The weight crept up on Tim Weston.
After climbing a flight of stairs, Weston, technology solutions sales manager for Wayne Fueling Systems, Austin, Texas, would get winded. He began to realize the outdoor activities he used to do, things such as horseback riding, were no longer an option.
Then last year, he couldn’t buckle the safety belt on a carnival ride. After waiting in line for a half-hour, he had to walk away. It was time for a change.
He started walking and riding his bicycle, low-impact activities to protect his joints. He eventually joined a riding club, and the weight started coming off . In less than a year, he lost 70 pounds.
His “fitness journey” had begun.
Q: What motivated you to lose weight?
A: I was reaching the point where I wasn’t happy. I wasn’t feeling well. My doctor was using the words “morbidly obese.” I was 48 and 290 pounds. Then that day at the carnival, it was embarrassing. I didn’t want to be a fat 50—I wanted to be a fit 50.
Q: How did you start?
A: After my annual physical, I started walking and riding my bike. I found a thriving bicycle community here in Houston. It provided camaraderie and an opportunity to expand my social network, having recently moved here. I began riding a few miles and worked up to join group rides of 10 to 15 miles. It was all casual. As I got more involved, I started doing longer, faster rides, 20 or more miles at a time.
Q: When did you start losing weight?
A: After about four months, the pounds were falling off. I’d say 40 pounds. I found myself wanting to move to the next level. So I set a goal to do a charity ride last April, a week after my 49th birthday. So I bought a road bike as a Christmas present to myself since my cruiser bike wasn’t made for long distances, and began serious training in the spring of 2016. I lost 30 more pounds.
Q: Did you change your diet?
A: I’ve moved to more healthy food, less carbs and bread. I focus on calorie counting, going from 2,000 calories a day to 1,800 and then 1,500. I use a website called My Fitness Pal, where I scan products and see nutrient and calorie information on my phone.
Q: What kept you motivated?
A: Once I saw the weight coming off and started feeling better physically, I was motivated to keep going. Having friends and colleagues notice and compliment me didn’t hurt either.
Q: Are you at your goal weight?
A: I’m still looking to take off another 20 to 25 pounds. I want to increase my overall fitness. My next challenge will be participating in the Hotter ’N Hell Hundred endurance ride in Wichita Falls, Texas. It’s a nationally known ride: 100 miles in 100-degree heat.
Q: Do you have any advice for others?
A: Live with intent. It’s those brief moments in the kitchen or the pantry. If I can resist temptation for the next 20 seconds, it can make a difference. It’s also about finding a passion. For me it was bicycle riding and being with people living fitness lifestyles where it’s all about risk-taking and adventures.
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