My name is Jim, I’m 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52. I don’t drink, don’t do drugs, don’t cheat and for the most part, I stay out of trouble altogether. I work hard and play harder. There is no greater joy in my life than my two daughters and my wife is my best friend and soul mate.
I started biking in June of 2011 because I wanted to see if I could complete an Olympic length triathlon and found I love it… If I could just find someone who is crazy enough to pay me to ride a bike. I’m not holding my breath.
We’ve been married for 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 years and my wife and I have been together for 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27. I’ve been in recovery since November, 1992.
My hobbies include road cycling, mountain biking, running, swimming, hiking, tennis, golf and taking my girls to swim and play tennis in the summer and sledding in the winter.
In the fall, I put all of that aside for a few weekends. I am an avid hunter, though I choose only to hunt during bow season. I believe in the old fashioned way of doing things – I clean, skin, process, and package myself with only the help of my friend and hunting buddy, Bill. Nothing wasted, only enough to eat for my family.
I have a great day job and I’m lucky enough to enjoy what I do.
ED. 8/27/15. In light of recent events I edited the portion of this page that deals with hunting, furry animals I might add. Some of the language I used could have been taken wildly out of context and in the end, was unnecessary. The event in question happened yesterday and was so appallingly brutal and disgusting it made me pause and rethink what I’d originally written about hunting. In the end, my part in this world is to be the best man, husband, father and businessman that I can. My part is being a good guy. To have a positive affect on this rock. The way I worded that part of this page just didn’t live up to my standards anymore.
2022 UPDATE: Miraculously, and I don’t mean to use that word lightly, my wife and I learned and implemented new ways to choose negotiation for peace over fighting to shut the other down, and to love each other more fully than either thought possible. My posts beginning in March of 2022 reflect this change. I can’t emphasize enough the power of willingness to live a happy life free of resentment with one’s spouse. It took a ton of effort but the results are nothing short of stellar.
Fit Recovery 
I have done the Rev3 Half Iron distance the past two years at Cedar Point and will be there again this year. Keep at it, it is a fabulous sport. Good luck at Cedar Point.
Thanks, I’m really looking forward to it. See you there.
Yesterday we rcvd the “Liebster Blog Award” and today we would like to pass the honor on to you. Please check out the details on our blog post http://sociallyfitblog.wordpress.com/2012/03/24/171/ Have an amazing day! Your friends at Socially fit.
Thanks a lot! I’ll pass it on as well. Thank you.
[…] Fit Recovery – This is a great blog from Jim who is an all round fitness fanatic. Imparting knowledge and ideas about exercise and it’s benefits. […]
Hey! Really enjoying your blog so, would like to award you ‘The Very Inspiring Blog Award’! Check out my blog for more details. Happy blogging 🙂
Thanks again for the Very Inspiring Award! Finally got it up. Loved your daughter’s easter post. I remember when things were that awesome and simple!
You’re welcome, and I’ll let her know you liked it. And thank you as well.
Hey! I love reading your blog and so I nominated you for this Inspiring blogger award thingy but I see that you already have one haha. Here’s the post anyways http://wp.me/p2hpV9-4w 🙂
Thanks a lot Ashley – I dig yours too. I appreciate it greatly.
Hey Jim,
Just wanted to personally let you know that I mentioned you in my most recent post at healthdemystified.com, because I just wanted to thank you for what you’ve done to both support my blog and inspire the world.
I’ve also included a backlink over here to your blog, so that hopefully more people will be able to be inspired by your posts.
-Eric
Eric,
I read your post, and from the bottom of my heart, I am truly honored by the mention. Thank you very much.
Jim
No prob, Jim. Keep up the great work on here
I see we do have a lot of things in common. Glad I stumbled on to your blog. Good luck! I’ll be watching 🙂
Same thing I thought. 😀
Hi! I’m Sue, and I’m from SlimKicker, a diet/fitness app and website. I bumped into your blog yesterday and it captured my interest!
I’m contacting you b/c we’re about to release a fitness tracker (similar to FitBit) early next year, and are looking for bloggers who would be interested in receiving 1 for free to review when it’s out (negative or positive).
Would you be interested in doing this? You can email me at: REDACTED with ‘Review’ in the email heading if you are.
In case you don’t know, our website SlimKicker basically turns your diet/fitness goals into a level up game. The tracker will work with the website, and allow people to track calories burned and number of steps they walk automatically. The more they exercise, the more points they rack up! That’s basically how it will work.
