Training for ALC8

Many of you have heard (or are about to hear) that I have signed up for the AIDS/LifeCycle (May 31 - June 6, 2009) biking from San Francisco to Los Angeles which is something I have never done before, and it's the most physically challenging thing I ever think about doing. As I mentally and intellectually challenged myself to complete law school (thanks to many people for their support and patience), now it's time to begin a new challenge.

For people who don't know much about the AIDS/LifeCycle, it is an annual event to raise money to help the beneficiaries of SF AIDS Foundation so that they can continue to provide the critical services and education needed to meet the growing needs of our community by increasing awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS, by addressing the misperception that HIV and AIDS are no longer a problem, by reminding us the HIV infection is increasing, particularly in communities of color and in individuals under the age of 25. In California alone, there are 60,000 people living with AIDS, and another estimated 91,000 living with HIV, many unaware of their infection. The SF AIDS Foundation also has global alliances to continue its mission outside of California.

Many people have asked me if I even have a bike as soon as they hear about my crazy endeavor since I never talked about cycling. In fact I haven't biked for 16 years; and yes, I bought a new, low-end, believe or not, Torino Lamborghini bike for this event. It looks good, but has already got beaten up slowly by my clumsiness during practice.

So I started my first ALC training ride on Jan 24. It was a misty morning with rain in the forecast. I sucked it up and went to GG Park. It was wet everywhere. I had no idea how I could do the 21.14 miles ride but I just knew I better do it and tried not to crash. After struggling with the pedals, brakes, numerous stop signs, uphills/downhills, cars zooming by, numb butt, bruises and cuts on my shins, thanks to Kurt my training leader who's wonderful and entertaining, and gives me tons of biking tips and encouragement, I finished my first ride in less than 3 hours.

The rides on Jan 24 and Feb 13 went far better, clocked in another 22.37 and 22 miles each. I decided to get the cycling shoes with cleats with new pedals to improve the pedaling efficiency. As with any new equipments, I struggled to stay on my both feet and fell twice during practice, scrapped my knees (not so badly) and got bruises. "I Will Survive," as I hear Gloria Gaynor singing the song.

I have also started doing the spin class, which is incredibly hard but I love the high energy, at times too much for me. I am like the granny on the bike trying to chase Lance Armstrong. I am getting slightly better though after 4 classes.

Oh, and don't forget my personal trainer Danny my angel. I train twice a week with him as he has been giving me good nutritional tips and tons of encouragement. He's the best!

Anyhow, I have created this blog so that you can continue to follow my grueling training if you are interested in hearing more about me falling over my ass, getting bruises and cuts, or new secret diets on how to lose (water) weight. So feel free to check back every now and then. Ultimately, I am doing the ride because I want to help raise money to support the AIDS Foundation. Please donate generously by following the link below.

My URL: http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/wchang

In peace and love. Will