Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Dear Mr. Yellow
In recent sports news, Lance Armstrong announced that he would be running in the Boston Marathon this April to raise money for his foundation and continue to raise awareness about cancer.
I applaud him for this. I love this guy's determination and ability to motivate and inspire others. I was especially impressed when he brought the cancer issue to the forefront of politics. Seriously, I dig this guy. He's lucky I'm already married.
Now, what I'd really like to see him do...just this once...is set his athletic ego aside.
My hope is that now that he has proven himself on the marathon course with a blazing 2:46 at NYC that he will be able to slow down, take in the sights, and reach out to the middle of the packers.
I applaud him for this. I love this guy's determination and ability to motivate and inspire others. I was especially impressed when he brought the cancer issue to the forefront of politics. Seriously, I dig this guy. He's lucky I'm already married.
Now, what I'd really like to see him do...just this once...is set his athletic ego aside.
My hope is that now that he has proven himself on the marathon course with a blazing 2:46 at NYC that he will be able to slow down, take in the sights, and reach out to the middle of the packers.
Picture it: Lance running alongside cancer survivors, pacing them and offering them words of encouragement. Or maybe he serves as pace leader for a group of people who submitted compelling stories about how cancer had affected their lives. He could even make it a contest - the largest fundraisers for LiveStrong get to run with Lance.
But now, it's time to tap into that superhero strength and use it in a whole new way. Share your motivation and inspiration with the running community the same way you have with the cycling community.
[Speaking of cyclists, my friend Rudi shared this hilarious Fat Cyclist post with me. Even if you aren't into cycling, the post is easily adaptable to runners, and amusing to anyone who can appreciate athletic pursuits.]
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Spirit of the Marathon
Thursday night was a fabulous affair, meeting up with running friends and taking in the big-screen one-night showing of Spirit of the Marathon. After the initial SOUNDLESS first few minutes of the film (a technical glitch, apparently) I was drawn right in to the stories of six different runners (2 elites, 4 mortals) tackling the 2005 Chicago marathon.
From a 'cinematography' viewpoint, the film was impressive in it’s clarity and ability to really capture the action and drama. I felt like I was running right along side each one of them - felt like I was a part of their training and their marathon. I especially liked the aerial shots of the marathon – gave a whole new perspective to the vastness of the large-scale races.
The two-hour film moved along quickly, and I never felt bored or distracted. I realized afterwards however that I would have liked to have learned even more about each featured athlete. I felt like there were still stories to be heard and emotions to be expressed by each one of them. (However, I do acknowledge that I am fascinated by people, and always want to know more -- which is why I enjoy the blogs so much. My attention is fully captured when peering into the lives of strangers, trying to understand what makes them tick; what makes them similar to me; and what sets us apart.)
A few interesting notes about the movie:
Initially, I was a bit alarmed by the depiction of Kenya, as there was tropical-island-paradise style music playing the first time the camera panned across a Kenyan scene. All I could think about was all of the cruel, senseless violence that has taken place in that country. However, later in the film, Daniel Njenga told a haunting story about horrors that had touched his own family which made me feel that the film had redeemed itself slightly.
I found myself absolutely captivated by Deena Kastor and soaked up every moment she was on-screen. Her inner drive and strength; her ability to keep working and stay positive even when facing tough odds...awe inspiring. Plus, I couldn't remember if she had won the 2005 race or not, so watching the event unfold was a nerve-wracking, nail-biting experience.
The momentum the film created as it reached Marathon Weekend was palpable. I felt the anticipation, excitement and anxiety of all the participants. I also gave a sympathetic chuckle when I noted a foam roller in the hotel room of one of the runners. Of course, then I realized that she was wearing a knee brace on BOTH knees, as well as a knee strap…and I wondered why she was risking injuring herself even further…but of course I already knew the answer.
One of the runners had to drop out of training and sit on the sidelines of the race, cheering for his wife. He had hoped to qualify for Boston, but his knee cartilage had other ideas. At the end of the film, we learn that he does get to run Boston – but we never learn about his qualifying race. This made me wonder about a comment he made earlier in the film about “getting a number” without qualifying. It seemed odd that the film wouldn’t have mentioned his qualifying race, doesn’t it?
