Aaron K
- July 16, 2014
Aaron is a true inspiration as a cyclists and a triathlete. Here’s our featured rider in his own words:
In 2008 I found myself to be thirty-five years old and out of shape. I hadn’t exercised in years and had been smoking about two packs of cigarettes a day for sixteen years. I had unsuccessfully tried to quit smoking a couple times, but I didn’t seem to have the determination to quit. I decided I needed to do something about my weight and health, and cycling seemed to be the best way to start. I had just had surgery on my knee two years prior and figured that cycling would help strengthen it in the process.
In September 2008, I purchased my first bike in twenty years and was ready to ride. I started out by riding just a few miles at first and then increased by a few miles each time. Within a few weeks I was riding twenty miles or more each ride. By the time winter moved in, I had ridden a few hundred miles.
I had yet to quit smoking and was feeling the effects when I tried to push myself harder. I finally had that extra push to make me really want to stop smoking, and I successfully quit in February 2009. That spring I started riding longer distances and joined the Circus City Cyclists. It was nice to ride with other people.
In the summer of 2009, I was riding with a friend, Bill Calfee, and he suggested that I join a triathlon relay team and do the bike portion of a triathlon. The team he had in mind had all three spots filled, so he suggested I do all three events on my own. After a few conversations with Bill, I was convinced that maybe I could do this thing on my own.
My biggest fear was the swim. I started going to the YMCA in Peru to test my swimming skills, as hadn’t swam since I was a kid. After testing my skills, I realized I couldn’t swim freestyle, so I decided I would have to swim sidestroke. I also was concerned about the running, because I hadn’t run since my freshman year of high school track. I also had only been smoke free for six months. I found out that I could only run 50 feet before needing a break. I began a routine of running 50 feet and then walking 50 feet. It took several weeks to increase my run from 50 feet to100 feet and eventually to a mile without walking.
In September 2009 I completed the Mississinewa Triathlon. I didn’t win any medals, but I did something I never thought I could. The sense of accomplishment was more than I had ever experienced. I was hooked!
Since then I have completed several triathlons including a half IronMan in 2011. After completing sprint triathlons, I questioned whether I could complete an IronMan, but after proving to myself that I can complete half that distance, I began training for a full IronMan (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run) which I then completed in Louisville in 2012. I am currently training for the Ironman Chattanooga scheduled for this September.
I currently weigh twenty-five pounds less than I did in 2008, and I only have 13 percent body fat. I am 40 years old and in the best shape of my life. When I speak to people about running, cycling, or triathlons, I hate to hear them say, “I can’t do that.” That’s not true! That’s what I used to think. I’d see someone running or biking on the side of the road and think, “I can’t do that!” Now I am doing things I never thought I could. If you start out small and work your way up, you can do it! Just don’t say I can’t!
Well said Aaron and Good Luck at the Ironman. We’ll be cheering for you!
While training for the Chattanooga Ironman, Aaron is raising funds for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of American foundation. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic, debilitating, and medically incurable diseases that attack the digestive system. There is no cure for the 1.4 million Americans currently living with these diseases. If anyone would like to help Aaron reach his goal and support research and patient services, visit his fundraising site here. Funds raised will go toward the mission of CCFA, to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by inflammatory bowel diseases.
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