Cycling and Recoverite aid 100+ lb. weight loss
By Chris McIntosh, Hammer Nutrition client
On April 19, 2015, I ran my first race (a 10K) in 56 minutes and 15 seconds ... and the emotions I felt as I crossed the finish line were nearly overwhelming. That's because just one short year ago, I could not ride a bike 1 mile, let alone run a mile. Last week, I completed the Tour De Cure century ride in Rocklin, California, closing out the month with 1,000 miles on the bike.
Through cycling, solid nutrition, and sheer determination, I've lost more than 100 pounds in the past year from a starting weight of 350. I give a lot of the credit to Hammer Nutrition's Recoverite, too. It's an amazing product. Not only do I use Recoverite to replenish after my rides, but it also helps curb the sporadic hunger cravings that came with the cycling.
My weight loss journey started in May 2014, after a physician advised me to consider gastric bypass surgery. It wasn't the first time I had heard this, so I knew I had to do something. But I didn't want surgery. My doctor said that if I could drop 35 pounds by the end of the year we would revisit the situation.
The very next day I made the change. I cut my food portions and eliminated all soda and beer. Doing this helped me lose 25 pounds, but that wasn't enough. So I dusted off my mountain bike that had been stored unused in the garage and went for a ride. It was a short one and I was worn out, but I loved it. From that point on I rode nearly every day. For energy on the bike, I fuel with Hammer Nutrition's Hammer Gel and supplement with Energy Surge. After every ride, I replenish with Recoverite.
In August, I bought my first road bike, which further fed my cycling bug. My rides got longer and more weight dropped off so that by the end of the year, I had dropped 103 pounds. As of today, it's 113 pounds and counting. I completed a century ride a week ago; my next goal is a double century.
My family has enjoyed the changes, too. My weight loss has made it physically and emotionally possible for me to enjoy outdoor activities with my wife, Lisa, and son, Justin. Justin and I ran our first race together in April. We'll do another in October, when he tackles a 10K and I take on a half marathon.
Thank you, Hammer Nutrition, for having an amazing product. Recoverite truly has helped me overcome a lot. Hammer on!
BEFORE STATS
Weight: 350 lbs
Waist: 50
Shirt size: 5xl
Blood pressure medication: Lisinopril 50 mgCURRENT STATS
Weight: 237 lbs
Waist: 36
Shirt size: XL
Blood pressure medication: Lisinopril 5 mgLongest ride: 103 miles
Biggest climb: 4,190 ft in 16 miles
Next goal: complete a Double Century