Overall, the story flowed well and I loved hearing from all the different icons of running. The film makers did a great job of weaving it all together, and I would easily watch this again. I'm not sure if a non-runner would enjoy this film, but when it comes out on DVD, I'll test it out on my husband and report back. For those of you who missed it, I believe there will be an "encore" performance on February 21, check the website for confirmation/details.
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From a 'cinematography' viewpoint, the film was impressive in it’s clarity and ability to really capture the action and drama. I felt like I was running right along side each one of them - felt like I was a part of their training and their marathon. I especially liked the aerial shots of the marathon – gave a whole new perspective to the vastness of the large-scale races.
The two-hour film moved along quickly, and I never felt bored or distracted. I realized afterwards however that I would have liked to have learned even more about each featured athlete. I felt like there were still stories to be heard and emotions to be expressed by each one of them. (However, I do acknowledge that I am fascinated by people, and always want to know more -- which is why I enjoy the blogs so much. My attention is fully captured when peering into the lives of strangers, trying to understand what makes them tick; what makes them similar to me; and what sets us apart.)
A few interesting notes about the movie:
Initially, I was a bit alarmed by the depiction of Kenya, as there was tropical-island-paradise style music playing the first time the camera panned across a Kenyan scene. All I could think about was all of the cruel, senseless violence that has taken place in that country. However, later in the film, Daniel Njenga told a haunting story about horrors that had touched his own family which made me feel that the film had redeemed itself slightly.
I found myself absolutely captivated by Deena Kastor and soaked up every moment she was on-screen. Her inner drive and strength; her ability to keep working and stay positive even when facing tough odds...awe inspiring. Plus, I couldn't remember if she had won the 2005 race or not, so watching the event unfold was a nerve-wracking, nail-biting experience.
The momentum the film created as it reached Marathon Weekend was palpable. I felt the anticipation, excitement and anxiety of all the participants. I also gave a sympathetic chuckle when I noted a foam roller in the hotel room of one of the runners. Of course, then I realized that she was wearing a knee brace on BOTH knees, as well as a knee strap…and I wondered why she was risking injuring herself even further…but of course I already knew the answer.
One of the runners had to drop out of training and sit on the sidelines of the race, cheering for his wife. He had hoped to qualify for Boston, but his knee cartilage had other ideas. At the end of the film, we learn that he does get to run Boston – but we never learn about his qualifying race. This made me wonder about a comment he made earlier in the film about “getting a number” without qualifying. It seemed odd that the film wouldn’t have mentioned his qualifying race, doesn’t it?
Overall, the story flowed well and I loved hearing from all the different icons of running. The film makers did a great job of weaving it all together, and I would easily watch this again. I'm not sure if a non-runner would enjoy this film, but when it comes out on DVD, I'll test it out on my husband and report back. For those of you who missed it, I believe there will be an "encore" performance on February 21, check the website for confirmation/details.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Darren Develops a Crush
Over the weekend, I had a few minutes to indulge in some blog reading. I follow only a few non-running blogs, and this one especially tickles me. I love this woman's sense of humor, writing style, and photography. I am never disappointed by her posts.
Apparently, on Saturday, my dog Darren became equally as smitten with dooce.com. Specifically, he seems to have developed a crush on her puppy Coco...or maybe he wanted to help her dog Chuck. Either way, his reaction to the video she posted was so entertaining, that I played the video for him again just so I could capture him on tape.
I love that he keeps nosing the laptop, as if the dogs are underneath it. (In another shot we have of him, he kept looking back at the television, because that's where puppies usually appear.)
Hope you get a giggle out of this:
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Apparently, on Saturday, my dog Darren became equally as smitten with dooce.com. Specifically, he seems to have developed a crush on her puppy Coco...or maybe he wanted to help her dog Chuck. Either way, his reaction to the video she posted was so entertaining, that I played the video for him again just so I could capture him on tape.
I love that he keeps nosing the laptop, as if the dogs are underneath it. (In another shot we have of him, he kept looking back at the television, because that's where puppies usually appear.)
Hope you get a giggle out of this:
Friday, January 11, 2008
Re-Newbie
While being back in the office, sitting at my desk staring at the computer not been exactly stimulating, I have discovered that having a respite from classes has allowed me to return my attention to a few neglected areas.
