Peter McLellan is leading the way twice!
It’s week three of the Clean Commuter & Wellness Challenge, and Peter McLellan is in first place in the Top Self-Propellers category and his team, the Techies, is also in first place for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as most calories burned!
Way to go, Peter!
Want to know more about this wellness warrior!? We did. Read more about his journey below.
—————————————-
Q. Where do you work? And what’s your role?
“I am the technical leader for chemistry & hematology in the laboratory at St. Paul’s Hospital, Providence Health Care.”
Q. Do you cycle to work?
“Yes, I bike to work. I have been cycling on a road bike since I was about 10 years old and have been commuting off and on for 25 years. I have hip flexor issues and had not been cycling for about eight months, so when the Clean Commuter Challenge started again this year, it motivated me to get back on the bike to see how my hips would respond. So far so good.”
Q. What distance do you commute?
“By my odometer, I ride 32 kilometres from Port Coquitlam to Vancouver, riding mostly on designated bike routes, except for part of Burnaby and Port Moody. The round trip is 64 kilometres each day.”
Q. How are you finding it?
“Riding that distance five days a week is a challenge, especially to ensure I eat enough to prevent burn out. I get weekends off, so it gives me two solid days for my legs to recover. I am still in awe of what Danielle Berman does: 120 kilometres on a work day.”
Q. Have you been biking for a while or are you trying this for the first time?
“Yes, I have been cycling long distances for about 25 years.”
Q. Do you have any advice for someone trying this for the first time?
“Yes, ride a good bike (the lighter the better), be prepared for flat tires and know how to fix them, bring enough food, don’t over dress, try riding in traffic before you start commuting to make sure you are comfortable. If you haven’t bought a bike yet, go to the bike stores and test ride bikes to see which style suits your body best. Borrow a bike from a friend to try riding long distance so that you can get a sense of whether you will like it.”
Q. How are you fuelling yourself?
“I always watch what I eat. Mostly, I fuel myself with veggies, fruits and protein. Now that I am cycling, I have had to add more complex carbohydrates at the right time of day.”
Q. Are you already fit, or is this making you fitter?
“I have always been into fitness but riding over 60 kilometres per day does cause me to drop more weight. Adding more activity such as cycling or walking to work will enhance anyone’s fitness.”
—————————————-
Seriously impressive, Peter! A great example of prioritizing an active lifestyle and using your commute for greater fitness!
