How I Became Faster, Stronger and Better Looking

Jesse@Active — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 00:43:41 GMT

When I first started commuting by bike to work, I was wearing mesh shorts and t-shirts. It was five miles to the train station, then another mile and a half to work from the back end of the train ride. My butt could take it.

But as I rode more, I realized I needed shorts. So I went out and got some mountain bike shorts with a second short underneath with padding. Obviously, I was a little hesitant to look like all the other SoCal cyclists and their stretchy pants.

As the weather got cold, I fashioned some leg warmers out of a pair of old tights that Emmy's mom gave her to give to me because they didn't fit. (I'm very resourceful, I think I get that from Grandma.)

Me in old bike shorts:

Well, little did I know the wheels were in motion for my general improvement. Emmy decides I look silly and gets me some real bike shorts and leg warmers for Christmas. Boy is it easier riding with those.

Me with new bike shorts:

But the best part of the story? Better gear meant more riding. More riding (coupled with the training for the half-marathon) meant better bike fitness. And all that led to... (drum-roll please!)

Me beating Toby and Airey in the February TCSD Duathlon!!!* Hahahaha suckers!!! Better luck next time. Watch out if I get some arm warmers!

*OK, so they got lost on the bike route and traveled way out of their way, but still. My intelligence won the day.

Man in the Arena

How I Became Faster, Stronger and Better Looking