Well ok it was only by about 5 minutes. I pulled a 3:21:27 this morning in Hartford. A big shout out to the "Anti-Pace Team Pace-Team" consisting of Cranky Runner, this dude Ari and myself. The 3 of us held with the 3:10 pace squad for about 12 miles before the 7:09, intervals became too much. To put things in persepective on how fast the pace leader was going I pulled a Half Marathon PR in the race. Eclispsing my previous best by nearly 2 minutes. Going a 1:34:59. Sadly my legs would pay for this later as mile 24 and 25 were well above my 7:47 average. also huge shout out for Josie for plowing through a crowd of 50 people about 200 meters to the finish line. I may have been in pain but it certainly put a smile on my face.
Now back to watching Kona. Chris Lieto is leading on the marathon as Macca and Faris are running him down in hot pursuit.
On the *yawn* Chrissie Wellington Show....I mean women's race, Chrissie Wellington is gunning for a top 10 overall spot, and the rest of the women are trying to keep the lead from going over 15 minutes.
My legs ache just watching...
R.D.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Marathon week: ie Bobby goes on a shit happens rant.
When we last left our hero he was contemplating jobs in multiple locales, picked up a girlfriend, and entered a marathon.
This week he has resurrected the dead, had one job dry up, one contact him then ignore him, another give him a phone interview and a face to face, only to have his current employer dash the chances of making it to his face to face, and oh yeah a really painfully 16 mile prep run.
Figure I'm in a bad mood so I'll start with the bad crap and progress to the good stuff.
On the job front:
My attempts to get a job in Virginia took a hit when the company, which will do it share to keep you dry, offering them re-evaluated their manpower options. They decided to eliminate the position. All was not lost however as their New Jersey office sent me an email asking if I was interested in the same position. I have called and emailed twice but haven't heard a thing from them, I really hope this gig works out but we'll see. Another insurance company which rhymes with enigma called and gave me a phone interview for a call center rep job at their Philadelphia Office. The phone interview went well and I was called in for a face to face. The problem, they only had spots for face to face interviews open this week. Problem in a job that requires at least 2weeks notice for taking an off day. Well I was going to call in sick on tomorrow to haul out and interview but that got spoiled when one of my co-workers told me to tell the boss so he could take care of the schedule. Well I told the boss and got the "I need you here on Thursday, because you're the only one who can work late thing." After some finagling, one of my co-workers suggesting I skip the marathon and work Saturday for her, I managed to iron out a compromise that would have me working until 3pm on Friday then driving to Philly, interviewing then driving home or straight to Hartford and running the mary.( because damn it I spent what could have been 3 days worth of groceries and at least two packs of my parents's cigarettes on this things so paying $90 bucks to sit in the office and earn about $40 was not an option.) Well this plan got shot down when the company informed me that they only had interview slots open in the morning on Friday...they told me they'd let me know if anything opened up next week or I could take my chances with the phone assessment. The sad thing is I was confident I could land that job...and it paid enough more than what I make now. Almost on cue, two of my bill collectors called me right after that.
On the running front:
Sunday I decided to do at least a 15 mile training run. It went pretty well except for some granola making it's presence know at mile 12, and only having water but no Gatorade or gels on me. I got to mile 16 almost 17 on just H2O before the body said no mas and I was forced to walked half a mile to a convenience store for some Gatorade then another 3 miles to call for a ride. On the plus side of this if I hydrate and Eat I should be good to go in Saturday's marathon.
Today after my whole interview schedule fiasco I went for my 4 miler....you know you're an endurance athlete or had a really shitty day when a 4 miler does not produce sufficient endorphins to rouse you from your bad mood. And the only thing you can think of is not.."gee I'm running at 7:45/mile pace so I should be able to run a solid Marathon this weekend" but "damn it I'm going to be stuck in a dead end job that can't meet the bills for the rest of my pathetic life." mind set. Which leads me to writing this blog post because if I don't get this toxic negativity out of my system I shall surely do something I will regret....like run a 20 mile death march with nothing but an expired bottle of Baileys to regain a feeling of self worth...all right feeling better now.