For starters, Running and I are getting along much better. We’re still just holding hands and snuggling for now, which is all I can give to the relationship at the moment. The key to maintaining our relationship over the next few months will be consistency. While I would love to make a more firm commitment, the pressures of school will only allow me to grasp a sliver of hope that I might run an early summer trail marathon. We're taking it one day at a time.
I’ve also had occasion to spend some time with Yoga over the past two weeks. The situation was a little awkward, what with all the shaking and muscles spasms happening all over my body. Yet, we've been able to co-exist peacefully, without any outrageous side effects following our time together. I’ve certainly missed Yoga. I recognize the value of our time together, and I am determined to fit in at least one rendezvous each week.
Swimming and I have had a similar experience. The waters were rough at first, but once we got past the initial breaststroke warm-up, we were able to get in to some serious freestyle conversation. For the first 10 minutes, I was quite sure that I was going to die. But eventually…slowly…we uncovered that familiar rhythm and rode the waves. However, the visit was bittersweet, as we are not certain of more than one or two more trysts. Ours will have to be a spontaneous affair until the end of May. Sigh.
Last, but not least, there has been Spin Class. Tough as nails and ass-kicking, as always. No whining allowed. It’s a painful relationship, but strangely one that I enjoy - perhaps a bit S&M. It’s easy to ignore Spin Class when the weather cooperates, but in the colder months, we’re roughly tossed together and told to make the best of it. Generally, there are numerous cuss words, copious amounts of sweat and sore ischial tuberosities involved, but we both survive.
Reflecting back on the recent increase in activity, I realized that I felt like a ‘newbie’ again - uncertain of how to do things; struggling to get through a basic workout; soreness cropping up in all new places. But I knew if I could push through the excuses, the fatigue and the pain...that I would be rewarded. That reward finally showed up yesterday morning around 6:00 a.m. in the chilly 11F air, when I ran a 7:40 split in the middle of a 5-miler - without even realizing it.
The key now will be to continue to maintain and cultivate these relationships, and recall their importance to my health even when life seems stifling and time management feels impossible.
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For starters, Running and I are getting along much better. We’re still just holding hands and snuggling for now, which is all I can give to the relationship at the moment. The key to maintaining our relationship over the next few months will be consistency. While I would love to make a more firm commitment, the pressures of school will only allow me to grasp a sliver of hope that I might run an early summer trail marathon. We're taking it one day at a time.
I’ve also had occasion to spend some time with Yoga over the past two weeks. The situation was a little awkward, what with all the shaking and muscles spasms happening all over my body. Yet, we've been able to co-exist peacefully, without any outrageous side effects following our time together. I’ve certainly missed Yoga. I recognize the value of our time together, and I am determined to fit in at least one rendezvous each week.
Swimming and I have had a similar experience. The waters were rough at first, but once we got past the initial breaststroke warm-up, we were able to get in to some serious freestyle conversation. For the first 10 minutes, I was quite sure that I was going to die. But eventually…slowly…we uncovered that familiar rhythm and rode the waves. However, the visit was bittersweet, as we are not certain of more than one or two more trysts. Ours will have to be a spontaneous affair until the end of May. Sigh.
Last, but not least, there has been Spin Class. Tough as nails and ass-kicking, as always. No whining allowed. It’s a painful relationship, but strangely one that I enjoy - perhaps a bit S&M. It’s easy to ignore Spin Class when the weather cooperates, but in the colder months, we’re roughly tossed together and told to make the best of it. Generally, there are numerous cuss words, copious amounts of sweat and sore ischial tuberosities involved, but we both survive.
Reflecting back on the recent increase in activity, I realized that I felt like a ‘newbie’ again - uncertain of how to do things; struggling to get through a basic workout; soreness cropping up in all new places. But I knew if I could push through the excuses, the fatigue and the pain...that I would be rewarded. That reward finally showed up yesterday morning around 6:00 a.m. in the chilly 11F air, when I ran a 7:40 split in the middle of a 5-miler - without even realizing it.
The key now will be to continue to maintain and cultivate these relationships, and recall their importance to my health even when life seems stifling and time management feels impossible.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Be Seen! Be Read! Hang Out With The Cool Kids!
