The problem with being a fat guy who used to be fit is that you know you can do it. There's no solace in the idea that maybe you're just big boned, have a glandular problem, or my new favorite, have a virus that makes you fat. I know crappy food makes me fat and exercise and good food makes me thin. Knowledge is a curse.

So what stops me from being fit? Will power. Getting and staying fit is a commitment of time and energy. It requires a devotion that I haven't been willing to give. I have managed to join a gym in the past few weeks and I've been going sporadically. The craziness of family life is always a convenient excuse for that poor routine but its not a reason. I need to go more regularly.

I tried, and failed to use this public forum as an impetus to lose weight before with The Fat Man Chronicles but it wasn't enough. I need something bigger to spur me on to weight loss obsession and I think I might have it.

This morning I watched a spot on the news about the Pan Mass Challenge submitting a check for 26 million dollars today. That's the take form this years Pan Mass Challenge. The money goes to cancer research and its raised by thousands of people who get on their bikes and ride routes between 68 and 192 miles over 2 days in August. This could be my ticket.

The Pan Mass Challenge would be just that, a challenge. First, its a financial commitment. You need to raise $3300 in sponsorship to ride. Second there's the obvious fitness requirement. If I do this it has to be all the way. That's Sturbridge to Provincetown in two days, 192 miles. I could do the shorter 68 mile route but I could probably ride that now. Sure I'd cough blood and see spots for half the ride and wouldn't be able to walk for 6 or 7 days afterward but I could do it. 192 miles on the other hand, I'd get tired driving that far right now.

Given my dad's recent health concerns and my recent purchase of pants with the number 4 in the wrong spot on the size label, I think its important not just to get healthy but to use the good health that I've been blessed with to try and help those who weren't. Let's face it, there are a lot of people who spend a lot more time on fitness than me that get hit with cancer. That's just not fair.

So, while this is not a declaration (this is a big deal and requires more than 15 minutes of thought) of my intention to participate, don't be surprised if I come to you looking for a donation in the not so distant future.