On the plus side: Remember many moons ago when we all used to read the ramblings of a New York Road Runner. A sage that would enlighten us with running knowledge, wise cracks, and just bitch about those psychos who thought the preferred mode of transit in Central Park was a bike and not on two feet at 8:00/mile pace. Yes Cranky Runner Lives! and he's going to be at the Hartford Marathon this weekend, preferably dragging my sore but in tow for the last 10 miles.
Like wise on the positive news front the GF and a few of my friends who happen to be women should be cheering me on this weekend, one friend and her fiance are letting me crash at their apartment mere blocks from Bushnell park. No over priced lot for Bob-o this year. Granted I may be fighting the cats for the sofa.
But that's my rambling. To those racing Kona Good Luck and God's speed! Like wise to anyone up at Hartford if you see a hypoxic, angry looking fellow coming up from behind wearing a Blazeman T and a pair of Blue New Balance shorts,it's probably me so give me a shout out.
Will run for food....and a car...and an apartment....and a living wage...and a cure for ALS....and donations for Samona Tsunami victims...
R.D.
This week he has resurrected the dead, had one job dry up, one contact him then ignore him, another give him a phone interview and a face to face, only to have his current employer dash the chances of making it to his face to face, and oh yeah a really painfully 16 mile prep run.
Figure I'm in a bad mood so I'll start with the bad crap and progress to the good stuff.
On the job front:
My attempts to get a job in Virginia took a hit when the company, which will do it share to keep you dry, offering them re-evaluated their manpower options. They decided to eliminate the position. All was not lost however as their New Jersey office sent me an email asking if I was interested in the same position. I have called and emailed twice but haven't heard a thing from them, I really hope this gig works out but we'll see. Another insurance company which rhymes with enigma called and gave me a phone interview for a call center rep job at their Philadelphia Office. The phone interview went well and I was called in for a face to face. The problem, they only had spots for face to face interviews open this week. Problem in a job that requires at least 2weeks notice for taking an off day. Well I was going to call in sick on tomorrow to haul out and interview but that got spoiled when one of my co-workers told me to tell the boss so he could take care of the schedule. Well I told the boss and got the "I need you here on Thursday, because you're the only one who can work late thing." After some finagling, one of my co-workers suggesting I skip the marathon and work Saturday for her, I managed to iron out a compromise that would have me working until 3pm on Friday then driving to Philly, interviewing then driving home or straight to Hartford and running the mary.( because damn it I spent what could have been 3 days worth of groceries and at least two packs of my parents's cigarettes on this things so paying $90 bucks to sit in the office and earn about $40 was not an option.) Well this plan got shot down when the company informed me that they only had interview slots open in the morning on Friday...they told me they'd let me know if anything opened up next week or I could take my chances with the phone assessment. The sad thing is I was confident I could land that job...and it paid enough more than what I make now. Almost on cue, two of my bill collectors called me right after that.
On the running front:
Sunday I decided to do at least a 15 mile training run. It went pretty well except for some granola making it's presence know at mile 12, and only having water but no Gatorade or gels on me. I got to mile 16 almost 17 on just H2O before the body said no mas and I was forced to walked half a mile to a convenience store for some Gatorade then another 3 miles to call for a ride. On the plus side of this if I hydrate and Eat I should be good to go in Saturday's marathon.
Today after my whole interview schedule fiasco I went for my 4 miler....you know you're an endurance athlete or had a really shitty day when a 4 miler does not produce sufficient endorphins to rouse you from your bad mood. And the only thing you can think of is not.."gee I'm running at 7:45/mile pace so I should be able to run a solid Marathon this weekend" but "damn it I'm going to be stuck in a dead end job that can't meet the bills for the rest of my pathetic life." mind set. Which leads me to writing this blog post because if I don't get this toxic negativity out of my system I shall surely do something I will regret....like run a 20 mile death march with nothing but an expired bottle of Baileys to regain a feeling of self worth...all right feeling better now.
