Todays video post of the day

Ok, I have to set this up:

This was from the Osaka International Marathon (1/27/2008)

My thanks to http://japanrunningnews.blogspot.com where this was taken from

"Osaka's other major pre-race favorite, Japanese national 3000 m, 5000 m and half marathon record holder Fukushi, had a disastrous but courageous debut. Fukushi took the lead from the first km, going out completely alone at an aggressive sub-2:20 pace while the large pack settled around 2:23 pace. Fukushi held roughly to 3:20/km for the first 25 km, looking relaxed, smooth and powerful, laughing at teammates' messages written on her drink bottles, gargling with her special drink, and repeatedly waving off camera bikes that came too close. Naoko Takahashi's Sydney-era coach Yoshio Koide commented on-screen that he thinks Fukushi has the potential to run 2:16 in the future, but that the truth of her debut would come in the final 10 km.

After 30 km she began to show signs of strain, slowing to 3:42 during the 32nd km versus a 3:21 by the chase pack of Yamauchi, Morimoto, Julia Mombi (Team Aruze), and fellow 1st-time marathoner Madoka Ogi (Team Juhachi Ginko). During the 33rd km Yamauchi broke away from the other runners with a 3:18 km. Fukushi rapidly lost her lead of over 500 m, surrendering 1st place to Yamauchi at 34.63 km and to the others shortly before 35 km. She continued to slow to 6 minutes per km and beyond.

Her final km was a replay of that of Hiroyuki Ono in the final km of this year's Hakone Ekiden 5th stage. Fukushi staggered, almost falling several times before finally going down in the last 800 m. She got up and continued, but after entering the stadium she abruptly fell flat on her face. After struggling to stand and pausing to regain her bearings, Fukushi resumed running. With less than 200 m to go she fell again, laughing as she got up and continued on only to fall a final time 10 m from the finish. She once more forced herself up, laughing and bleeding, and crossed the finish line in 19th place with a time of 2:40:54, a humbling demonstration of the marathon's power."

pictures from Chicago

Watching the Spirit of the Marathon, I was brought back to a trip to Chicago in May of 2007.

Watching Lori run along the Lake Front Path brought me to once again the runs I had on the path. One of the runs was in the afternoon and it was packed. The other runs were at 6 AM in the morning and the path was once again filled with runners, cyclists and I even saw some triathletes coming out of Lake Michigan in wetsuits. The place is a runner's dream and the views are amazing. the path also provides you with water fountains, so hydration during runs is taken care of.

I took the below pictures with my camera phone one morning on run.

For the Fantasy Sport fans

Been down, since football season ended and you cant track your fantasy football team? Well no need to cry the blues, thanks to the USATF.

You can now go and register and create your ultimate fantasy track and field team. Each week change your team and compete. And here is the pay out, if your team scores the most points at the end of the season you will win a trip to the Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Now does the NFL give you a trip to the SB for winning your fantasy league??

To get started:

http://www.usatf.org/events/2008/VisaChampionshipSeries/

Spirit of the Marathon Encore

You can find where it will be playing at

http://www.fathomevents.com/details.aspx?eventid=694

It will be shown at 250 theatres across the country.

Sorry for the no posts last couple of days

Last couple of dayts were a little busy. I am starting to catch up now, and will post thorugh out today and tomorrow.

My review on The Spirit of the Marathon Movie

I am one who appreciates stories of the human spirit. Spirit of the Marathon provides that in a documentary that interweaves commentary, history and personal insights from some of the foremost minds in the running community into a cinematic masterpiece of athletic achievement and human resolve.

Jon Dunham and his crew provide you with breath taking view of a sea of humanity all marching towards there own personal victory. Like modern day Athenians battling at the Battle of Marathon, we are witness to six individual stories of courage. All struggling against there own personal Persian Army. The work needed to bring this to the screen is amazing. The film never dulls and holds everyone captive, whether you are a runner or not.

"When you cross that finish line, your life will be changed forever", that one quote states it all. It is echoed through out the film and floats over it as the theme. The stories presented tell of lives changed, whether the runner was a pro, first timer, or experienced marathoner.

We watch Deena Kastor tell of how she was changed as she finished the 2004 Olympic Marathon in 3d place for the bronze medal. We watch her deal with injury in a methodical professional way. Pool running, cross training, weight training, all along waiting to ease back in to 120-145 mile weeks, her spirit unwavering. Personally I have never been a big Deena fan, but I am now! Here attitude is workmanlike in all aspects. She knows her job is is to be a professional runner and she approaches it as such.

Daniel Njenga works to change the lives of his family back in Kenya. He is also trying to shake the monkey of not being able to win Chicago. He has learned to deal with personal sacrifices of being away from his family in his native land. Living, training and working in Japan. He has had to deal with criminals killing his sister in law, nephew, and burning down his brother's home all because of his fame. Yet he he know every step he takes helps him bring his family one step closer to a better life.

We watch Jerry (aka Old guy) try to prove that age is not a barrier and how he inspires his own family to change. We watch him train and run with his daughter as tries to finish her first marathon. Oh yeah, Jerry is 70 years old!

You stand in awe of Lori (aka charity runner) as she balances school (she is a PhD student), work, a marriage and her running as she prepares to run her first 26.2 adventure. Trying to raise money for the charity which placed her with her adopted family as a child. You watch her husband seem unapproving, only to know she could not do all this with his help and support.

Family is also the theme of Leah (aka divorced mom) who took up running to help ease the tragedy of a divorce that left her without of shape, over weight, and depression to try and create a better life for her and her daughter. She struggles with training and spending time with her young daughter. But watch her light up the screen as she states that her daughter referes to her now as her "skinny mommy"

But all these challenges are nothing like those facing Ryan (aka BQ guy). Having missed a Boston Qualifier (BQ) by 22 seconds, Ryan is faced with the bigger challenge then in trying to finish in 3:10:59, when he is told by a Dr that he needs surgery to deal with a knee injury. We sit witness as we watch him break down into tears in the Dr office. We sit there helpless, being there, but not being able to comfort him with words in this most personal of tragedies. We feel the pain, we feel the hurt, we do not wish it upon anyone.