Anyway, hope to hear back either way…
– Sue
P.S. You can choose not to display this comment as this is more of a private message 🙂
[…] Clean Get Fit About the AuthorGoals 2011Goals 2012My BikesUS-FTC/Federal First […]
[…] blogging I have come to know several people who defy these odds. Two that quickly come to mind are Fit Recovery and Tri-Grandma-Try. Very different people – Jim at Fit Recovery has an amazing story of how […]
I totally dig stories like yours. Thanks for being transparent, I hope others find inspiration to fitness as well. I just found your blog though All Season Cyclist.
Thank you. I’ll do my best.
I’ve followed your blog for some time but for some reason yesterday when my reader updates entries from blogs I follow it keeps sending a blog entry of yours over and over. The entry is titled ‘I Don’t Know How To Put This, I’m Kind of a Big Deal’ and when I go to it I get the reply that this entry does not exist. If I leave you as a blog I follow then eventually my reader is full of repeated entries of this blog title. Not sure what the deal is but just letting you know of my issue and why I’ve repeatedly unsubscribe and resubscribed thinking it might fix the issue. Maybe I’ll retry in a few days and see what happens. Take care.
Crazy! I was dabbling with that post yesterday, it was supposed to save as a draft because I didn’t like it yet, then it locked up for some crazy reason as an actual post… It froze and wen I went back to it the post saved as a draft… I think all of that joking about the space-time continuum is coming back to haunt me. I’ll shut everything down and see if that fixes it. Sorry brother!
No problem. Figured it was some kind of glitch and would iron itself out eventually. Just wanted to make you aware of it in case other subscribers were having the same issue. I’ll check it again later. Good luck!
I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to read and “like” one of my posts. Blessings to you!
I’m certain that the pleasure was mine. Thank you.
Hey Jim,
Great blog! I was wondering if you’d be interested in an article about how to target the midsection. Many people have the most trouble with that area, and I thought an article highlighting some diet and exercise tips that work would be fun for your blog. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, please reach out. I’d love to contribute something to your site!
Best,
James
Definitely interested… I could use some of them myself.
Sounds great. Do you have an email I can reach you at, so we can work out the details? I have an article ready to go that highlights a few exercises to tone up the arms in time for tank top weather. If that idea sounds like something you’d be interested in, or if you’d rather have the midsection article, email me and let me know! I look forward to working with you.
Best,
James
Thanks for visiting! 😀
Thanks for writing the cool post!
Thank you for following our blog. We sincerely appreciate your support.
-Marpay Fitness
My pleasure, great blog.
🙂
[…] some additional group riding tips (and overall cycling advice) I’d highly recommend visiting bgddyjim at Fitrecovery. He has a wealth of riding knowledge and I’ve learned a lot about cycling […]
JIM, is that a S-Work your riding there? I can’t totally click on it but its on your left side of the blog… looks mean and ready to eat TARMAC for breakfast..
Nope, it’s just the “Comp” model. 105 components, DT Swiss 4.0 wheel set. They just came out with the 2014 models though and you can get an Ultegra equipped Comp for just a few hundred dollars more. There”s a better copy if that photo on the “My Bikes” page.
looks awesome.. will go check your “My Bike page” but I always say.. its not about the bike.
It absolutely is not. This was a huge upgrade for me though – the new bike is 14 years worth of better technology. The Venge is rumored to have a very stiff frame but it’s a LOT more forgiving than my old 5200. The upgrade makes getting power to the pedals much more enjoyable – in other words, it does make going fast more enjoyable.
Thanks Jim, Gonna do my own “My Bike” page as well, I am a bike freak and hope you dont judge me the bikes I own. I go pretty fast but not fast enough to be on the Pro team,
Will do up my page real soon. can’t wait.. 🙂
LOL… No judgment brother, I get left in the dust by the local pros every Tuesday night. Looking forward to your page.
Local Pro’s or not .. we always give em hell when we are on the tracks or on the Tarmac.. make em huff and puff even if its for a short mile.. ATTACK em if you will like I always do, but ultimately Ride Safe Bro !
[…] shift from the smaller sprocket (cog?) to the larger one, but at least now I could tell Jim (aka Fit Recovery) that I’d attempted some basic cleaning. With any luck, he’d be able to help me with a […]
Hi Jim…thanks for reblogging “use it or gain it”. We seem to have a lot in common! You might also like my cycling blog http://giveherthegears.wordpress.com
Excellent! Following that one now too. 😉
Hi! I just wanted to let you know I nominated you for The Versatile Blogger Award!
Thank you!
Came across your blog while searching cycling tips and thought ”hey this is my story”
the first time i heard my story was 16 years ago at my first Na meeting. From sprint triathlon to IronMan to riding every stage of the Tour de France last year a week ahead of the pros. To an amazing wife, three beautiful boys, a great big house and job I love.
when you have an understanding of the 12 steps in your life anything is possible .
