One phase of my life, hockey, has ended.(http://go…

One phase of my life, hockey, has ended.(http://goalie43201.livejournal.com/)

As I approach the big 5-0, I’m getting back to something that probably allowed me to live to 50.

Thoughts of twenty years ago, when I was approaching thirty come to mind. Not a lot of difference, except the fact that I am now twenty years old.

Twenty years ago this month, I bought a bike I was overweight, weighing 230 (give or take a few). I was a borderline alcoholic. And I was concerned about my health.

Today, I’m 210 (give or take a few), a borderline alcoholic, and feel if I don’t do something now, I will not live to be 60.

Cycling was good for me. Very good. I enjoyed life more because I was healthier. I was active, productive. I was down to 150 within 6 months of the date I started riding. I are very healthy, drank very little.

I guess with most things comes burnout, and that was what I experience when I moved to Columbus. And proceeded to take up hockey.

It was fun, I felt I was good at it. But over a period of time, the fun wasn’t there. Late game(which get tougher the older you get). And too many guys taking it way to seriously. Guys its a guy, weekend warrior, but there was way too much of a “win at all cost”. That Tshirt is the same as the Stanley Cup.

In the process, I realized that I was becoming an alcoholic again. I was losing my fitness, I was constantly tired. And the fun of hockey left completely. And if ain’t fun, there’s no point. And then there was the 5-0 thing.

There were other health concerns. I had been experiencing abdominal pains. Some days were OK, others not so good. Some were miserable. I wasn’t concerned about the normal things someone my age should be concerned with. I did not have the symptoms. After trips to the doctor (too many), I was recently diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Something I will have to live with, but I am adjusting and the good days are becoming more frequent.

So, my goalie gear is going to Ebay.

The bike has been dusted off, and I’m back on it. My conditioning sucks, but on a positive note, it’s not as bad as I thought.

I’m getting super psyched and am looking forward to getting back on the road. I don’t know if I will be up to racing, but I have joined the Buckeye Cycling Team.