What did I discover during my solo—besides learning to unwrap my energy bar ahead of time? That you ask yourself a lot of questions when you're alone on a bike for that long. One question more than others: Why the heck am I doing this? When I was done, I think I had found the answer: For the satisfaction that comes with pushing your body to the breaking point and conquering the unknown.

The Long Run: A New York City Firefighter's Triumphant Comeback from Crash Victim to Elite Athlete (ed. Rodale, 2010) - ISBN: 9781609612092