HALF WAY THERE

After adding in my miles from this morning’s ride into my mileage log, I find it hard to fathom that I have logged in over 3,175 miles for the year so far. That’s almost the length of the continental United States from coast to coast. Granted to some, that might not seem much, but trying to juggle a family life with a wife, 2 young girls, work and a passion for cycling and it becomes a big deal. 6 years ago, I was a 317 lb. slug and wouldn't have ever dreamt of riding so many miles a year, let alone even getting out on a bike. But now that idea doesn't seem so far fetched anymore. I remember when riding 12 miles seemed a lot. Now, I have to ride over 50 miles just to be satisfied.

My goal this year is to cross the 5,000 mile mark before Dec. 31st, 2007 expires. So far, on I’m still on track to make that mark, if not break it. For the last 3 years, I’ve increased my total outdoor mileage for each season by trying to ride a 1,000 more miles than I did the year before. Right now the goal strategy is working, but as my girls continue to grow and get more and more involved with after school activities, I fear my high mileage intake will soon start to decrease. But right now, I’m going to savor crossing this little mental hurdle, because I am more than half way there with still a lot of riding season left.