As a lot of you know I have been in denial, eating my way to death for years. I joked with Barb when I left California, that I'll see you later. When she asked when I'd be home I told her, "Next time you see me there will only be half of me, I'm going to leave the fat and bad attitude on the road." I still haven't found a reliable scale in weeks but am betting I have lost at least 30lbs on this ride so far. I have a before picture on a camera in Maui, and when I'm done and home I'll publish a before and after picture.

Today I had the pleasure of meeting someone that could understand the anguish and self loathing of what I have been going through for years.

September 23, 2003 was a magic day for Seth. After topping out at 406 lbs he had researched the radical solution of Bariatric Surgery and checked in at the Wittgrove Bariatric Center for Gastric bypass Surgery. Seth had eaten his way to a state of morbid obesity and was gaining about 25 lbs per year. His real fear was that he wasn't going to see his fortieth birthday.

I think that simply saying since his surgery, everyday alive has been nothing but a victory lap for Seth. Seth has had many milestone markers since that fateful decision but as you can see in this picture, he has lost 188 lbs, has run the LA Marathon, and is now a professional speaker, motivator, and friend to all that need or want encouragement to change their lives for the disease of morbid obesity.

We shared some stories and became instant friends. He is on an agenda and needs to be in Baton Rouge on May 2-4th to speak and in St. Augustine on May 18th. He is sponsored by Met-Rx and Specialized bicycles.

Well Andy and I are what he was hoping to meet. Just a couple of regular guys, a father and a son, just out for a 4,000 mile bike ride because we needed the exercise and lifestyle change. We didn't train or have sponsors, just the iron will to get it done. Neither of us are at the point where Bariatric Surgery is the last resort like it was for Seth. His only hope is that by riding across the country, he can make more people aware that you can change. I'll share a a little wisdom I've picked up from various books, and speakers and have finally been putting it to work:

" People are not like ripe tomatoes. We can change. It is as simple as a billionth volt of electricity in the brain to turn a switch and physically change who you are. You can look in the mirror and fall in love with the person that you want to be and literally talk yourself into believing that is who the real you is. Some people call that faking it until you make it, or telling the truth in advance. If you talk to yourself long enough, and tell your self that is the real you long enough, your sub-conscience will believe it , your real self image will change and you will be that person."

I know this is just the first time we'll see Seth, I feel we are destined to meet again.

Andy and I had planned to stop for the day in Independence, Seth had to make Navasota. I have still another story to tell about today but will make it part of tomorrows adventure.

So all in all we did just over 52 miles today but a day I will not forget.....

Last I have to say if Seth can do it, we can do it, and you can do it !

Seth I'll see you on the road again or maybe in Hawaii we'll go do a benefit together!