That's Fit

George Hood pulled it off earlier this morning -- he broke the Guinness Book of World Records previous mark of 175.5 consecutive hours riding a stationary-bike around 5:45 a.m. CST. When the on-site Guinness ajudicator, Danny Girton, Jr., presented Hood with a certificate, a roomful of fans at the Chicago suburban Fry Family YMCA roared with applause.

I set the alarm early this morning to head over and witness Hood's record-breaking moment. After tacking on ten more minutes to the previous record, Hood was planning to head to the hospital for a check-up and labs, and begin his body's healing process. He's been pedaling about nine days since the attempt's start on Sunday, May 4.

At the end of Hour 162 on the bike, Hood had accrued the following unbelievable stats:

• Ridden 1,991 miles, averaging 12.3 mph (overall he covered more than 2,600 miles)
• Burned a total of 46,087 calories
• Taken 57 Guinness-allowed bathroom/stretch/short sleep breaks, totaling 12 hours and 40 minutes
• Slept a total of 9 hours and 36 minutes -- typically 10 minute naps

I took a bunch of pics the last couple days -- check out my photo gallery for a glimpse of Hood, his support team and excited fans. Beyond making Guinness, Hood has raised nearly $30,000 thus far for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign to provide Y fee assistance for kids and families -- a goal he told me was more gratifying than any World Record certificate. Thanks George for the great ride!

Gallery: George Hood breaks World Record

I'm stoked. Around 6:00 am Monday morning George Hood is expected to break the Guinness Book of World Records for consecutive hours cycling on a stationary-bike. He's attempting this 176+ hour feat close to my home, at the Heritage Group YMCA's Fry Family YMCA in Naperville, Illinois. Beyond seeking the World Record, Hood is raising thousands of dollars to support Y membership and programs for kids and families in need.

Last night I joined a Midnight Spin class to provide Hood a little energy boost. While I was working today, my husband and kids headed over to the Y to see Hood in person. The kids loved spinning alongside this Cycling Superman! I know my six-year-old son left amazed, he immediately announced upon arriving home that he was off to the backyard to seek a World Record by hanging 20 seconds on the monkey bars. He did nail the record, but it hasn't been confirmed by Guinness, yet.

You're probably not alone in wondering what kind of spin bike can deliver the high-tech durability and comfort required of a quest like Hood's. He's riding the bright yellow LeMond RevMaster, which sports nifty features such as a Kevlar belt, incredibly strong cranks, new loop handlebars to accommodate a variety of hand positions and an anatomically-designed comfy saddle. If you have $1,195.00, you can purchase a RevMaster for your own home spin gym and crank out a few personal spinning records.

Signing off until tomorrow morning, gotta hit the pillow as I'm heading over to the Y around 4:00 am Monday to spin and witness Hood make history. You can too -- watch live via Webcam!

I reported yesterday U.S. ultra-athlete George Hood is attempting to make the Guinness Book of World Records for consecutive hours cycling on a stationary bike -- he has to beat 175.5 hours to be exact. Just happens Hood has been cycling since last Sunday night at the Heritage YMCA Group's Fry Family YMCA near my home. In addition to trying to break the World Record, Hood is raising big bucks for the YMCA's Strong Kids Campaign which provides YMCA programs and membership for kids and families in need.

I just returned from a Midnight Spin class to support Hood. Even though my hair is wet with sweat and it's 3:00 a.m. CST as I'm writing this, I'm pumped and inspired. Watching Hood and team try and break a Guinness Record is a sight to behold. From the painstaking record-keeping, motivational coaching, supporters carrying him off the bike for allowed rest breaks, and smiling friends and strangers stopping by, it's an exciting fitness circus of fun. One moment during the spin class the entire room was clapping in rhythm to spark Hood's pace -- unforgettable! If I didn't have to work this morning, I would have stayed all night to cheer him on -- nighttime is Hood's roughest time in the saddle.

I did get a chance to speak with Hood and asked him what was more satisfying, raising the money or beating the record? Now this guy's in his eighth day on the bike, yet he didn't miss a beat and replied, "They're both simultaneous endeavors, but the World Record certificate pales in comparison to the looks on the faces of the kids [receiving YMCA scholarships]. Colorful "Go George" posters designed by YMCA kids adorn the cycling room.

U.S. ultra-athlete George Hood made the Guinness Book of World Records for 111+ consecutive hours on a stationary bicycle in 2007 before being surpassed by a rival from Tasmania clocking in 132 hours two weeks later. Now he's nearing the end of a ride to top the record.

Fifty-year-old Hood started cycling last Sunday evening at the Fry Family YMCA in Naperville, Illinois with a goal of 150 hours. But this past Friday, Guinness informed him the new record he needs to break is 175.5 hours, not 132. I just spoke to Judy Ellertson, Executive Director of Fry Family YMCA, and it turns out another U.S. cyclist established the new 175.5 hour record in the midst of Hood's current attempt. Records are commonly traded back and forth this time of year as it's the end of the Guinness publishing cycle. But the news has not extinguished his flame, Hood's still cycling, expected to shatter the new goal sometime past midnight on Monday morning.

Fortuitously, I live a half hour from the Fry Family YMCA. I'm stopping by tonight to hopefully land a slot in their Midnight Spin class to inspire Hood's quest. He can't lose steam, Guinness requires a minimum speed of 12 m.p.h.

Hood is allowed a five minute break each hour to stretch, visit the potty and sleep. He can stockpile breaks to cash in on longer stretches of sleep, typically 10 to 12 minutes at most. On primarily a liquid diet, volunteers lift Hood off the bike each break and carry him to a table to stretch. Paramedics check in every four hours. A man seeking more than a world record, Hood's attempts over the years have raised over $75,000 for various charities. No doubt Hood has the mental fortitude to finish the feat.

Many thanks to Judy Ellertson for the update on Hood's attempt. She is a good friend and a highly respected, former Executive Director of another Chicago suburban YMCA I worked for from 1999-2001. Hands down, she's the best boss I ever had.