Introduction And Goal

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Hello Everyone,

As you may or may not know I have spent the last couple of years working hard to get into shape. In February 2008 I started a weight loss and exercise program that has taken me from 346 pounds to 194 in less than 2 years. The pictures above are both really me. The first taken in late February 2008 and the second taken in September 2009. My final goal is to be "half the man I was", so I have a little more than 20 pounds to lose.

It has been an amazing journey, one that has completely changed my life and I can honestly say that for a variety of reasons I am both happier and healthier than I was in 2008 or at any other time in my life. Going through the last two years I realize that they have so many happy memories, moving back to Pittsburgh, getting back in touch with so many friends and meeting someone special.

One of the greatest of those is my progress in cycling. In October 2008, I purchased a bicycle and my first ride of roughly 2 miles completely wiped me out. At the end I was exhausted, physically spent but I recall sitting my recliner recovering, smiling maniacally. It was a short ride, but it brought back all the joy I took in riding my bike as a kid.

I persevered, increasing the distance and time I cycled bit by bit. By August 2009, I was able to join my sister as we cycled from Holyhead to Cardiff, Wales in 8 days, roughly 300 miles. It was an absolutely amazing trip and one that I will be talking about for the rest of my life.

In deciding how to lose these remaining 20 pounds, I knew that cycling would play a major part but I also wanted to give something back. So I've decided to participate in the TourDeCure to raise money for diabetes research. I know many people, both friends and family, who have experienced Type I, Type II and gestational diabetes. This includes members of my own family.

I want to help find a permanent cure.

So on 6/27/2009 in Harmony, PA I will be riding 100 Miles (called a century ride) to raise money for the American Diabetes Association. A century ride is a matter of endurance, and is not entered into lightly. I've consulted with my doctor and he has given me the OK. Over the coming weeks and months, I will start an arduous training regimen to prepare for the longest ride of my life.

As I go forward with this, I will be tweeting my workout and posting daily (or as near to daily as I can manage). You can follow my progress both here at http://www.thisisrobscentury.com and at http://www.twitter.com/robscentury.

So now I am sending this message out to my friends and family hoping that I can rely on them to help me raise the money needed to participate. In order to participate I must find sponsors willing to donate a total of $150, but I hope I can raise more.  Updated: My initial goal has been met, I've set a new goal of $300.  Update 2: I've now reached my second goal and set a new goal of $600.

Please visit my personal fundraising page and commit to donating whatever you can afford to help me finish this amazing journey and help millions of Americans suffering from diabetes. I know that the economy is hard right now, so feel free to donate as much or as little as you can afford. And whether you donate or not, please pass this on to others who may know me or might be inspired by my story.

Thanks,

Rob Knapp

PS: Everybody keeps asking me "How did you lose the weight?” Unlike certain ads you might see on the internet might promise, there is no "one simple rule." I am trying to get the process and the story of how I made this transformation down and hope to make it available in some form in the future. I will keep you posted.