On the plus side: Remember many moons ago when we all used to read the ramblings of a New York Road Runner. A sage that would enlighten us with running knowledge, wise cracks, and just bitch about those psychos who thought the preferred mode of transit in Central Park was a bike and not on two feet at 8:00/mile pace. Yes Cranky Runner Lives! and he's going to be at the Hartford Marathon this weekend, preferably dragging my sore but in tow for the last 10 miles.
Like wise on the positive news front the GF and a few of my friends who happen to be women should be cheering me on this weekend, one friend and her fiance are letting me crash at their apartment mere blocks from Bushnell park. No over priced lot for Bob-o this year. Granted I may be fighting the cats for the sofa.
But that's my rambling. To those racing Kona Good Luck and God's speed! Like wise to anyone up at Hartford if you see a hypoxic, angry looking fellow coming up from behind wearing a Blazeman T and a pair of Blue New Balance shorts,it's probably me so give me a shout out.
Will run for food....and a car...and an apartment....and a living wage...and a cure for ALS....and donations for Samona Tsunami victims...
R.D.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Bob-o's wasting $90 again.....or Bobby Enters the Hartford marathon.
Well this week is pay week and I've decided that since my runs splits have been stellar this season, and after doing 2 tweleve milers this week and scheduling a 15-20 miler for Wednesday, I decided that come payday I'm going to run Hartford again. Last year this race finished me off on a high note and with all the goings on in my life I really need something that will end my season on a high note, plus if all goes well this might be my last time running it as a Connecticut Resident. So over the past 3 weeks I've been upping the run mileage and using my training runs as therapy for the stress of my home life. Last week I was hit with some positive news in that I might get a job down south, last night I started dating a longtime friend, and this morning a contact for another job said he would start flexing his muscles, so things are starting to move in a positive direction and hopefully within the next two weeks I will have a clearer picture of which direction my life is heading. Also Cranky Runner if you're out there man, I need a pacer!
Also to all my readers, my internet access is still intermitent so if you need to contact me, shoot me an email @ bobbydoogs@hotmail.com. Don't feel bad if I've fallen behind on your blogs I do try to catch up when ever I can manage to sneak into a Panera, or the CCSU computer lab. From what I'm able to disertain from the quick reads I've had so far everyone seems to be getting into gear and ready to rock and roll their late season races and off season training.
So that's it from me I promise I'll have more steady posts as my access to the net improves.
Moving Forward
R.D.
Also to all my readers, my internet access is still intermitent so if you need to contact me, shoot me an email @ bobbydoogs@hotmail.com. Don't feel bad if I've fallen behind on your blogs I do try to catch up when ever I can manage to sneak into a Panera, or the CCSU computer lab. From what I'm able to disertain from the quick reads I've had so far everyone seems to be getting into gear and ready to rock and roll their late season races and off season training.
So that's it from me I promise I'll have more steady posts as my access to the net improves.
Moving Forward
R.D.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Bob-o goes Carpetbagging : The Interview?
Well on Monday I managed to get back intouch with Richmond ( yep the position is in Richmond...so Bullet I guess it is in the kinda sorta South but not the Stonewall Jackson was my homeboy and I drive a vintage Orange Charger with a Rebel flag on the roof kinda South.) Anyway from what I could tell it went kind of well. My interviewer made a comment that they really like to do interviews in person but were unsure of how it would work with my distance from VA. I told him that I would be interested in coming down to do an interview essentially what ever it takes at this point. Especially when I found out the job details, the Angry one has been of great help and support through out this process, so a shout out your way brother.
Also my parents have started to come around granted in traditional parent fashion they want me to know exactly what I'm getting into, granted sometimes it feels like they want me to stay with the position I've held for the past 5 years, especially because I have the equivalence of Tenure and to get fired from my current job I would have to do something really stupid. Essentially they don't want me to move way down yonder to end up high and dry. So I can appreciate the apprehension.
