I am most impressed with your focus and diligence regarding the cycling and gym work, with the result of losing weight and gaining blood sugar control. What you accomplished is a monumental achievement.

I believe cycling is the number one choice for cardio activity as recommended by cardiologists. I don't understand why people don't get it, how healthy cycling makes a person. You get it.

During 2009 I biked quite a few rides with this one guy who is my age. Towards the end of 2009 he decided he liked hiking better, so he stopped cycling and he quit the gym, changing intensive workouts 6 times a week for 1-2 hikes per week, and zero hikes on bad weather weekends. Today he is 80 lbs heavier with uncontrolled hypertension and blood sugars, and his bike won't hold his weight. He is an example of why cycling and gym work are important for optimal health.

You are doing everything right, reviewing 2010 for how to improve and not make the same mistakes, and looking ahead to 2011 to set new fitness goals.