Heart Rate

After extensive internet research and getting good references from some friends I decided to buy a heart rate monitor.

I went to Blaine at Ironman shop just before my meeting with Paul Wolff. Blaine recommended that I get a proper polar cycle computer and a smaller watch, but I had my mind set on a watch from the beginning.

I then went back to the office and went onto the Polar website (http://www.polarusa.com/) and did some of my own research. I compared all the models and made a decision. I then called my dad who had the same but older model and called Brandon who also recommeneded the one I was intrested in.


I made a few calls and noone in PE had stock except for Rob Rudman (Cyclo Pro) and to top it all it was the Polar S725x Pro Edition (limited).

So all I need now is the bike!

Later dudes.

PS. Thanks to my lovely wife for modeling my new HRM for the picture. xxx

The Truth

I weighed myself this morning........ 151.7kg

The last time I weighed myself was in April 2003.

Weight 134.0kg
Body Fat 29.15%
Desirable Weight 114.00kg
Height 179cm

SO here we go, hold on 'cos this is going to be a bumpy ride!

The Goal

The goal is simple, LOSE WEIGHT!!!

My wife phoned around today to find a scale that goes higher than 120kg. To my surprise they not as scares as I thought. Originally I thought that we might have to get an industrial scale with a big hook!

Charnell found a digital scale at Clicks that goes to 150kg. I had no idea what I weighed and all the way home I prayed that it's not more than 150kg.

Anyway I have used it and I have an official weight result. After getting on my wife commented that she thought I would have weighed more......... at least she is honest!

I will publish my official weight tomorrow morning as I will weigh myself every morning starting tomorrow. I am thinking of measuring my tummy circumference as well.

Good night!

Cycling routes

One of my short term goals is to cycle to work! From my house to Platinum is 15.6km. Recently while driving to work I have been looking at it from a cycling point of view and boy there are some big climbs. Here is the route:

I don't think that I will attempt this immediatly. I am thinking of starting with a 10km ride in the morning and evening. It will be a flat ride from home out on Old Cape rd and back, but we will have to see once i'm on the bike.

Talking about riding! What am i going to wear 'cos there is no chance I'll fit into riding shorts and a cycling shirt. I think I'll get cycling shorts and wear it under my baggies with a T-shirt and a helmet ofcourse. I think I will also buy clipless shoes!

Anyway that's my thoughts for now!

Ridge Disk - my new bike

I arrived at Pro Bike at 07h45 for the 8am meeting with Brandon. While waiting Robbie Powell arrived and I got out of the car to greet him and his wife Angie. (I bought my first bike with shocks from Robbie. It was a Canondale V900.)

I went in with Robbie and noticed that Brandon was already at his desk. Brandon looks great and fit.


Brandon passed me the Raleigh catalog (which I already know out of my head) and recommended that I rather go for something entry level cos it will be cheaper to replace when I break it. It made sense seeing that I am only gonna use it to cycle around the block. (for now).


Brandon recommended the Ridge Disk.

It a nice bike with Shimano group set, disk brakes and front suspension. The waiting period will be 10 days max.

The thing that touched me most was how much the guys at Pro Bike cares (Brandon and Robbie). They both side how they looked forward to cycling with me again and how they will help etc.

I cant wait to get the bike. I realize that it's going to be tough.... but I don't think that I know how tough!

The Call!

So in Brandon's email he said I must call him and he will sort me out.... cool.

I had a meeting in ST Francis at the Link this morning so I called him while sitting on the deck waiting for the client. He was on another call (call waiting) so I hung-up. 5min later I tried again.....call waiting. Hang-up. I was nervous...very nervous.

After the meeting as we (me and Plebb) left 11h34. I tried again... it rang and he aswered.

(I pulled over)

Brandon: Hi Brandon

ME: Hi Brandon Greg here how's it going?

Brandon: O Greg going well and you?

ME: Not bad, how did the 4 days training go? You a machine bru 400km in 4 days!

Brandon: went very well

ME: When can i come and see you?

Brandon: Not today, how about tomorrow 1st thing?

ME: OK cool when is your first thing? 8am or 9am?

Brandon: No 8am

Greg: OK see you at 8am at your office!

Brandon: OK see you tomorrow.

My tummy is turning

am nervous and anxious. Looking forward to my meeting with Brandon about my new bike. This meeting could make or break me..... well not really it's just that it will help my confidence level and give me a push start in the right direction.

This is how it all came about:

Hi Brandon

I read your blog “A COMMITMENT TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE” and have been thinking of getting back on the bike, mainly to loose some of my baby fat. I have no idea what I weigh now but it’s a lot.

I need your advice:

I need something strong that can handle my weight and that will make it around the block for the first 3 months without bending the frame. (I might jump a pavement or 2). When that gets boring I’m gonna be hitting the single tracks with it. So it must be something that can take this journey with me!

Any ideas or advice?

Regards

Greg aka Eggie

PS. ….. and don’t tell me that I have to start with running.


Reply from Brandon

Greg (sounds strange to me still!).

I am in Knysna riding 500 k's in 4 days for Epic Training :) I am glad you have decided on a healthy lifestyle. It has changed my life over the last 18 months.

Call me on Monday when I am back in the office and I will sort you out.

Cheers.

Brandon.

Nervous

I am nervous for tomorrow, it was all good and well talking about it and I kept on comforting myself with how it will all come back to me.

Sure I have done the Herald in 02h43 and the Argus in 02h55 but that was when I was 10 years younger and weighed 30 - 40kg less.