Manic Melon

It’s time I stop talking about living a healthy lifestyle and I make my statements with ACTION!

Every year I (and many others) “say” we’re going to get in shape, eat healthy, and make a lifestyle change. Heck I said that last year, when I lost 20lbs and rode my bike 1800 miles for the year. But then winter came and I put a third of that weight right back on! It’s time to make a serious commitment to change.

A personal (yet public) challenge

As I’ve watched my weight inch back up to 178lbs and have become quite behind in my cycling for the year, I simply do not feel as good as I would if I were living a healthy lifestyle. I want that life, so I’m making the change… starting today!

As of June 1, I will begin my transformation. My goal is to lose a minimum of 15 lbs over the next 15 weeks. I’ll do this by riding a minimum of 1500 miles on my bicycle, hoping to raise $1500 for the MS150.

The MS150

The MS150 is an annual bike ride and charity to raise funds for finding the cause and cure of multiple sclerosis (ms). Multiple sclerosis is a chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system causing muscular weakness, loss of coordination and speech and visual disturbances.

Multiple Sclerosis stops people from moving. Become *Active* in finding a cure!

The MS150 charity is a great event b/c it mobilizes people into becoming healthy for a good cause. When I rode my first MS150 in 2006, I was simply blown away by the number of riders and the great quality of people I was riding with. I had a wonderful time training for the event. I had a blast during the MS150. Being it’s for a good cause makes it even better. When you then consider the personal benefits I receive in return, it’s almost unfair!

Consider a Pledge or Donation to my MS150 camaign

Would you consider making a pledge to the MS150? It’s a wonderful cause. It’s tax deductable. The charity event promotes healthy lifestyles in those who may not otherwise find the right “excuse” to get moving.

Possible Donations include…

• $1 per mile of the MS150 (which is 150 miles)
• $1-$10 per pound I lose in preparation for the MS150
• $_.__ per mile I ride this year (my goal is at least 1500 prior to the event)
• Gifts of any amount… as the MS Society accepts donations large and small

My Commitment

In order to make this challenge successful, I’m going to need to make some rather significant lifestyle improvements:

15 Pounds

Between June 1st and September 14th, I’ll lose at least 15 pounds. My goal weight of 163 lbs is lighter than I’ve weighed in years!

1500 Miles

Starting June 1st, I’ll ride 1500 miles in preparation for the MS150 event. This works out to over 100 miles a week!

$1500

It’s a great thing to put good causes in front of your personal priorities. I’m very thankful for the donations I received last year, and am looking forward to the challenge of reaching my new fundraising goal (which is more than double last year’s total).

Join Me!

I hope my personal challenge inspires you to lose weight, get active, join a charity, and donate to the MS150. Who’s with me?