Ftrain, by Paul Ford

Yesterday my friend J-- asked if I wanted, as part of this project, to go deeper into physical culture. Maybe some martial arts, or join a CrossFit gym, etc. Get to understand that part of the world. I told him about the guy I saw on a website who had gastric bypass and went from 581 to 199 and is training for a triple century bike ride. Nothing wrong with that at all. But not me. I wouldn't mind riding the single-century--100 miles of bicycling in a day feels exciting, fitness-wise, given that 40, my current max, scratches a certain itch (but takes four hours). For a while I was planning to do next year's ride, but I decided instead to make it a two- or three-year goal. Maybe do a 15, or a 50, this September. If that works, and there's no risk of injury, head on over to the century in 2011 or 2012. I don't want to struggle through goals and end up exhausted on the other side, a burnt-out case. I want to cruise through goals on my well-used-but-new-looking shiny Sprezzatura bicycle, with full awareness of what's on the other side. Like I'm doing now. I am training for the novel. My friend recommended yoga.

Weight: 290.25 lbs