62; IT Architect at International Paper
INSPIRATION TO BE FIT: Maintaining a healthy and physically active lifestyle will add years to one’s life. I love life and want to live it to its fullest under the best conditions possible. Being physically and mentally active will keep life interesting, adventurous, and full of opportunities.
I LOVE MY SPORTS: I love the process of training and conditioning my body to perform at my best within any environment.
MY GROUP: I’m currently a member of four cycling groups: Major Taylor Memphis, Grind City Cycling, Memphis Hightailers, and Grind City Racing.
GO-TO GEAR: When cycling, I like to coordinate my kits. High quality, fit, and comfort are a must for me.
FAVE FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: The journey of physical fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
RECENT RACES: This year, I did the TN State Criterium Championships and placed first place; last year, I did the St. Louis Gateway Cup Criteriumand and placed second.
BEST EATS: Folk’s Folly, Houston’s, and Memphis Barbecue Company. I love a marbled medium rib-eye steak with a chilled bottle of Blue Moon Belgian-white.
DREAM DINNER COMPANY: I would love to have another meal with my parents, Thomas Sr. and Bernice. I would also enjoy dinner and conversation with Warren Buffett.
BINGE-WATCHING: P-Valley, Snowfall, Marvel Universe, Star Wars (Disney+), and Star Trek movies/series.
MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS EVENT: Competing at the Cheaha Challenge Grand Fondo – a 100-mile timed race through the mountains of Cheaha National Park – with a top 5 finish in my age group. I also completed the 100-mile distance in less than 4:30 minutes.
SPEED BUMPS: My struggle with weight loss is my most significant hurdle. Getting down to and maintaining a healthy weight has been my largest struggle. Keeping up with cyclists younger than my children is a huge challenge, too.
UP NEXT: I’m doing the Gateway Cup Criterium Series in St. Louis and the TN State Time Trial Championships in Henderson.
BUCKET LIST: I’d like a top 10 finish at the USA Cycling National Championship event. I’d also like to cycle across the State events and cycle 10K miles in one year. The most I’ve completed is 9K. I’d also like to become a competitive Cat2 or Cat3 cyclist.
Photo by Tindall Stephens
