception Pass Classic and set a new course record on Strava; though, I plan to socialize more next year. It’s not a race, but I wanted to push myself on my first century ride and see what I could do over 100mi and over 5,000ft.

All this lead up to a lot of climbing over the past year to earn some badges, but more so to prove I could:

January Cycling Elevation Challenge February Cycling Elevation Challenge March Cycling Elevation Challenge April Cycling Elevation Challenge May Cycling Elevation Challenge June Cycling Elevation Challenge July Cycling Elevation Challenge August Cycling Elevation Challenge September Cycling Elevation Challenge October Cycling Elevation Challenge November Cycling Elevation Challenge December Cycling Elevation Challenge

I’m on track to complete over 100km elevation and 5,000mi distance by EOY; however, after that I plan to back off a little. Cycling indoor is great exercise, but it does get a little boring. I discovered audiobooks help, but it’s also mentally exhausting and I’m burning out after an average of 4-5 rides week - most often pusing myself.

I’ll keep going, but I plan to tank any possibility of getting the 7,000m badge in January 2025. I’ll likely go for those badges in spring and summer months as I start training for the next charity ride(s).