Your honesty and openness is refreshing ,respect from a fellow cyclist who found the light at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you – I’m trying to think of an “extra special” way to say thank you that isn’t corny or overused…because, a comment like that, you made my year.
Respect from this cyclist for making this blog fun to write. Congratulations on beating the disease one day at a time. We’re miracles for sure.
Hey Jim!
First off thanks for following the blog and being an avid reader. I couldn’t find a better way to get into contact with you so I hope this works.
Anyways in the coming week or so I’m getting ready to launch a new page on my blog dedicated to spreading the good word of others, inspiring others, and just a way to have a little community of dreamers and forward thinkers. If you’d be interested in collaborating on the page though I’d love to feature a guest post from you or perhaps an interview even! Let me know if it’s something you’d be interested in! You can reach me through my blog or email jeremystormsky@gmail.com, either way!
Look forward to hearing back from you good sir.
All the best,
Jeremy
Definitely interested in whatever you like. I would be honored.
Do you have an email I can reach you on in the coming days to work something out by chance? Just so we aren’t communicating over this post haha? And glad to hear 🙂
You rock, just sayin’ and I nominated you for the very inspiring blogger award, should you choose to accept this award, check out my post http://runningtoherdreams.com/2014/06/21/very-inspiring-blogger-award/ and happy blogging! ❤
I accept, I accept! Thank you!
You are very welcome! 🙂
[…] honored and forever grateful to have been nominated for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award by Jim at Fit Recovery: Stay Clean Get Fit. He blogs about his recovery journey through his love of fitness. I published my blog on June 15th, […]
Hi Jim. I found your blog only yesterday whilst doing some research for the hopeful purchase of a (NOS) 2013 Venge Comp.
I have now read through a wide selection of the posts on your site and I really like it….. no..more than that. So much of what you have written strikes a chord. There are a number of striking similarities at play here too… 43 years old, similar height / weight, (2.265 vert inch / Lb) mad cyclist trying to go faster, father of 2 daughters and devoted husband. Separated by only the Atlantic Ocean it seems! Please keep writing… the quality is excellent – at all times informative, humorous and humble. On top of that my desire to become the proud owner of said Venge is now stronger than ever!
All the best mate, Mike … Northern Scotland, UK.
Thank you Mike, you made my week brother. Enjoy that Venge – mine was worth every penny – ride the wheels off of it. Also thank you for the compliments.
You are a lucky man living a dream. Happily married. two kids and bow hunting… It’s like reading a memoir from a parallel world. I haven’t looked into the addiction/recovery aspects of your space, but the bits above sound wonderful.
Gracias amigo. Life is good. The recovery part is pretty deep but simple. No way I could have the good life without it. No doubt about that.
Did the wife help with getting over the addiction? If so, did she scare you sober? Or, is there any risk you’d return to the bottle if she ever “shook” the marriage? [I recently saw an awful Sam Rockwell/Kate Beckinsale movie in which the former took a bad spin when the latter turned on him.] Or, did you get past the addiction before you got married/had kids?
No and no. She helps me stay sober, yes. She absolutely helps me with humility too.
Finally, yes, I sobered up when I was 22 and I met my soon-to-be wife at 25. We had our first when I was 32.
The truck with the Movie you saw is that recovery works like this: God (or the Higher Power) first. Recovery second. My wife and kids are third. Everything else is, well, down the scale from there. As far as all things worldly, recovery is the most important thing I get right. Without it everything else goes away.
Good Day Jim,
Just came across your blog by accident and couldn’t be happier I found it! Have been an avid mountain biker my entire life, but just recently started road biking, and have no idea why I waiting so long. haha 🙂 Also wanted to say – Thank you so much for being open about, and sharing your sobriety. I myself am 15 months sober and am finding life seems to get better each day – as does my love and fondness for cycling.
All the best Jim – thank you for sharing all of your experience, knowledge and strength with us!
Thank you Spencer, honest to goodness, I can’t thank you enough. You’re very welcome and enjoy your new way of life. At fifteen months, I guarantee you, it gets a whole lot better so if it seems great now, just keep coming back and you’re sure to be shocked. All the best my friend.
[…] Fit Recovery – Jim is a recovering alcoholic and a “newbie” cyclist who posts about how to go fast on a bike, the challenges he faces staying sober and, bike maintenance. […]
Jim, are you on Strava or Ride with GPS?