These stories are woven into a tapestry that includes history of the race, some science on the race, but more importantly insights that can only be obtained by each person's personal view on the race.

Watching Katherine Switzer tell the story of her run in Boston, shows you the struggle that helped allow women to run the marathon. Watching Joan Benoit-Samuelson say that she was surprised by the crowd at the LA Coliseum as she ran towards the Gold in 1984 (first ever Women's Olympic Marathon) was shocking and inspiring ( I remember watching it on TV.) This was then all wrapped up as we watch Paula Radcliffe set the women's record and watching her struggle, and drop out of the 2004 Olympic race. We once again bear witness to her very personal mental breakdown as she watches her dream falter. That segment was magnificently done.

The insight of Jon "the Penguin" Binham, brought some groans from the audience, but a chuckle as he says that in the end its about your return on investment. Enjoy it as long as you can, he says. For what its worth, your time in the 26.2 miles will have many facets, enjoy each one, but remember that its all about the hard work you put into it, it is a true test of honesty. If you cheated in training, you will pay for it in the race. Work hard and the pay out will be great.

The scenery was outstanding. I loved the scenes of Lori training on the Lakefront path. Having run there last May, I can still remember the views. Whether it was watching Daniel in Kenya or Deena in Northern California, you almost seemed to transcend the theater and be there.
But that would be nothing to "The Start".

The scene is the starting line, slowly the camera is raised above the start line and starts it's own journey over the 30,000 runners as they prepare to start there trip through the streets and neighborhoods of Chicago. The sea of humanity leaves you jaw dropped, you never ever get the sense of what it is like when you are in it. To watch it from above is almost religious as each soul prepares for there own pilgrimage to there soul.
Cinematographer Sarah Levy, does a remarkable job of relaying this. You are left speechless. Jeff Beal's score then heightens this to another level. As the music starts to slowly build and reaches its apex as the gun goes off.

Now the fun really starts. Thanks to some remarkable work, you are in the pack, running with Deena and Daniel as they duel mile for mile with there opponents. We run mile after mile with Jerry and his daughter Ro. We try and help Leah as she struggles to go beyond herself. We watch Ryan cheer on his wife Colleen from multiple points on the course. He is now changed, no longer the runner, he is the good husband and father and cheerleader. We watch as Lori enjoys herself on the course, constantly thanking those calling out her name.

We sit and watch as victory and defeat enter on to the course. We watch tears of celebration and tears of heartbreak and tears of what might have been. For those who never have watched a marathon finish, watch one. You see many tears. They are not tears of pain or agony. But instead tears of joy and ecstasy. I should know I still remember my tears after finishing my first, I had changed my life forever. This film leaves you feeling and sensing that as well, I feel that those who watched it probably left feeling changed and privileged to have watched 6 lives intersecting and coming out uniquely different in the end.

I highly recommend you go see the encore or buy the DVD, the return you will get on that investment is priceless.

Off to go see the movie

I am off for dinner and then to go see Spirit of the Marathon.

Don'cha just love date night???

Watch for review tomorrow!

Todays Rave pics

Today's Pictures

(click on image for larger picture)

This is Atlantic City from Graveling Point at the end of Radio Road.

The body of water is the Barnegat Bay

Another shot of a fishing boat out in the Barnegat Bay, to the left you can see the old Cannery (now abandoned)

This shot was taken with digital zoom (sorry for the graininess) its still Atlantic City, but if you look to the right you will what looks like construction cranes. These are actually electric generating windmills. These help power the city. AC is always turned on thanks to wind power!

I ran on Radio Rd, Radio Road gets its name from the great Tuckerton Wireless Tower. This is a picture of one of the three massive cable blocks that helped keep the tower up. This block is on North Ensign drive, and its in some one's backyard!
This is the tablet that commemorates the Little Egg Harbor massacre

Click on the link for a very good wikipedia page on the event.

Todays run

7.25 in 1:14:27 (10:16 avg)

over a minute slower than yesterday (1:13:12)

but I feel 10x better. I struggled with the middle miles yesterday. Today the miles came easy and I even put in a few very quick surges in the middle.

The Splits:
Goal was 10:00 avg per mile

10:18
10:04
10:01
12:08 (stopped to take pictures..will post them soon)
9:49
10:03 (took pictures here as well)
9:17
2:43 (.25@11:01)

The key compared to yesterday, I had a nice sized breakfast. Yesterday even though I put in faster splits (on the downhill miles) I just plain felt tired and out of it

The weather was cold, snow is starting to fall now, and I was running towards the bay so I had wind, but I felt great.

What a difference 24 hours makes

Spirit of the Marathon

The screening is tonight at 7:30, apparently there will be an encore, so don't fret too much.

Encore
As a result of the tremendous response to Spirit of the Marathon's January 24 U.S. nationwide debut, Fathom Events has added an Encore screening on February 21. The second engagement will again take place at 7:30 P.M. local time and will be available in approximately 250 theatres. Tickets will be available at www.fathomevents.com starting January 25.

yet another shoe ad

(click on image for larger size)

Once again, 2 out of 3 were personal favorites of mine

Some pictures I found in one of folders

(click on image for bigger size)

This one is just funny. I can't remember where I found it.

The caption along the top and bottom border reads:

"I am the East Grandstand, Row 6, Seat 41. I saw every step Pre ran at Hayward Field. The Twilight Miles, the '72 Olympic Trials, the unbeaten streak - zero defeats above a mile as he thrashed every American record between 2,000 to 10,000 meters. I heard Pre's People chant, Go Pre! Go Pre! - the whisper as he entered the bullpen became one full tilt roar as he thundered down the homestretch like some Coos Bay Express. I saw the race of his entire life run full throttle, on fire, like the brief flash of a passing comet lighting our way, sparking our souls, lifting us through the last lap, the final turn, the home stretch...Godspeed."

Its Pre....need I say more???

The first shoes I bough...with my own money, the Nike Vortex

I loved this shot, this is called "The Stare" As they were getting ready for the last climb to the summit (I want to say this is at Le Alp d'Uez) Lance looks back at Ulrich to say lets go. All Jan can do is look back with "I'm cooked" Lance then dances up on the pedals and climbs to victory. This is called a "moment of truth" boys and girls. We have all seen it in one way or another, its how you choose to answer it, that makes the difference.

