I was fortunate enough to be able to live in Hawaii for much of last year.  Our apartment building had a decent gym and an awesome infinity pool so.  I've been fairly active throughout my life but allowed my weight to get to a podgy 95kg - seemed like a good opportunity to lose a few kg.  I broke 90kg before I returned and found a new level and interest in fitness I hadn't had before.

On our return flight it sprung to me that I really hated traffic.  I had been commuting for over an hour each direction each day and couldn't stand the thought of commuting to work when we got home.  I looked at the missus and said "I'm going to ride to work for now on".  My theory was I couldn't see with work and family commitments how I'd get to the gym, have a run, play sport - why not exercise while I commute.  She said, simply, "OK".  And just like that I became a cycling commuter.

So, combining my first winter in a couple of years with daily bicycle commuting was a bit rough, but I continued to lose weight.  As I got fitter I took up mid-distance running and did my first City-Bay in 53-something.  Competition wise I've run 2x12km and 2x10km races this year and got my weight down to around 82kg.  I'm determined to run at least a half-Marathon in 2012, but now with summer upon us heat becomes an issue for mid-distance training.  So now I'm looking at some cycling challenges to keep me going.

Sooooo... I registered myself for the TDU challenge and VeloAdelaide on the weekend.  However, my daily commute is a gradual 1% incline and 1% decline so, while I fight headwinds most rides, I need to up my climb training (in a BIG way).  I'm looking to tag onto a few hills rides over the next couple of months.  The missus is riding in "Gear Up Girl" on the weekend and, though I'll need to ride fairly close in case assistance is required, I'm hoping to find a few climbs around the CBD to stretch the legs.  Wish me luck!

Finally, I wish my missus, a childhood speedway cycling star, all the best for her first real ride in many years!