Geo
https://www.strava.com/athletes/1018124
Endomondo, and I no longer ride with GPS. Used to until last year but I bought a simple computer for the race bike and I call that good. I get current speed, average speed, max speed and distance (but not all at the same time – I can pick 2)… I’ll think about joining up today.
Oh yeah, I’ve heard of that site. Cool.
No I meant Ride with GPS (the website) lol. Yeah, join Strava or RwGPs buddy!
LOL! I’ll give RwGPS a go… I promised a friend I wouldn’t join strava so I wouldn’t mess up his KOM’s.
Okay sounds god Jim! Once you’re signed up search for geogervasi in ‘find’ rides, then you can add me as a friend if you like!
Cool man.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and liking some things and commenting. I am enjoying my visit to yours.
Thanks Tony. The sentiment is mutual.
[…] one’s for Big Jim at Fit Recovery, check out the size of this saddlebag! Do you think it ruins the lines of my sexy […]
We have the Santos Tour Down Under world cycling race happening in Australia right now. I thought of you and wonder whether you watch some of the world tour cycling races. This one goes for 6 days in the state of South Australia.
I don’t have much time to watch unfortunately. I’m juggling so much right now, I just don’t have the time. Besides, my kids don’t like watching cycling very much at all and we spend a lot of time together. In short, a man’s gotta have his priorities. Thanks for thinking of me.
while i’m curious about the edited hunting portion of your “about,” it gives me pause. i grew up with pro-gun/pro-bow hunters, and didn’t think anything about the “culture.” but, the first time i saw an animal “die”… it made me question everything about the words “sport” and “necessity.” i didn’t eat anything with eyelashes for at least 5-years afterward. and, while i’ve swung somewhere toward the middle of the two extremes, being the best person i can be while i’m on this “rock” is the place from which i try to make decisions about “behavior” and “need” now. like you write… being good… and leaving behind positive seems most important.
Long story short, because my app ate the long story, the unedited page had a line that was written strictly to be offensive. It was a dog whistle, as they call it, to let people know who I was so they wouldn’t bother reading further if they were of the certain knee-knocking variety who hated omnivores. In the end, I just didn’t want to be that guy, so I changed it.
Hahahaha “anything with eyelashes” made me laugh, that’s a good way to put it!
Thanks for all your support on my new blog. Means a lot! Keep up the great work and all the best!
My pleasure, thanks for finding me, and the feeling is mutual.
Jim, do you have an email? Ive scoured your site (maybe not hard enough) but cant find contact info.
BDJ.fitrecovery(at)gmail(dot)com
You seem to have a brilliant site Jim, good work! Just a quick note, you recently started following DIANEWATSONBLOG – which is no longer in use – if you could kindly follow LYDSBERRYPIE (https://lydsberrypie.wordpress.com) instead, I would be very grateful. Thank you!
Yo Jim! I put you up on the website under community and bloggers. Wanted to give you a heads up. Thank you for your support. Have a great weekend, man!
Why thank you, brother. I appreciate it.
[…] would like to thank my dear friend Jim who nominated me for this Award. Despite the distance and the stark difference in our time zones, […]
Hi Jim,
I’m the Community Manager with Anagram Interactive, where we specialize in connecting established brands with prominent bloggers. We are currently running a campaign for one of the top online stationery brands that you and your readers might find very interesting.
Please let me know if this is something you’d be interested in and I’ll show you how to get started. Please kindly write to me at helen@anagraminteractive.com
Thanks for following my ‘other’ blog and liking the post on the Dem platform.
Ssshhhhh…. don’t tell anyone. LOL. 😁👍
very honored to know about you, its great to find similar people around the world with similar interest; hope to pass by on the road bike sometime. keep pedaling my friend and ride on.
👍😁 Thank you!
Jim, I am inspired by your posts and I believe others are too. That’s why I nominated you for the Ideal Inspiration Blogger Award, an unofficial award acknowledging your work. Many blessings, my friend. Yours truly, The Devotional Guy™
I’m honored, my friend. Thank you.
My pleasure, brother. You do good work.
Hello, Jim!
As a blog owner, you probably get this often or at least once in a while 🙂 Would you consider accepting a guest post that mentions a specific treatment center? The treatment they offer is quite unique, with a high success rate, and may be a genuinely interesting option for your readers. Right now the center is lacking exposure and I’m helping them gain some, that’s the reason for my approach.
Please let me know what you think, and your terms.
Thank you,
Alex Preston
Alex, I have entertained this a few times. I’d like to give the place’s website a once-over, but I’m definitely willing to look into it.
[…] cycling brother-from-another-mother, Big Jim in the US of A has been rolling on ICAN wheels for a while now. He’s had good things to say about them, so […]