Looks like a new Running Blog/podcast/newsfeed

Just came over from http://runnerville.com/, found it by way of www.runningtimes.com . I am going to assume its a product of the magazine.

Calling itself "A new place to Procrastinate. A New Project from Matt Taylor, Tony Reavis, Amby Burfoot, Lauren Fleshman and more.

Looks like some very fine people are bedhind it. It comes complete with a Podcast, RSS feed, and some great little items that I am just now starting to explore. Looks like it will enter my dailky rotation.

Well if they can make low calorie Gatorade

Then I guess this might not be too far fetched.

I came across this at half-fast.org (a very funny blog, that I encourage all to read.)

Apparently Clif makes wine as well???

LINK

Todays run

7.25 in about 1:13:12 (10:06 avg)

Didn't eat before run, I had a apple for breakfast, so I bonked.
Weather was cool, then warm, then when running by bay it got real windy, then coool, then warm again. By the time I finished I was a sweating mess.

Could not keep pace. I just felt horrible.

Once again I need to eat properly. When am I going to realize that. My runs after eating properly are so much more enjoyable. Sometimes I just dont think.

Think we have it bad with the cold and daylight

It must be tough to be a runner in Barrow, Alaska. They have not had sunlight since November. Yesterday (January 22nd) the sun shown for the first time since November 18th. It lasted all of 57 minutes and they were in the middle of a blizzard. I guess a treadmill is a must.

Enjoy the video from http://www.weather.com/ (there is a 30 second ad at the start)

VIDEO

The results are in....

The poll has closed on whether or not you will be attending the Spirit of the Marathon showing on Thursday, January 24th.

We had 3 votes, 2 for yes (66%) and 1 for "don't know yet"(33%)

For those who voted, thank you!!!

For the other person beside myself who voted yes, enjoy the film. For the one not sure, hope you decide to attend.

Can't we all just get along...

The violence in Africa has to end, the World has to step in and do something. There is way too much killing going on.

I just found this story on MSNBC, Wesly Ngetich, this year's winner of the Grandma's Marathon in Minnesota was killed by an arrow.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22786214/

Today's feature video

This movie had great cycling scenes (even if some were not all that realistic) some ok acting, and I have always heard it was Kevin Costner's first true roll. Either way I loved it. I have it on DVD and I watch it ever so often.

visit videodetective.com for more info

the Adidas TRX trainer

(click on ad for larger view)

The Adidas TRX Trainer (upper right hand corner of ad), these trainers were given to me by a team mate of mine who was a national class runner (Frank Melo.)

He got shoes and equipment from various manufacturers and he would always throw me his cast offs. Generally his shoes had about 100 mile son them, as he would wear a new pair every week it seemed. I loved the shoes, they always felt weird, but they were great for training in them. These trainers like trainers of the time felt light compared to today's standards. I really do wish that manufacturers would go back to this philosophy. The other great Adidas trainer of the time that I loved was the Adidas Oregons with there netted mid sole. Great shoes.

The racing flats

(click on picture for larger view)

The Racing Flats.... The top two, the Sock Racers and Spiridon Golds. I owned both.

Interestingly enough both shoes were used to set World Records in the marathon at the time. Ingrid Kristiansen (London '85 2:21:06) and Carlos Lopes (Rotterdam '85 2:07:12).

The Sock Racer was a very minimal shoe. It was essentially a yellow stretch mesh type fabric, with two black buckles on top. It was created for the then growing sort of Tri/Bi-athalons.
Nike created a Sock Trainer, that was not very well liked. I had a pair and they just didn't fit well. The shoe was very popular, but I think if Nike released it today, it would not be taken very seriously for its minimalism (The Nike Free was about as close as possible to this shoe.) Nike also had matching yellow and black "hoop" socks to match the shoes. Nike did re-release the shoe as a "retro" in fashion colors. I found a pair on eBay and bough them. They felt close to the original but not 100%. I ran in them for 3 mile son a treadmill. I have never taken them outside. While they are retro, the materials used were no where near the original.

The Spiridon Golds, I consider to be the best all time racing flat ever made, by any manufacturer. The shoes were outstanding. The original pair were actually (if memory serves me) a customized version of the Nike Air Edge, made for Carlos Lopes to wear at the 1984 LA Olympics. Now the rest is where this gets tricky, I remember reading this in interview in Runners World back in 1984. Nike wanted to make them in the Portuguese National colors (red/green), he told them to make them in Gold so it could match the medal he would win. They laughed, he said he was serious. They made him the shoes. He won the race and the Gold medal.
Nike decided to produce the shoes. As soon as I saw them advertised in a magazine, I knew I had to have them. Back in 1996 at the Atlanta Olympics, sprinter Michael Johnson also wore a all Gold pair of tack spikes, and was nicknamed "The Man With the Golden Shoes". I still hold that Carlos was the original, but Johnson did win more Olympic Gold ;-)

When I met Carlos a few years later, he saw my flats and nodded in approval. I told them I got them because he wore them. I still regret not asking him to sign them at the time.

I set all my road PRs in those shoes. I have scoured eBay for the last couple of years looking for them.

I still miss those two, along with my Nike Flames track spikes and Waffle Racer II, and Nike Zoom XC spikes; they were my my race day weapons. I set many PRs, and that led to my allegiance to Nike shoes.

(Edited 1/23/2008)

I found these pictures on a Japanese site years ago. I had them in one of my folders.

They also came in red, although I never seen them in this color.

The Nike V series

(click on ad for larger view)

The Vortex (the middle ones) were one of the greatest trainers I have ever run in.
I was 16 and had just started working. My first paycheck was for ~$60. I had just bought "The Runner" magazine, seen the ad, I called up a running specialty store in the back of the magazine and ordered the,

The day I got them, I took them out for a 7 mile run, ran through some mud and proceeded to get them dirty. I was mad! Ever since though it seems that I have always gotten my new trainers always dirty on the first run. Who knew?

