Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/221538
Voices Scary diagnosis births an Ironman Wesley Wilson's father passed away at 42, his mother at 62, both from complications of heart disease. The Mercer-leased owner-operator weighed 300 pounds when he was diagnosed as pre-diabetic with a high chance of developing heart disease. Wilson's family convinced him to attend the Ironman triathlon in their hometown of Lake Placid, N.Y., as a spectator. The race consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a marathon (26.2-mile) run. When Wilson saw 2,888 athletes jump into Lake Placid, "My heart jumped three beats," he says. "It instantly changed my life." Before seeing the Ironman, Wilson's niece, Daci Leonard, had encouraged him to enter the Boilermaker 5K in Utica, N.Y. Wilson "was super-stressed," Daci says, and had planned on quitting training after finishing the 3.1-mile race. Instead he made a two- to three-year diet and exercise plan to prepare for the Ironman. Wilson ran at truck stops, and he removed the passenger seat from his cab and put a spin bike in its place. He cranks Bob Seger as he trains inside his truck. "People get a kick out of it when they walk by," he says. One of Wilson's biggest challenges was not knowing how to swim. With help from books and his wife – who also didn't know how to swim – as well as plenty of time in a pool, he learned. Another obstacle was a healthy diet on the road. He recommends frozen microwavable meals that are low in Getting fit on the road. Wesley Wilson made big strides for his first Ironman race by outfitting his cab as a mini-gym. calories. When he didn't have time to prepare a meal, he ate salads, yogurt and fruit parfaits from fast-food restaurants. "I had to re-educate my whole train of thought on how to eat," he says. Competing in Ironman races in Lake Placid is a journey through memories for Wilson. He passes his parents' graves, family picnic spots and his grandparents' house. The race ends at his high school track, where he once couldn't run a single lap. Four Ironmans later, Wilson is about 100 pounds lighter. His sister and brother-in-law have started losing weight, too, thanks to his success. "He's my inspiration," says sister Tina. "He's an inspiration for everyone. If Wes can do it, we can do it." — Tara Bullock Hot Buttons A slight majority of readers say Iran should not be able to pursue nuclear power development minus the international sanctions currently in place as a deterrent to what many believe is the country's intent to build a nuclear weapon. If it's possible to IRAN establish inspections that guard effectively against nuclear-weapons capability, a sizable segment of Overdrive readers see atomic power development as feasible, as it is in other states in the region. As Jamie Clemons commented on OverdriveOnline.com, "nobody bats an eyelash" when other countries in the Middle East build nuclear power plants. Should Iran be able to pursue nuclear power development without international sanctions? I don't know Yes 16% 1% Only if international inspectors monitor against weapons-grade fuel enrichment 29% No 54% OverdriveOnline.com poll Nuclear negotiations a dangerous game? 10 | Overdrive | December 2013 Voices_1213.indd 10 11/26/13 9:18 PM