Day By Day

A couple weeks ago I was catching up on my reading.  Going through a stack of Bicycling magazines and I came across a story that stuck with me.  An inspiring story.  One that reminded me of many of the inspiring tales we hear (and see) of our team members.

Now, I'm what you might call a skim reader.  I read for content, not so much the details (I have to do that too often at work.)  So, I can't tell you the guy's name, or many of the details, but that shouldn't take away from the gist of the tale.

A guy living in New York (maybe New Jersey) lost a job and started gaining weight.  After a few years of sorta trying to lose weight, losing his self-esteem and falling into depression found himself tipping the scales at over 500 pounds.  He couldn't go outside.  He'd watch his wife and daughter go off to the park, but never joined them.

Life was slipping away.  He realized how unhealthy his eating habits were, but he just continued.  Until one Thanksgiving he decided he had enough.  He was going to change his habits and lose weight.

But how?

Well, he changed what he ate, but understood the need to exercise.  But how when you are that big?  When you haven't been outside for years?

Looking out the window one day the answer came to him as someone rode a bike down the street.

After having a bike especially made for him, one that would hold him, he started a truly life changing journey.

The first day he was able to ride down the block.  It took everything he had.  He felt like his lungs would explode, that his knees would shatter.  He sweated and struggled.  But, he did it.  And he vowed to ride further the next day.  And the next.  And the next.  After awhile he could ride a mile.  A huge accomplishment.

Each day he went just a bit further.  Extending his time, increasing his endurance.   After awhile the bike and his daily ride became a habit.  A ritual.  A necessity.  Each day going a bit further.  A bit faster.

Fast forward a couple years and he's done a total transform.  Losing 370 pounds, riding thousands of miles a year.  Re-inventing his life.  Moving his family to a bike-friendly town.  Selling his car.

He embraced his demons.  He fought them and the disbelievers. He persisted through the hard times.   And he won.

And he's not alone in that victory.  His story is like so many of our team members.  But, the really cool thing?  We get to see it in person.  Not just read about it.  We see the struggles and doubts.  We see the transformation.  We see YOU!  Each day, a new challenge, a small victory.   Small steps toward a bigger goal