Some cool shoe ads from the 80s

I will be posting some ads that were put upon http://www.runango.com/ shoe forum (thank you Skylon and Hoys2). These ads are significant to me as they contain some of my favorite shoes

Week in review for 1/14/2008 - 1/20/2008

Running this week sucked and I mean sucked bad.

Weather was bad, but not a factor. Work was a factor, but so was getting sick.

Training was relegated to 2 workouts 14.25 totals....Pathetic.

Let's hope this week is better

Great running themed movie

Saw this movie yesterday on HBO. Great story. It revolves around a coach and a gifted female runner in South Africa as he tries to get her ready to win the Comrades Marathon

visit videodetective.com for more info

Today's feature video

It's another ADIDAS comercial. It is very cool how they did it also.

This is hysterical

combining two loves of mine, The Sopranos and the Cowboys

just got back from a walk

Looks like I will have to skip my lunch run. I left my laptop at home and had to turn around costing me about an hour.

But I just got back from a walk around the "Complex Loop" where I usually run. Its about 1.33 miles and it was very cold.

Yesterdays run

This will be real short.

Thanks to the batteries in my Garmin dieing, it was 8 miles in around 1:18 or about 9:45 pace

I know the first mile was around 10:07, the other miles were in the 9:40 range, I did see that after it died and I was able to get it turned on for about 5 minutes and I was going around 9:05-9:00. When I ran a half mile on the track, my pace was 8:48 (always seems to get picked up when I run on the track)

I was very hot, I overdressed and legs felt a little stiff.

Lance Armstrong is running Boston

Just saw this on RunningTimes.com

He did BQ after all. Would really like to see how he does.

The Video clip of the day

trailer from Without Limits

If you haven't seen this movie on the great Steve "Pre" Prefontaine, go out and rent it. Its a great movie

visit videodetective.com for more info

Totally found this one by mistake but....

It is totaly so cool.

I love all kinds of music, but one day I was loking for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and instead I found the Red Hot Chili Pipers. Total; accident, but now I am glad I did. I love this kind of stuff.

Talk about oldie......

Just found an old award from a 2 mile road race from 1986. It was the Millburn Spring Run, put on by the Sneaker Factory and held at South Mountain Reservation. I was 16 at time. From what I had noted on the back, I finished in a time of 11:31 which was good for 4th overall.

For those who have not been to So Mountain, it is hilly and at the time I was very happy with my performance.

Enjoy the pictures:

This one is for you Phitzers

Saw this once on Runner's World Online, it's a great picture

Great Story

Just saw this on my RSS feeder for Beginner Triathlete, its a pretty cool story

I love inspirational stories like this, and I know of many, I am hoping to do a "Inside the Actor's Studio" type of interview with some people who fit the mold.

I think these stories help us all get through those work outs when things get a little tough.

todays run

The basics:

6.25 miles in 1:01:24 (9:50 avg)
splits were: 10:14-10:34-9:40-9:43-9:33-9:11-2:26(.25@9:50)

good run, very cold, started to snow in the remaining last two miles.

listened to The Extra Mile Podcast for the first 4 miles and Gotta Have House for the last 2 miles

back to work.......

Today's feature video

Team Hoyt....do I need to say anymore

as seen on Sunday's run

This the Barnegat Bay

I really have to remember

to fill in my actual physical paper running log. I fill in my spreadsheet and e-log (Buckeyeoutdoors.com), but I am bad when it comes to filling out my new paper log.

I suspect that if I started to do it every day (instead of once a week now) I would get into a habit, and be much more conscience of my runs.

Once again, just a thought......

What the problem might be with my training

Besides the obvious of nutrition (I have to eat better before my runs, I think another issue might just be moving around my training schedule.

Plan is to take Mondays off, but as of late I have been taking Weds off. I think mentally this might just be killing me. As my idea is that if I run on Monday, I ma getting a jump and banking for "just in case" reasons. I think if I took my Mondays off (which are one of my most hectic days) it would probably go a lot to getting me on some sort of proper track.

Just a thought.....

Is it me or is this a sign of the Apocalypse

As a Cowboys fan I am dealing with the loss to the Giants as best as possible.

But this has to be a sign of the Apocalypse.

TO is usually very vocal about his QBs after losses, but its always on the blaming fault side, not the praising side.

What gives???

Elevation chart for yesterday's run

Nothing too crazy, but still a potential pain in da butt

Middle miles can be insane due to the wind off the bay

Today's feature video

We will conclude this time trial section.

I started with Greg Lemond and how he revolutionized time trialing by using aerodynamics.

We will conclude with Lance Armstrong, who has to be considered one of the greatest time trialists of all time. He took aerodynamics of time trialing to a whole new level.

Enjoy

Last weeks training

Didn't go like I planned. I finished up with 30.75 miles. I was hoping for at least 40.

Unfortunately, last week I had some "lost mojo" and that hurt me.

SteveRunner over at Pheddipidations seems to be going through the same thing. I am going to have to assume it might just be a seasonal thing.

Hopefully I can get past it.

I am setting my goal on 40 miles this week. I just have to learn to try and not let the stress get me, which it did last week.

Stress usually works against me and even running does not seem to help.

Sunday's run

I will start with the specifics:

13.25 in 2:25:43 (11:00 avg)

The splits: 10:48-10:43-10:42-10:31-10:28-10:31-12:38-10:42-12:11-10:30-10:35-12:03-10:37-2:39 (.25@10:47 pace)

The 12 minute splits were for the following: stopped to take pictures; stopped to buy Gatorade and banana, walking for .30 miles because I knew I was cooked.

I wanted to stay at about 10:45 and I did if you took out the 12:00 miles .

I started to feel the bonk somewhere after around mile 7. I was dehydrated as well. By the time I stopped to take care of that it was too late already.

I was very disappointed with my run after finishing, but after thinking back on it, it wasn't that bad at all and it actually went as planned.

The route actually rolled and the later miles were going uphill.

I did manage to take some pictures, a small video and some audio.

I will review it and post it, it was my first attempt at trying to make this blog truly multimedia.

stay tuned for my day after reports

On what possibly could have been one of the crappiest days ever.