My friend Mark, a.k.a. The Running Blogfather, asked me to pass this information along:
Most people around here know about the Running Blog Family Directory (RBF) - the web's most ginormous list of running blogs.
Until yesterday, the RBF was a one trick pony - it was just a big ol' list.
Well, the RBF just went through a huge upgrade. It's now search-able in a
big, big way. You can now search for blogs by:
But, we need your help to realize the RBFs full potential. Why? Because, right now, we have over 1600 links in the RBF that don't contain things like:
By signing up again, you'll make it easier for people to find you. That's when the RBF
will really rock!
So get on the RBF train and sign up (again!) today!
WELL? Are you still here? What are you waiting for..certainly not an invitation, because you just got one?!? Click on the link already!!
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Most people around here know about the Running Blog Family Directory (RBF) - the web's most ginormous list of running blogs.
Until yesterday, the RBF was a one trick pony - it was just a big ol' list.
Well, the RBF just went through a huge upgrade. It's now search-able in a
big, big way. You can now search for blogs by:
- Location
(city/town/province/state/country) - Gender
- Favorite Distance to Race
- Ability
- Tags/Key Words
But, we need your help to realize the RBFs full potential. Why? Because, right now, we have over 1600 links in the RBF that don't contain things like:
- Location (city/town/province/state/country)
- Gender
- Favorite Distance to Race
- Ability
- Tags/Key Words
By signing up again, you'll make it easier for people to find you. That's when the RBF
will really rock!
So get on the RBF train and sign up (again!) today!
WELL? Are you still here? What are you waiting for..certainly not an invitation, because you just got one?!? Click on the link already!!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Always Late to the Party
In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been a bit absent from the blogosphere as of late.
My schedule became so unmanageable, that I had to clear out my bloglines account with a ‘mark all as read’ and start over fresh, because I had over 800 posts to read. It was just too overwhelming. It was sad, but necessary.
Therefore, please let this serve as a pre-emptive apology for missing out on all your awesome posts. In addition, I suspect that the wicked awesome cool thing that I am about to write about has actually been a topic for months now. (Sigh.)
But this is my blog and I can be late to the party if I want to.
For those of you looking for inspiration…looking for motivation to get out the door and into the cold, winter weather…this seems like a perfectly timed event:
The Spirit of the Marathon
Just watching the preview for this film got me all fired up to run with passion and purpose again, rather than just running. Over the past six months I’ve been drowning in anxiety and stress with school, work and personal issues draining my positive vibes and stealing my ‘Tigger’ essence. However, while watching the movie trailer, I felt myself glowing from the inside out. I couldn’t help but smile. And I couldn’t stop thinking about what my next marathon might look like.
The film is a one-day only event, being shown on January 24 at select theaters. That just happens to be the first day of classes for me, marking the start of my last academic semester before I begin my internship. I don’t doubt that I’ll be feeling drained after seven hours in class…but I also know that I have to see this film. I must see it. I need that spark to fully ignite into a blazing, raging fire.
Now, who’s with me?
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My schedule became so unmanageable, that I had to clear out my bloglines account with a ‘mark all as read’ and start over fresh, because I had over 800 posts to read. It was just too overwhelming. It was sad, but necessary.
Therefore, please let this serve as a pre-emptive apology for missing out on all your awesome posts. In addition, I suspect that the wicked awesome cool thing that I am about to write about has actually been a topic for months now. (Sigh.)
But this is my blog and I can be late to the party if I want to.
For those of you looking for inspiration…looking for motivation to get out the door and into the cold, winter weather…this seems like a perfectly timed event:
The Spirit of the Marathon
Just watching the preview for this film got me all fired up to run with passion and purpose again, rather than just running. Over the past six months I’ve been drowning in anxiety and stress with school, work and personal issues draining my positive vibes and stealing my ‘Tigger’ essence. However, while watching the movie trailer, I felt myself glowing from the inside out. I couldn’t help but smile. And I couldn’t stop thinking about what my next marathon might look like.
The film is a one-day only event, being shown on January 24 at select theaters. That just happens to be the first day of classes for me, marking the start of my last academic semester before I begin my internship. I don’t doubt that I’ll be feeling drained after seven hours in class…but I also know that I have to see this film. I must see it. I need that spark to fully ignite into a blazing, raging fire.
Now, who’s with me?
