Boss Man

Listening to a conference call as we do every Friday. Dreading every minute of this conference call. I get news, which is somewhat unexpected and frightening on this certain Friday conference call. My boss tells us that he has prostate cancer. I think I heard all 9 reps on the other line breathing it was so silent. 58 years old, a man with passion and fire for Rawlings. Has worked for Rawlings for 29 years. Randy has been very good to me and has taught me a lot about business and sales.
Not only is Randy my boss, but a former pro cyclist. He lives in Texas and has ridden with Lance multi times, as well as Hincapie. It saddens my heart to see a cyclist or boss or anybody go through this. I know cyclist are more prone to prostate cancer and it definitely sends an alert to me to get checked out sooner than later. I know Alex and I love this video and I have posted it before, but its a good one. Please keep Randy in your prayers and that everything will work out as planned. Randy and I have been talking for about 4 years about riding together and it has not happened yet. I sure hope I can get my ride with him one day.

NEW

Boy, I'm just tickled to death. I've been trying to run alot more because I'm going to run a marathon in March with a friend from Tampa. I think I got myself into something bad. It is the Gasparilla weekend and it is the last race ever. Friends and family....you must come to this parade. Oh my I can't describe this event to you. Totally crazy!!

Anyway, reason for my posting is that I have hit an all time high for MAX HEART RATE during training. 190BPM!! In all the cycling and running that I have done over the years, I have only reached 188 has an high. I was about to pass out climbing a mountain at 188BPM, but today I maintained this for a solid 2 minutes.

Which makes me wonder, can you increase your MAX HEART HEART??? Does it fluctuate or stay about the same your entire life? I know your able to decrease the lactate acid buildup and sustain a longer run or cycle for a longer period.

Do you think I could of had a incorrect MHR from the beginning. I remember my brother and I talking about MHR years ago and how extremely important this number is to a person in training. It tells it all.

So, the question now lies, what is my MHR?? 192 or 195?? I'm guessing 192, because I wasn't about to pass out, but lactate acid was building quickly in my legs....couldn't hold it much longer.

Anyway, this is exciting for me because I have always thought 188BPM was, "the number."

I'll leave you with this. Whatever you are, be a good one. -Abraham Lincoln

From the Grave to Greatness....He is BACK

You thought I was going to say, Lance. But, Oh NO! Some call him, Preying Mantis. Some think he is a Buddha. Back from the dead, my old riding partner Jesse is back at it again and hopefully for good now. So, I drove up to Birmingham to ride with him this weekend. Despite that it rained 20 miles out of the 60 miles and the monsoon that we rode through the last 10miles...we had a blast. It was good to ride and talk and do our thing like we used to. Thanks Jesse.

I guess when my brother gets his foot back in shape, I'll drive up and ride with him. This weekend I'm driving home to tailgate with the family at the UGA game. Can't wait to see everybody!!

After Christy....

I deleted the last blog entry. I guess it seemed too much and maybe came across the wrong way. I guess she is right. Happy Monday everybody!!!

Is it 5pm yet? Its gotta be somewhere!! Cheers!

Greenville Trip

Looks like the Greenville trip is out. With my accident prone brother on the 15-day DL. This injury is serious enough to put a damper on the weekend. So, we had to reschedule to a later date. Even though this will be Greenville's last year of hosting the USA Pro Cycling Championship. I was sad, but Jesse and I didn't want to go without him. So we are regrouping for the next planned group event.

With Greenville in the dumpster I made a planned trip for myself. Labor Day weekend I'm driving to Atlanta to climb Brasstown Bald(Highest climb in GA). The grade on this climb is the definitely the hardest I have ever endured, but rest assure I will finish. No quit in this no old man! The profile below.

I'm so happy that my brother and Jesse are back on their bikes. Its a good feeling to have them there with me.

Here is an old picture of us during our 2nd Greenville Trip 2006

Texas Gator

Who knew that Lornhorns existed in the state of Florida. I saw quite a few yesterday riding my bike and took a picture of one. I was really close and at one point I thought he was going to charge, but he held off. I gave him the stare down and he knew I meant business. HA!

STRONG

I know most people don't understand or even comprehend what Lance has done. Lance just finished 3rd in the TDF after a 3.5yr lay off from cycling. A 38yr old man who has beaten cancer and has a depleted VO2 max because of his age. Well, he rode with the world's best cyclist and beat kids were who were almost half his age. That just shows his sure willpower and determination to win. They call the TDF, the most grueling sport/race in the world.

To ride over 2,121 miles in 21 days and avg daily speeds of 30mph. Climb mountains that you can barely walk up, avoid crashes, bonking and tired legs. Well, its indescribable what this man had to go through to finish, but finish on the podium. Well, that's just incredible.

My brother and I talked everyday about the tour. One of us would miss something and the other would update with play by play action. It's always fun during this time and especially when our favorite rider is back. It made TDF a lot more enjoyable this year. These pictures are just beautiful and it would be a dream of mine to one day to go out there.