After some cooling off, I now know now how to put it into perspective

The Video clip of the day

Following on yesterdays clips of the benefits of aero dynamics and cycling.

This goes out to my buddy Dan (over at Obrats) and his Tri Buddies.

Its a clip on maximizing aero position on the bike presented by the Mr Ironamn himself Dave Scott

Enjoy!!

Rocket are you reading this...

Roger, I think you better take a lesson from Marion Jones. She also sat there and with great conviction spoke of clearing her name and punishing those who had made slanderous comments about her integrity.

Yeah, what did that get you????

How about 6 months in the slammer, read on

VIdeo bonus.....

Back in 1990, aero bars, a streamlined position, sloped frame, disc wheels and wind tunnel testing was unheard of.

This report by Phil Ligget during CBS old Tour de France, sheds some light on the thoughts of the day 17 years ago.

Think about what is being said in the clip and think to what is used today.

And a side note, I still also have my original Scott DH aero bars (in addition to the clip-ons)

Todays video post of the day

One of the most classic finishes to a Tour de France I have ever seen.

The time trial that concluded the 1989 tour.

Laurent Fignon led Greg Lemond by 50 seconds.

Greg had brought an innovation that was being by the triathlon world at the time, clip on aero bars attached to his cow horns, plus he used the now legendary Giro AeroHead. Fignon elected no helmet, no aero bars and double discs (a real bad idea with crosswinds)

The finish is classic.

Somethings to take away from this:

1. it gave aero bars serious respectability on he cycling world
2. it made Greg a mythic figure in the TT and in cycling. Greg was coming back from a serious hunting accident that almost killed him

Some personal notes:

1. after watching this, I knew I wanted a set of those bars. A month later Performance had them in there catalogue. I ordered a set, waited a month on back order and fell in love with them the first time I used them. I still have them 17 years later in my garage. I will have to do a posting on my old biathlon bike
2. about 9 years ago, while working Kathy Lemond called up to order something, lets just say I acted like a idiot on the phone as I told her how much I worshipped her husband and that finish. She thanked me, but i guess she thought I was whacked.
3. Fignon (aka The Professor), he was never one of my favorite cyclists till after this race. The fall and winter, I could be seen wearing he yellow and black of his team, Super/Systeme U. I had a winter cap ,jacket and winter gloves. To this day I still have the gloves.

I just wonder, what if Fignon had gone with aerobars, and aero helmet and just the one disc, would have Lemond still have been the legend that he became that year by winning that year???

Spirit of the Marathon

OK, just ordered my tickets from Fandango for the viewing.

My wife was interested in seeing it also. So I am very excited

Be prepared for a thorough review he following weekend.

I might just make that my special column of the week!

Figo rumors (soccer related)

Just saw this at CNNSI.com

I like the idea of Figo playing in the US, but I wish the management of the Red Bulls try and pick him up. Newark/Harrison (where there new stadium is being built) is Portuguese territory and would welcome him with "braços abertos" (open arms in Portuguese) He would help sell out the new grounds, but more importantly he would be to the east what Becks is to the West.

I know the reuniting of Becks and Figo would be good, but do we need both of these two talismanical players on the same team?

I always felt that they never quite meshed right at Real Madrid, but then again who knows

(edited 1/23/208)

I just found this shot in one of my folders, this was the pictutre I was looking for when I posted the above shot.

I could be looking at my new car????

If it ever comes to production and if it is affordable

Hummer HX aka Baby Hummer

Todays lunch time run

Good run, a little on the cold side. I wore shorts and long sleeve shirt, a nice beanie would be fine.

Went complex to Drum Point to Old Hooper to Brick Blvd and back to complex

I wanted to warm up real easy and try to progressively just quicken up the pace every mile. The miles roll and it seemed on Brick Blvd where it went up, the wind also kicked up.

Over all I loved this run and came up with hopefully a great concept for a post next week. Did some great thinking.

I think I may have solved the shoe blister issue. I think the original Asics insole are causing them. I switched to a set of Nike's I had, and I had no blister issue. If anythings the shoes felt great. My knees are liking teh shoes, but not the cold wind.


The Stats:

6.25 miles in 1:00:43 (9:43 avg)

10:16
9:59
9:54
9:35
9:14
9:05
2:37 (.25 @ 10:40)

The Video Gem of the day------ part 2

And the second is an Olympic moment that helped to trigger the running boom here in the US.

This video is of Frank Shorter winning the 1972 Munich Olympic Marathon.

Lets hope that just maybe somebody in a USA singlet will create a new highlite.

The Video Gem of the day------ part 1

Today will be a double dose of videos. Found two and couldn't decide between the them.

First one is from RunnerworldTV and shows why Brian Sell is a fan favorite and going to Bejing. These "blue-collar" guys work very hard.

Workout for today

There will not be one.

Today is a rest day!!!!

YEAH!!!

That's it folks, move on nothing to see here

The Video Gem of the day

I know Boston is still a few months away, but here is a little something.

Its a collection of Adidas ads

See RAY Run....to the NFL draft

Ray Rice will fore go his Sr. year at Rutgers and enter the NFL Draft.

I can't say I didn't see it coming, but I was hoping he would hang around for one more season.

Guess he was afraid, that some young RB might upstage him the same way Brian Leonard was in his SR year. Wait a minute, that young RB was Ray. LOL

Thank you Ray, it has been a privilege and fun to watch you eat up yards like Pac-Man gobbling up pellets.

I would say he would be a late first rounder, early 2nd rounder.

Miami, NYJ, are you listening, Ray would be a good fit.

New Garmin Forerunner 405

I might just have to wait till these come out before I replace my ForeRunner 101.

Introducing the new Garmin ForeRunner 405


Here is a video on one of its coolest features

Lunch Time Run

I will make this short and sweet

Got out a hour later (thanks to a conference call), temps in the 60s and sunny.

6 miles in 59:16 (9:53 avg)
Plan was to stay 9:45-10:00 pace, had I not had to deal with poochies I would have been dead on.

