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'Always Be Open To Inspiration'

Tribune photo by JULIE BUSCH

Chris Lauber, of St. Petersburg, recently completed his goal of riding 50-100 mile trips the year he turned 50.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 18, 2009

Updated: 02/21/2009 12:33 pm

Chris Lauber, 51, St. Petersburg

Goal: Cycle 50 "centuries," 100-mile bike rides, starting on my 50th birthday (Jan. 7, 2008); average 18 mph or more; finish with 10,000 miles for the year.

Why I did it: I created a few long-distance running events locally and promoted a healthy, active lifestyle, but I was not living one, thanks to too many late nights in the office fueled by sugar and caffeine. I weighed 273 pounds.

In July 2005, I decided I needed to change my lifestyle and get back in shape. I took the first step when I broke out my wife's old Peugeot road bike and pedaled it slowly for six miles. I increased my mileage to 10, then 12 and 18 miles. I lost most of my weight and steadily built my endurance.

In 2006, I met ultra-marathoner Dean Karnazes during his quest to run 50 marathons (26.2 miles) in 50 states in 50 days. I fantasized about becoming an endurance cyclist and creating a huge goal - completing 50 centuries at age 50.

On my 49th birthday, I rode my first century - a 100-mile tour of south Pinellas County. I met my goal, to average more than 18 mph. I rode four more centuries that year. On my 50th birthday, I was excited and celebrated with my sixth century ride.

How I did it: After completing my first 50th-year century in January 2008, work and lower back pain kept my riding to a minimum. I totaled less than 600 miles for two months.

From mid-April through July, I rode a century on 11 of 13 Sundays, bringing my total to 14. In mid-August, I rode the Tour de Guava (127.5 miles around Tampa Bay), and reeled off six more centuries in 10 days. I notched my highest mileage ever for a week - 570 miles - during this streak. I reached 25 centuries nine days later.

In late September, I wanted to see how many centuries I could string together on consecutive days. I had done four in a row. I anticipated cycling at least seven.

On the second day I had a meeting, but instead of missing it, I rode my bike 16 miles to the meeting and completed the remaining 84 miles afterward. I stayed hydrated, but did not eat the large bowl of fruit I normally consume. This was a mistake.

The next day I was riding century 28, but during a break I discovered blood in my urine. I finished the 100 miles, but my nurse practitioner ordered me to not ride until some tests were completed. An appointment showed that I likely suffered a gross hematuria, which happens when an athlete is dehydrated and the bladder walls collapse into each other.

I ramped up my schedule to do nine centuries in October, and included rides such as The Hilly Hundred in Pasco and Hernando counties. But a lack of sleep from watching the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series and overall physical fatigue meant the Hilly Hundred wasted me. I was sick for more than a week and didn't ride for two weeks.

December started with 41 centuries completed. I initiated a string of seven centuries in 14 days and with my other rides, completed 882 miles in two weeks.

No. 49 on New Year's Eve was a challenge. My legs were dead, winds were blowing, and there were no groups to join. I had two flats, one at mile 58 and the other at mile 65. Fortunately, I always carry two extra tubes and three canisters of CO2.

I had envisioned Century 50, and it was better than imagined. The camaraderie among the cyclists was incredible. Everyone worked hard to contribute and to stay together. The weather and scenery were spectacular and almost all the roads were smooth. On top of that, no one had a flat tire.

Hurdles: I didn't really encounter any significant obstacles, other than the gross hematuria. For sure, there were days that I didn't feel like riding, but I just powered through them.

Going the distance: After I lost my goal weight of 50 pounds, I focused on mileage, speed and, most important, my resting heart rate, which is now lower than my age at 48 beats per minute. Now I plan to maintain about 200 miles per week.

Best advice: Always be open to inspiration - you never know when you'll hear something that connects with you. Become an inspiration to others by sharing your success with those who express an interest. Expect challenges, obstacles and plateaus.

I Made It is a regular feature highlighting individual fitness success stories and does not reflect the opinions of 4you, which encourages you to work with a trainer or doctor, or research ahead of time any new fitness plans. To share your story, visit TB

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