By Aaron Carmichael,
Chief Development Officer

Preparing for the Bike Adventure is really threefold for me — cardio at least 5 times a week, weights at least 3 times a week and eating healthier.

Cardio is my favorite.  I love the dreadmill … I mean treadmill.  I think my mind reverts back to my cross-country running days and muscle memory kicks in.  Honestly, 40 minutes of cardio and I feel great.  Weights don’t bother me either … well, not too much.  I’ve done weights most of my life and I love the immediate impact.  I can already see a difference from a regular weightlifting routine.

But take away my carbs, and I’m a VERY unhappy cyclist.  From my coffee creamer (hazelnut by Coffeemate is my fav) to toast with my eggs and even fresh fruit, I LOVE MY CARBS.  But they are hindering my weight loss and keeping that annoying belly fat right where it’s been for the past several years … on my belly.  I know, I know, we need carbs — healthy carbs, that is — but when you’re trying to drop about 40 pounds and most of it is in your belly, carbs are the enemy.

It truly is painful cutting a majority of my carb intake, physically painful.  I’d rather do 100 more sit-ups a day than give up my buttered toast at breakfast and roll with dinner.  I have to keep quoting Jeremiah 29:11 in my head; “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

I know that future means a flatter stomach and the ability to ride a bicycle 80 miles a day.  I just wish it also meant a dozen donuts and a nice slice of raspberry cheesecake.  If you want to hear more about pain, wait until I tell you about my spinning class!

Help me stay on track physically and also financially by making a tax-deductible gift to sponsor my ride this summer.