9:40
9:56
10:21 (had to stop because of dog on trail without leash)
10:03 (ditto like above)
9:29
9:46

I don't mind dogs, but I would wish owners would keep there dogs on leashes. I am sure Benji, is perfectly harmless, but when he is coming at me barking and growling and wont let me by, I so start to worry. I'm just sayin', dog owners please go on your way.

like shoes, but starting to get weird blisters on inside of heel. I hope its just the insoles.

In Run observations

some thoughts

1. I am getting two weird blisters on my heel parallel with the sole of my foot. It looks like my foot is rubbing against insole. I hope its not the shoes.
2. Trail running is great except when you come up on a dogs with out leashes.
3. Felt like late March out there today and to think its only January 8, go figure?
4. I have to eat and drink more before runs.

Joe Gibbs resigns

News story here

Looks to me like ole Danny "Boy" Snyder thinks it may be time for $2M coordinator Greg Williams to take the reigns or is it???

Joe worked a miracle with this team down the stretch, considering the adversity they had to go through. Don't quite think so. Joe is a fighter and this has all the dealings of Snyder all over it.

My money rests with Danny taking his private jet down to Raleigh and talking to "The Chin" (Bill Cower) about returning back to coaching. I am sure that Snyder would make it Bill's while (can we say $5-8M a season?)

Last nights belated run and NEW shoe report

Since I went to lunch with Mrs. SJT, plan was to go run after getting home from work. This is usually around 6 so lets say it would be another dark run.

Right before I left work, my wife calls me and tells me my new shoes showed up. As you may have read previously, my ASICS Kayano 13s had to be returned because they were the wrong size. No one had them in stock, so they had to be shipped from some other source.

Whatever, I was excited. I got home, grabbed a very quick bite, got changed and went out the door. Lets say I would be running with the stars...that is using the faint light that is being emitted by them to see where I was going. My town has street lights sporadically placed. This was going to be fun.

I ran the Mathistown Route and that hill has 1/4 mile stretches with nothing but woods and no lights. I kept praying for cars, so I could at least see from there headlights where I was. Add to the fact that there were animal sounds and rustling coming from the woods, and I was spooked. But I was trying to concentrate on the shoes and I was not letting it bother me.

The Stats:

5.25 miles in 50:55 (9:42 avg)

10:28
9:58
9:31
9:15
9:18
2:21 (.25 @ 9:26)

Good run, but I do wish I had stuck to the pace for the first mile. I let it get away from me.

The Shoes:

My initial observations are that the cushioning in them is a little better than the cushioning in my Nike Air Coos. The fit is great. Enough toe box space, and just enough room so where blisters may not be an issue. It looks like to get a true assessment I will need another 40-50 miles on them, but so far very pleased.

My legs were sore after Sunday's workout, but the shoes did not seem to beat them up to much. Asa matter of fact, I would say that the reason I got away from pace was because my legs were feeling great. So big thumbs up on that so far. I will have to wait and see how I feel as the miles progress.

The only "bad" points I have is the insoles. they are very flimsy. I read that this might be an issue. So it looks like I may have to order some replacement ones.

Well thats it so far.

Stay tune, more to come......

In the Spirit of the Rocket.....

Saw these ads during the weekend. They have to be some of the funniest stuff I have ever seen.

For those of us in Dilbert-Land, you know of what I speak.

Enjoy the ads, and check out the Top 10, see how many of them will occur today.


http://www.bemoreproductive.com/

Todays video gem

Enjoy this trailer for the upcoming documentary, " Spirit of the Marathon", it looks like it will be in quite few theaters across the country when its released on January 24th.

More details on the movie as wella s locations, can be found at:

http://www.marathonmovie.com/home.html

Update on my new shoes

They showed up this afternoon, took them out for a 5.25 mile run.

Look for my observations on them in my report of my run, I will post it sometime later this morning.

For now here are some pictures:

The Rocket....

Listened to the press conference on the radio, This is what I took away from it:

1. Brian McNamee sounded like a 15 year old trying to make up with his BFF. "I'll go to jail for you, Roger!"
2. Roger Clemens, in my opinion, is trying to protect his ass now. He should have done that when McNamee was trying to inject "B-12" into it.
3. Does Clemens and his lawyer "Rusty" think we are that stupid and dumb?
4. And why would you hire a lawyer with a name like Rusty?
5. Your right Roger you didn't take any banned substances, you just worked harder than everybody else at 45. You took your Flinstone vitamins (so did Bill Romanowski) and spent time in the gym with your personal trainer (who also claimed that your buddy Andy Pettitte took HGH and he admitted to it) and worked your ass off. Right!?!? And OJ and Robert Blake are teaming up to find the serial killer that is stalking celebrity spouses. GIVE ME A BREAK!
6. Roger said," I'll do everything I can to prove them wrong." Yeah, right and I believe OJ said the same about finding Nicole's killer.
7. I have never done a 2 hour TV interview under bright lights, but I have lied on occasion and one thing I do know....my mouth usually gets very dry that I need to drink water constantly. Get the picture?

After this press conference and the 60 Minute interview, my personal and professional opinion (as a sports fan) is that he is trying to hide something and that might be the track marks on his ass and the smear on his reputation. Not to mention that he might have to buy a ticket to get into the Hall of Fame in the future.

Roger do us a favor and admit to what you did. Your starting to sound like Marion Jones, Floyd Landis, and Tyler Hamilton. We know how there stories ended, and they vowed to prove there "innocence" as well.

For those who didn't see the 60 minutes interview, here is a link:

http://60minutes.yahoo.com/segment/128/roger_clemens

As a Met's fan and as a 16 year old I remember watching The Rocket pitch in the 1986 World Series. I was in awe that he could still pitch in the playoffs this year. To me he was always about the hard work. It was what he said he did, he worked harder. I had always heard the rumours. Then I read the Mitchell Report. It was like being a 10 year old who discovers there is no Santa Clause or Tooth Fairy. I hope it was worth it Roger, I am sure somewhere there is a 10 year old little boy, who is ashamed to put your jersey on. I really hope it was worth it?

