Walt's Journey

To my left was my brother-in-law, and to my right was a friend. I gripped the handles of my Trek road bike, and clipped my biking shoes into the pedals. I could not help but be overwhelmed with emotion. I was back on my bike for my first crack at a significant ride since an aortic dissection nearly took my life several months ago.

I remember lying in the ICU on October 10,  2010, and realized that there was a possibility that I might never be able to ride my bike again the way that I was use to riding. At the time, I was more concerned with fighting for my life and being with family than whether or not I could ride a bike, but it was something I thought about as I enjoyed the sport so much.

As I started recovering, my passion to get back on the bike became greater, and I knew that the day that I could get back on the bike and push myself would be a milestone in my recovery.

My goal on this Saturday was to attempt ten miles. I had a heart monitor strapped tightly around my chest and kept a close eye on my heart rate.

As we started to reach the five-mile marker, I was surprised at how well I felt. I wasn’t close to slowing down, and decided to go another mile. Another mile became two, then three and I significantly reach the end for a one way trip of 10.5 miles.

After the 10.5 miles, I still felt really good, and made it back for a full twenty-one mile trip.

By the time I crossed the finish line, I was very tired, but was overcome with thankfulness, and praised the God that not only saved my life, but is now allowing me to do some things that I enjoy.

I was glad to share this experience with the two guys that I was with, and I look forward to getting back onto the bike several more times this summer.

Philippians 4:13:

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (NLT)