The battle to lose weight can be a tough road to travel with many bumps and challenges along the way.
But one man, armed with determination and inspiration for the love of his life, is proving that if you are strict with your resolution, you can cycle your way back to health and find the road back to your lady love's heart.
Eric Hites from Danville, Indiana is a 563-pound man and a self-confessed fat guy who is embarking on a journey to a fit lifestyle by attempting to cross the continental U.S. with his bicycle and his willful decision to prove his love to his wife.
The 40-year-old admits that he decided to embark on the arduous expedition after he and his wife separated last year due to his poor health and increasing weight gain that caused problems in the marriage.
Though Eric wanted to stay with his wife, he also knew he needed to do something to prove that he is committed to the marriage and in getting healthier. Inspiration struck when Eric heard the song I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) by the Proclaimers.
"I can't walk another 500 miles, but I can do it on a bicycle. I can do it from East coast to West coast to lose weight," Eric said.
Eric started his trip in Massachusetts two months ago after getting the okay signal from his physician and cardiologist. Eric decided to first build up his stamina by hauling a 300-pound trailer behind him as he cycled. The first day proved to be a challenge with Eric going only as far as 100 yards before taking a break. He has long improved since then, going as long as a mile before taking a few moments' break. So far, Eric has lost at least 60 pounds.
"In the first week, I had a couple doubts... I had self-doubt about 'What have I done?' I'm doing it because I love my wife and it kept me going... I want to spend the rest of my life with her. That drives me," he says.
At first Eric's wife thought he was all talk but now with his consistency and unfailing dedication to his goals, she has changed her outlook and the couple have "rededicated unofficially."
Eric has set up a website called Fat Guy Across America where he blogs about his struggles and adventures as he continues on his bike ride across the country. He aims to finish the trip but revised the length from four months to seven months. Eric has also teamed up with a trainer and they have created an online exercise group that aims to inspire and help others in similar situations who want to live a healthier lifestyle.
Don't forget to follow T-Lounge on Twitter and visit our Facebook page.