Prove me wrong. Take the Polygraph test. If your innocent, you have nothing to lose. If you did it once or twice admit to it, tell us why you did it. We might just understand. We did when Andy told us he did it to come back from injury. Just don't make us feel like fools. Today was January 7, NOT April 1st. Baseball fans and sports fans in general are not fools. We support, forgive and forget. But not when our heroes and stars flat out lie and try to make idiots out of us.

Rocket don't try to throw a "spit ball" at us and act like it was a change up. Will make sure you are ejected from our collective memories!

That is all I have to say!

BCS Championship game....

Some thoughts:

1. Can the BCS get off their love affair with THE Ohio State University?
2. Jamarcus Russell and his Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat??? What's that all about?
3. Jamarcus Russell, NFL QB. What is THAT about?
4. Troy Smith? 2006 Heisman Winner? 4 Games, 52.6% completion, 79.5 rating; Are you Joking me?
5. Is the Heisman really that relevant ANY MORE?
6. After watching this debacle, if I had a vote USC wins the National Championship
7. If they can have a play-off in Div I-AA, Div II and Div III, why can't they have one in Div I-A?

One question.......

Why?????

Random Sports thought

Very happy to see Rutgers win the International Bowl against Ball ST.

And considering I have been a Scarlet Knight fan since 1993, I have been through some horrible season. The last 3 years have been absolutely phenomenal, but after last years season. I can't help but be dissapointed with a 7-5 season and a "lower" Bowl appearance. Yes that is still better than no Bowl appearance but I expected much.

I also do hope that Ray Rice returns for one more season and decides to forego an early entry into the NFL Draft

The Video Gem of the day

Looks like a promo piece for the NYC Marathon

Just in case you wanted to see it

This is the parking lot of Toms River (NJ) East HS where I ran the middle 3 miles of last nights work out around.

As you can see, there are cars in this shot, but last night there was nothing (but darkness). Beauty of this place was that it was very well lit, and smooth. I am glad I found it. I also found markings for the HS XC course, but it was way too dark.

My thanks go out to the TRE Raiders, for use of there parking lot :-)

Tonights Run

Busy day today, and it looked like I would never be able to get out of the house.

Had to go to SIL house, so took my stuff with me, and ran in T.R.
I ran from SIL house to TR East HS, and ran 3 miles around a well lit parking lot. Each lap was about .30 miles so it was about 3.5 laps to the mile. The run started at 5:16, so lets say daylight was non existent. Ad to the fact that this part of town, has very little lit streets, it made for some uneasy miles, thus my decision to run in the parking lot.

The Stats:

8.37 miles in 1:18:45 (9:24 pace)

8:53 (way too fast first mile)
9:14
9:24
9:17 (parking lot)
9:10 (parking lot)
9:26 (parking lot)
9:37
9:35
4:05 (.37 miles @ 10:58 pace)

I was hoping to keep the pace more at 10:00 min, wasn't happening. Legs feel good though.
Lets see how they feel tomorrow!

Not exciting, not pretty, but it was effective. I was hoping that the track was open and lit, and SURPRISE it wasn't! Had to make the best of it.

I was hoping for a 14-16 mile run today. But since that didn't happen; I will make the best of it.

Still very pleased with this week's training. I was very happy not to wimp out during the two very cold days, and making the best of adapting my runs to my schedule.

The Video clip of the day

This little gem is from 1984 ( I am a child of the 80s) and was filmed not to far from where I grew up. Its the finish of the 1984 World XC Championships. They were held on the horse racing track of the Meadowlands in Secaucus, NJ (right next door to Giant Stadium)

The participants are some of the biggest names in XC and running. From this group we would see a future Olympic marathon Gold medalist and as well marathon world record holder.

The belated Friday workout....

I know its a couple of days late, but here is the down and dirty of my run on Friday.

Me and Mrs. SJT were going to go to Atlantic City with my SIL and her friend, I got home a little late from work and just wanted to squeeze a small (originally 4.5 miles) run in. It was getting dark and I knew I was cutting it close to when we had to leave.

Well turns out, I wound up doing 5.25. I could have done 6, my SIL showed up a hour and a half later. UHHHHHH!

I ran my "Mathistown Route" (one of these days I will try to post maps.) The route starts out flat but by mile 1 you start to go up a hill. Nice thing is the hill gets broken up after the first 1/2 mile goes down and then once again climbs for a about 1/4 mile. This road ends at a highway intersection. I turn around and go back, only I cut through a development (adds about 1/2 mile) and then its just a matter of go back the way you came (I decided to go a different way home (so this added about another .75 miles). It was cold and a little windy, legs felt a a little sore but not bad. I am trying to keep the pacing around 10 minutes a mile, but its hard. The legs seem to just want to go.

The Stats:

5.25 miles in 50:42 (9:40 pace)

9:42
9:49
9:31
9:30
9:37
2:32 (.25 mile @ 10:19 pace)

and oh yeah, we went to Resorts Atlantic City , I lost about $10 at the penny slots, and about $9 at the nickle slots. Had dinner at "The Buffet", it was Friday night so it was seafood night so I had a great dinner of Salmon and crab. Just the perfect way to fuel up after a run!!!

More postings to come later about my long run, my views on the NFL playoff games and yes even my thoughts on the FA Cup 3d round ties (as they call match ups in the Intl soccer world)

My own take on the Iowa Caucuses

Personally I like Mike Huckabee.

He is some one who puts up or shuts up.

Plus in the theme of this blog, Mike is a runner and a marathon.

He took up running to lose weight ( Mike was obese when he was Governor of Arkansas) and finished the Little Rock Marathon. He then took upon the task of trying to make Arkansas a healthy state.

Mike understands that health care is an important focus for most Americans. Unfortunately the obesity epidemic in America isn't helping the cause. Obesity can lead to a lot of chronic diseases (i.e diabetes, heart disease, joint injuries.) All these things help to contribute to the rising cost of health care. Control the costs and the $$$ needed to pay for health care drops.

I know from reading Mike's book that he knows this and that he knows how important it is to get America back in shape.

I can put aside his religious undertones and concentrate instead on what he brings to the table which is honesty and for once a politician you can almost trust and like.

Todays video post of the day

Following yesterday's OT highlight clip, I felt that a tribute to Ryan was in order.

