Hello Again

I have drifted from writing these blog posts for some time.   I am going to start again.   I think life became crazy, and I lost my way a bit.   Need to slow down and refocus on what is important.   More to come....

Update 6/14/15 - Latest on the Road to biking 150 miles for Cancer Research

Hi Everyone,

Time for another update.  I am sitting on an Amtrak train, heading home from New York City.  Took the Family to see Hedwig and the Angry Inch.  It was a great time.  The lead (Hedwig) interacted with my kids and got some really cool autographs after the show.  The lead was Darren Criss, and he happens to be my oldest Daughters "crush".... so it was definitely magical.  

I am reminded how blessed I am, to have two great daughters and a pretty amazing wife.  I have a good career, where I can make a real difference.  I realize how blessed I am to have the opportunity to do things with them.  It's during these times, I realize the importance of giving back.  To make sure that my time is used to help others, to inspire others, to contribute to their lives... thus the underlying motivation for the 150 mile ride for John Hopkins.  

The legacy we leave, will ultimately be in the people that we have touched, not the Corporations that we have worked for, "things" we have accumulated, or Titles we have earned.  

---long---serious---pause----

---stepping off my soap box---

Now - Let's give you a training update.  Last week on June 6th, 2015 I participated in my FIRST ever Enduro Mountain Bike race.  It was at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie, PA.  I didn't know what to expect, but it turned into quite the challenge.  

Here is a POV video of the Race: 

Ben Sizemore - Bad Bear Enduro Race 2015

It was the single most demanding and technically challenging ride I have ever done.  I quickly realized I was "In over my head" within 3 minutes of the first timed stage.  I was able to finish the race.  I placed near the bottom in my racing class and age bracket.  It was humbling, but on the bright side.  Despite some pretty bad crashes early, I didn't give up!  I was able to finish, and not finish in last place!

The multiple crashes resulted in a left leg injury.  Because of this injury, I haven't been able to ride at all this past week, and will likely have to keep my riding minimal next week.  While this is a bump in the road, I fully intend on resuming training this upcoming weekend.  The initial plan is for a 60 mile "casual" ride on Saturday morning.

Also, on another cool note.  Both my daughters are riding bikes now.  I am looking forward to some nice rides in the future.  

That's it for this update.  Thanks again so very very much for everyone that has financially contributed to my ride.  Thanks to everyone who has offered words of encouragement.  Thanks to my wife, who supports me daily.  And thanks to everyone who has shared their stories with me.  It's those stories that fuel me to ride.  

I humbly thank you!

~Ben

PS - If you know anyone that wants to make a difference in the fight against Cancer, please graciously provide them this link to contribute. 

Ben Sizemore 150 mile for John Hopkins Cancer Research

I hate Losing more then I like Winning!

"I hate Losing more then I like Winning"

In my 3rd Season of coaching Catamount Football, this was my takeaway for the season.  Of all the things to take away,...  a thought on losing.

Let me explain....

The season was a good one.  We had a great turn out for tryouts, we were able to assemble alot of speed and athleticism.  We had a good plan, good offensive and defensive sets.  We were ready to go.

During the season, we "ran the table".  We went 10-0.  We Outscored everyone, and held everyone defensively to minimal points.  We were ranked Number 1 going into tournament play.

We get into the tournament, and I think the pressure of being the "Top Dog" got to the boys.  We have a "bye" in the 1st round, we win our 2nd round game against probably the toughest opponent in the league.  Then during the championship, we were trailing the whole game and we come back to take a 5 point lead.  Then, with a few seconds left, the team gets a pass interference call and puts the ball in scoring position.  Then with the clock running, they get a play off (Markers were not set, but not going to get on the officials) and score with no time remaining.

And that was it... we lost.  Nothing I could say or do could change it.  It hits you, and then hits you again really hard.

That was easily the hardest thing I have ever experienced.  I felt so bad for the boys, so bad for the school.  I couldn't sleep for a couple days.  My stomach was in knots.  I hate losing.  Wow, I seriously hate it.  And, I will make the commitment to not let it happen again.

Never.....

It's amazing how a few seconds can change your approach and dilligence on so much.  Truly, a lesson for life.

Flag Football Coach

I was offered by the AD at Hannah's school the opportunity to coach Flag Football. It's the schools first year of football, and its for 5th-8th grade.

Initially I had my doubts and was hesitant. I had never coached football and wasnt sure it was something I would be able to do. But, after doing some research and thinking about this, I got excited at the opportunity.

So I accepted the challenge, and I am excited! I hope I can have some fun teaching and coaching boys the greatest sport ever.. FOOTBALL!

I am already planning and scheming... scary!!

The decision to help out the Catamount middle-school Girls Basketball team

Went to my youngest Daughter's first basketball game, and saw that they needed help with learning some of the fundamentals. They had good energy, just need some help to put it all together.

Talk to the coach, and he said he would love the help, and could definitely use it. The next practice, I helped out. My Oldest Daughter, also helped out. Practice went great, we were able to really work on some fundamental things, like good defense, transition passing, and teaching how to push the ball up the court after a rebound. We scrimmaged with the girls and was able to really see the things we taught them produce results on the court.

The next game after that practice really showed results, and they Won the Game! And, the next game, they showed really good hustle, and solid defense and they chalked up another Victory!

Really happy I decided to help out, its been rewarding! Having a good time!

Search Engine Marketing

Slowly getting the hang of things with Search Engine Marketing. Did my first Adwords campaign for a new Book Author, actually seeing some results. It's been Fun!

I really enjoy how my mind is starting to wrap structure around everything, and I can see how I want to organize everything.. thats a huge first step for me!

Now, if the Redskins could only win this week.... but that is another blog for another day!

Bestbuyworld.com

First Generation of the site is out.

Check it out!

http:\\www.bestbuyworld.com

We are hopefully getting some exciting new products to carry on the site. Create our niche, or standard product list.

Its exciting!