As of this morning, I’ve lost a third of the weight I’m hoping to shed by the time I race the Leadville 100 this August 13 (I started at 188.8, I want to get down to 158). So, what’s changed in ten pounds?

• Reduced Squish Factor: My legs don’t hit my stomach ’til about 3/4 of the way on my upstroke. That’s a nice change. I figure by the time I get into the 160’s I’ll be done with the squish factor altogether, which I would think should improve my riding dramatically.
• I’m now in the awkward "between" stage, clothes-wise. I have three sets of clothes: my "thin" clothes, which I purchased back when I weighed < 160lbs; my "fat" clothes, which I purchased back when I weighed 160-170lbs, and my "steroids" clothes, which I purchased last December-January, when my weight went up to and beyond 180. (I’ll explain the steroids tomorrow, but I promise you it’s not about doping this time.) The "steroids" clothes are a little too baggy, but the "fat" clothes are a little too tight. The "thin" clothes remain safely in a box.
• Climbing improvement: I’m resorting to the granny gear less and less often in the two climbs I do as part of my daily commute.
• Pride over what used to be an embarassment: I find myself proud of the fact that I am now in the 170’s, a fact which would have mortified me two years ago. I expect that once I get into the 160’s, I’ll be positively bursting with pleasure that I’m so light — even though I’ll still be unable to fit into my "thin" pants.

Today’s Weight: 178.8

Next Up: Why the Fat Cyclist took steroids