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Jim Sobell makes - and raises - his goal for the LIVESTRONG CHALLANGE
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It was around ten months ago that Jim Sobell, 52, owner of The Vineyard
House Restaurant in Santa Ynez, visited his doctor for a check up. The
verdict: elevated cholesterol levels indicating a need for an immediate
change in Jim's diet and exercise level. "I thought I already got plenty of exercise walking around the restaurant 12 hours a day. The doctor said it would be better for my health to walk to the post office and back than to consider walking on the job as healthy exercise," Jim laughed. But he took his doctor's suggestion seriously. Already a casual bicyclist, he enjoyed cycling so he decided to ride more frequently. Next, he increased the distances he rode. He liked how he felt. "It clears my head. Healthwise I feel better, and if I don't ride, I can feel it in my mental attitude," he says. A long-time fan of Lance Armstrong, when Jim heard about the Armstrong Foundation's fundraising event, Livestrong Challenge, he says "I knew immediately that I wanted to do it." "I watched Lance Armstrong on TV everyday of the Tour de France. I read his book It's Not About the Bike. Everybody should read that book, whether or not they cycle. It really isn't about the bike," Sobell says. "It's about bravery, and courage and never giving up." Armstrong's book is also about cancer. At age 25 he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, normally one of the easiest cancers to treat. Armstrong had ignored the early warning signs and by the time of his diagnosis it had spread to his abdomen, lungs and brain, dimming his chances of recovery. During his treatment, before his recovery, before he even knew his fate, he created the Lance Armstrong Foundation, LAF, marking the beginning of his life as an advocate for people living with cancer. The Livestrong Challenge is a series of five events that take place in cities all over the country and is one of the biggest fundraisers for the LAF. Jim Sobell took the challenge to ride in the June 25 Orange County event, a 100 mile ride, and committed to a fundraising goal of $15,500. A knowledgeable advocate for the battle against cancer, Sobell knows more about cancer statistics than most people. "Three out of four people are going be dealing with cancer in their family or friends," he says. A remarkable fundraiser, in a two month period he met his goal of $15,500. At last count it was $16,600 and growing. "I think there's around $8,000 more coming. I'm waiting to get a statement from the credit card company, to see the charges they deduct." Sobell hopes to increase the fund even more by the final deadline on September 3. "If I raise enough, I get to meet Lance Armstrong and ride with him," he says. Sobell now rides an average of 150-170 miles a week and has taken part in three 100 mile rides this year already. Learn more at: www.thevineyardhouse.com. |
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| Copyright 2006, Inside Santa Ynez Valley Magazine, All Rights Reserved |
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