My memories of Ryan are of his EAS ads, him running with the horses. It was always great to see the ads.

He was a great competitor and always someone you had to account for.

My deepest sympathies go out to his wife and family.

The song in the clip is Avril Lavigne's "Slipped Away" which seems to be very popular in videos being used as tributes. The lyrics are very emotional.

Todays Run

OK, same like yesterday only instead of it being Brick it was Little Egg. Pretty well wore the same as yesterday, and it was cold, very cold.

I really have to learn to eat a little closer to running, as I was once again on the border of bonking.

My new shoes should be here tomorrow, and I cant wait to run in them.

Listened to Steve Runner's year end Ph-Dip episode, and a couple of observations:

1. Steve is obsessed with that year old article in Slate. Personally the writer seems very ignorant, and really does not need anyone to give him any more credence. So to that affect, I will not be linking the article or even mentioning the idiot err I mean writers name. But I have this one plea.... "Steve, please let it go, let it go. Your better than that."
2. Steve is one very funny pod-caster. I love the guy's show. Its well thought out, researched and produced. Its first rate. His opening are the best (Bonus: when he involves his son or stepson in the opening)
3. The Running Legends (or one of his specials) shows are the best. To me his recap of Duel in the Sun was outstanding. I have that one saved and listen to it very frequently. I went out and read the book, and if I might be bold enough, I would recommend that you read the book and listen to the pod-cast after-wards. When ever I listen to it when I am running, I can feel a chill as if Alberto and Dick are chasing me down Commonwealth. Its outstanding!
4. Steve, if you are reading this, one request (its my usual one) how about a running legends show on Carlos Lopes (my idol and fellow countryman)
5. Steve, sincerely cares about all his listeners. And while he jokes there are only 10, if all thousands sent him an email he would read it and respond to it. He cares about his subscribers.

I do plan on probably doing a posting on the pod-casts I listen to, because I really do think that the media of pod-casting is a wonderful new media. It is essentially the new world equivalent of the penny pamphlets that helped to launch the Revolutionary War. I believe that pod-casts are helping to ignite the new media revolution that is currently in its infancy stage. Pod-casting, along with Blogging ( I intend to do a story on this as well) are shaping how we all deliver and receive our news and entertainment and considering a lot of the garbage that is out there and being pushed at us.

Sorry really didn't intend to go off on this tangent, but hey it was flowing.

I will say that I am very pleased with me getting out in this cold and running. Normally I would have wimped or at least jumped on the treadmill. Looks like maybe this might finally be the year where I turn that proverbial corner and finally get my running at the level it should be at.

Well thats it, stay tuned for more this ride is going to be exciting.

Todays video gem

And its a good one, its a 10 minute highlight of the US Men's Marathon Olympic Trial from NYC

It was the best of days and the worst of days for the US men's marathoning.

The future was showcased in Hall and Ritz.

Brian Sell gave the Hanson's an early Christmas present.

And the long distance running community lost one of its best, with the untimely passing of Ryan Shay at 5.5 miles

The music isn't too bad either.

Ok, it looks like like it will not be getting any warmer

If anyone of my friends from California (or warmer parts ) are reading this, you might want to turn away.

Just went to http://www.weather.com/ and the outlook is not good. my previous assumption of 17 degrees was a little off. According to weather.com, with wind chill it was some where around 10 and as you can see below, it will get a little warmer but not much:


Looks like I will be looking like an eskimo again... or maybe I will wimp out and go on treadmil.

It's 9 AM and its cold already

Just got back from taking J to the bus and its very cold, the wind has kicked up off the marsh and it is cold.

Car thermometer is saying its 19, its usually off by 2-3 so I would say its somewhere around the 17 degree area. Ouch!!

Lets hope it gets a little warmer by lunch, but on the bright side it will be warmer starting tomorrow with temps topping out around 52 on Monday.

Ahhh, Winter on the Jersey Coast, you have to love it!

Todays lunch time run

6 miles in about 1:03 (about a 10:37 avg) in wind and temps about 17-20 degrees.

When the wind kicked up it kicked. Bundled up and kept the pace real slow, really slow.

If I can mentally get out and do these runs, I firmly believe that training will be great.

Key is to understand that when it gets very cold (and just like when it gets very hot) you have to go slow.

As far as what was worn here is the list:

1 set of WrightSocks with another pair of thicker socks over them
Nike tights
Champion C9 pants
Adidas "under armour" type shirt
Champion C9 long sleeve
Champion C9 9" zipper thick pull over
Champion C9 wind jacket
red stocking hat
Nike running gloves

might have been a little overkill but it kept the chill out

The weather outlook for todays run

This is what the weather outlook is for Brick NJ for the next 4 hours. My plan is to go run at lunch...within those a fore mentioned 4 hours.

Needless to say, its going to be a cold one.

Today's feature video

Iron Maiden's The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner

My new shoes

The ASICS Kayano XIII, got them for Christmas. Wife felt it was time I got "real" shoes i.e. shoes that were not discontinued or on clearance.

She went into Champ's and asked them for the best running shoe they had, that was there recommendation. Its a good one. She got me 9.5 and I needed 9, and turns out no one (including other sports stores had them in stock) so they are being shipped to the house.

My only potential issue is that the Kayano's are meant for runners who pronate more than normal. Plus they are also very cushioned. I tend to wear lightweight shoes, even though I am 200lbs. So this will be an interesting experiment to say the least.

I will post a report on my initial run in them very soon.....

Happy New Year!!!

Have to say that I got off to a great New Year.

After watching the first half of the Manchester United v Birmingham game, I went off for the first run of the new year. A very simple and WARM 6 mile run. Kept to a 10 minute pace, realized I had over dressed and spent 4.5 mile sweating like crazy.

My bonus find of the year, Marty Jerome's

The Complete Runner's Day-by-Day Log and Calendar 2008

50% off for the great price of $8.04 (with tax) in the middle of the mall at one of those little Kiosk's. Generally I use a excel log, but there is something about a actual physical log that has just a littel mystique that I can not explain.


More to come later...

This will be a very busy posting day