Post Script on 2010

Less than 10 hours remaining in 2010. Man....I'm getting old! About to celebrate my 62nd New Years Day. Where did the time go anyway? Seems like the older I get the more I hate to keep track of the time. But, I was blessed with another year to enjoy life as I like it with the Mrs, my kids, my grand kids, and my friends. Oh yes..and with my bicycles!

It's been 500 days today since my August 17, 2009 major heart attack. It still shocks me beyond belief that I was given such a reprieve on life. For all intent and purposes today should have marked the 500th day since my passing. It's a very sobering thought, which I do not take lightly. And, it gives me pause to consider what my priorities for 2011 and beyond must be.

New Year's resolutions have never been something I ever paid a mind to, let alone made with any seriousness. But, I take exception this year. So, I have pledged myself, at the almost tender age of 63 (BD in Feb 2011) to get myself in the best possible physical shape to meet some personal challenges I have set for myself in the coming years. I have an extensive bucket list. See my Nov 8, 2010 post.

To that end, I've been riding the road and mtb bikes as much as possible, getting plenty of rest, and eating right (some 44 days now on a strict Vegan diet). I've lost 18 pounds so far and have my resting heart rate back down in the mid-to-upper 40s like it was pre-heart attack. I feel so much better and seem to have more energy and motivation. All of these things are good for that ever present committee in my head.

Take my word for it, staying in shape at my age is really hard work. I wasn't blessed with good genetics either. Found out recently,through some extensive medical tests, that I have a genetically linked condition which prevents me from metabolizing blood sugar efficiently. The diet and special medication I'm taking should take care of it. At least that's the plan. The jury's out until the end of Feb 2011 when new lab tests will reveal if the plan is working. In any event, I've committed myself to a lifelong change from which there is no turning back.

Huge on my list of 2011 cycling objectives is more saddle time on the mountain bike and some Great Divide trail riding in and around Butte, Montana.  I'll be coming back to Montana for my third summer as a lean, mean, old guy, cycling machine. Now, if I could just grow more hair.