Who is doping now bitches?? Suck it!!

Machine

I'm totally intrigued by this amazing video. I know its a commercial spot for PI, but I love it. I saw it about two years ago and saved it as a favorite of mine. I came across it again this morning and was moved. The Human Body is truly amazing. When running or cycling, I love pain. Over the last few years, this has been a motivational tool when training. Alex used to talk about it years ago when he first got me into cycling. I had no idea what he meant, but I do now. Hope you enjoy!!

Crazy Talk

Why does it seem that everything in life can be so complex and confusing? Example...You are trying to explain yourself (like in this funny video), but babble talk is coming out. She knows exactly what she is saying, but it doesn't seem to come out right.

Or

The moments in your life are not exactly what they seem. You really can't enjoy them because you're entranced in 20,000 others moments and the one moment that is in front of your face is there and gone before you realize it.

Well, I had a moment in Jacksonville this week. I went running one morning before my show along the coastline. During my run something just kinda hit me for some apparent reason. Maybe it was the way the NEW sun was hitting the water or the cars moving at light speed across the bridge or God was speaking to me. I really can't explain it, but I looked out on the water and saw PEACE. Something I don't have in my life from time to time. The calmness of the water, but craziness all around.

I'm going to make a cautious effort to slow down, seize the moment as everybody says. Because we don't know our future and we only have one shot at this thing called "life" so why not enjoy the moments that take your breath away and love the people that are in your life.

The Assault

While in Asheville I decided to climb Mt. Mitchell. It was tough, but I made it to the top. It felt like the clouds were a 100 yards away. It was a great day! Partly Cloudy and 79 degrees. Its amazing how quickly the temperature changes as you climb. I knew it would, but I got a little chilly at the top. I did have a situation that could have turned really bad. I ran out of food and water and I had 10miles until the top of Mt Mitchell. There was a restaurant at the top, when I got there I went in with my American Express card. The sign read, NO American Express. I wanted to cry, because I was shaking and had extremely low blood sugar. There was no way I could of made it home. One of the sweet waitress said, "Honey, I'll give you my tip money." I wanted to kiss her. She gave me all that she had, $9. I took her address and I sent her a card and money today for her good deed. People surprise me with there friendly and giving hearts. You don't see that very often anymore, but I'm glad people can still be thoughtful. I was extremely thankful for this women.

Anyway, I made it back and it was awesome. I'm so glad that I did this. Here are a few stats that are a little cool for me and maybe Alex. It took me 5 1/2 hours to complete. I burned 4,500 calories and avg 12 mph. I rode 70 total miles. I was in my high heart rate zone for 1hr and 15min. Avg HR was 156. Anyway, I'll try to post something new before Xmas. haha!

Defend the Title

Well, I can't really say anything more than, "We are the Champions...Again." Ray and I played a scramble golf match against Alex and Dad as we do every year. This was the perfect place and time for us to defend our title. Alot of fun was had by all. All I can say is that my partner is really good after a few beers. Check these hilarious pictures out.

First and Foremost

I drove up to Asheville, NC to surprise my sister for Jake's 1 year old birthday party this past weekend. I had a great time. The weather was beautiful and the area was amazing. You forget sometimes how beautiful mountains can be. My whole family was there and I'm so glad I got to hangout with them, even if it was for a second.

Here are a few pictures of Jake at his party. We were all sitting there wondering what that little man was going to do with his cake. Stare or Tear?? Well, it started out a stare and it took one finger poke for him to figure out that he can rip into this object. Jake tore into that cake so fast! It was so funny! He is growing up so fast. Love ya little man

Home Sweet Home

Last week I was in Birmingham for a few days and was able to ride my bike on some of my old routes. It was a blast!!

Enough Already

Here is a final update of the house. Some people have been all over me to post stuff. Back off, I know karate

Impressions

Its been awhile since I posted anything. An update of Smitty's life...I have moved into my home and its coming together just fine. I got some time before I can fill in all the spaces. I'm truly blessed!!

I wanted to share a bit of information that some may or may not know about me. Impressions. I do or try impressions of people. Alex always gets me to do impressions of different people. Emma on the other hand, just laughs at me. Not because I'm funny, but she thinks I'm retarded. So, next time you see me don't ask me for an impression because it won't happen. I like to spur it on people, catch them off guard. Here are a few characters you may hear me do.

Lonely Shade

I was riding my bike down the road and this tree appeared. I had to stop and take a picture. I wanted to sit beneath the shade for a bit because I was tired. It looked so peaceful in that field. I didn't want to get shot for trespassing, so I kept going.

Update on the house...close April 2nd now.

Almost...

The House is done. It has just minor touch-up stuff to do, but thats it. Here are a few pictures that we took. I hope you enjoy! I can't wait to see everybody April 10th.