CHRIS PRITCHARD
The Athlete
In 2019, I embarked on a life-changing health transformation. Between the ages of 30 and 45, my well-being spiraled downward. My weight reached 255 pounds, isolated and struggling, I found my escape at night.
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But then, cycling entered my life. It became more than just a sport—it became my salvation, guiding me out of the darkness and back to a healthier, happier me.
Cycling saved my life.
Set a goal so high that you're spending every day chasing it.
I was fortunate to learn from two different world views growing up. Work ethics and leadership on the left, passion and dedication and on the right. As you can see, health was low on my list.
This is my story
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Life has a way of throwing punches, like craters scarring the surface of the moon. Some hits are small, others shake you to your core, but through it all, like the moon, you keep showing up. No matter how hard it gets, you stay in orbit. That’s what I had to learn—sometimes the hard way.
In 2019, I felt like I was spinning out of control, lost and unsure of my direction. Growing up, I was always the kid trying to outsmart the rules, and that mindset followed me into adulthood. My drinking became a calculated art. I knew exactly how to manage it, when to hide it, and how much I could handle—so no one knew. It became my secret medicine, and art was my fuel.
Then came the turning point. In 2016, I met an incredible woman who saw through the act. She understood my mind, my world, and saw the damage I was doing. It wasn’t fair to her, and I finally decided it wasn’t fair to myself either. By 2019, I took the hardest step and entered treatment.
That’s when everything started to shift. Specialists diagnosed me with Combined-Type ADHD, and conflict avoidance tendencies—suddenly, my life made sense. All the struggles, the strained relationships, the difficulties in school, the upbringing—it all clicked. These weren’t personal failures, they were symptoms of something deeper.
While in rehab, a life coach said something that stuck with me: “Set a goal so high, you’re always chasing it.” For me, that goal became cycling. Inspired by Greg LeMond’s comeback story, I set out to podium at Master’s Nationals as a cyclist in the 40+ category. A crazy goal, considering I was 255 pounds with an enlarged liver and couldn’t even climb 10 flights of stairs. but I was determined to get there.
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The formula was simple: make a plan, learn from the best, be patient, and stay persistent. I immersed myself in learning, studying sports physiology, reading cycling books, and even connecting with Tom Danielson, a former pro. His book Cycling on Form​ became my blueprint. He personally coached me, teaching me how to train and refine my skills, and from his teachings, I now help others on the same path.
​​​In 2022, I achieved part of my goal—I made it to Master’s Nationals. While I didn’t make the podium, I didn’t come in last, and that was a victory in itself. Every year, I get closer, and I don’t care if it takes me until I’m 80, I’ll keep chasing that podium. Because that’s what keeps me grounded, balanced, and focused—setting the bar so high that I never stop striving.
That’s what I’ve learned: life is about the chase, the journey, and showing up, no matter how many craters you’ve endured along the way.
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Follow me on my journey, where I share my training insights, me learnings from others and helping you to achieve your best with inspiration and motivation.