On the training front I've been hitting the pool and upping the run mileage so hopefully I'll be tuned up and ready to go for the Hartford Marathon on Oct 10. Granted it will be a game time decision based on if I can get the oh so important day off from work as well as if I can get myself to a comfortable training level. If not then I can always save some coin and do some local short stuff, and try to prep for a mid winter marathon. But we'll see right now I'm just anxiously crossing my fingers, saying my prayers and wondering if I should start practicing Santeria , on this job thing because it's really sounding like it's right up my alley.
Brushing up on his Nascar Trivia
R.D.
Also my parents have started to come around granted in traditional parent fashion they want me to know exactly what I'm getting into, granted sometimes it feels like they want me to stay with the position I've held for the past 5 years, especially because I have the equivalence of Tenure and to get fired from my current job I would have to do something really stupid. Essentially they don't want me to move way down yonder to end up high and dry. So I can appreciate the apprehension.
On the training front I've been hitting the pool and upping the run mileage so hopefully I'll be tuned up and ready to go for the Hartford Marathon on Oct 10. Granted it will be a game time decision based on if I can get the oh so important day off from work as well as if I can get myself to a comfortable training level. If not then I can always save some coin and do some local short stuff, and try to prep for a mid winter marathon. But we'll see right now I'm just anxiously crossing my fingers, saying my prayers and wondering if I should start practicing Santeria , on this job thing because it's really sounding like it's right up my alley.
Brushing up on his Nascar Trivia
R.D.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Bob-o Could be going south.
Well Friday after a long discussion with my dad ( I got the song and dance to Please help us with one bill even though you're struggling to make it...I could go into a whole post about this but will spare you dear readers of my personal issues...I did enough ranting on that this summer.) I checked my voice mail as he went on his soap box about the way will show itself to you as I tried to spew off my list of objections...but it was to no use he was rolling.
Any way as I checked through my voicemails that night I got one from Travelers. As I listened to the voice on the other end speaking in a noticeable southern twang he stated "Mr. Almighty I've got your resume infront of me and it says you live in Connecticut, I doubt you want to move to Virginia but we do have some openings down here that you appeared interested in. "
Since it was after closing on a Friday night I couldn't get back to him but will call tomorrow to find out about the position to see if it's worth it. needless to say I texted my amigos, Nashville, Adam, and Sir Angry, about the position as I immediately began to look into rental prices.
I hit my parents with the news the following day that I had an offer in Virginia, and before I even got into "I'm researching it..." The list of objections came forward "Where are you going to stay? How much are they paying you? Do you know XYZabout real estate because we're realtors and things are XYZ in Connecticut? " from my mother. "After stating I'm looking into it...I haven't signed any dotted lines I still have to findout exactly what I'm getting..." Her objections contiuned to pour out "How much are they paying you because if it's not at least $50,000 it's probably not worth it." At this point I wanted to scream at her but thankfully held it in. I'm not stupid and know that no entry level job no matter how good is going to pay $50k a year to start with...but if I can make $30k-$35k that's enough to cover a rent and cover my current bills, and if that's the start then I have a good shot to make more with experience and it's better than sitting on my butt as a bank teller in CT making under $20k. Now yes it would be a little easier if the position was in Connecticut, I have friends and relatives here, know the properties here, hell my parents could probably get a commission on my rental, but as I mentioned earlierI need to research the position before I make any moves on it and if it's something that might be worth it I'll take it. I'd hate to let a good opportunity slip through my fingers because mom and dad want their son to stay home and take care of them. And in this economy a good opportunity is a rare gift.
I do have a couple of things working in my favor for this, one of my High School Friends is working and going to school outside of DC, and my godfather works in DC granted I haven't really heard from my godfather in almost 5 years. Also from traveling to the south and keeeping in touch with my homie in DC the cost of living tends to be lower than living in the good ol' tax you to death....I mean nutmeg state.
Likewise it doesn't get as cold in VA as it does in CT and their is a fairly large and developed tri community down there. Whether or not I'll take the position that's been offered me I don't know, but maybe as my father went on his soap box about on Friday night, this is the plan showing itself to me.
Still a Yankee for now
R.D.
Any way as I checked through my voicemails that night I got one from Travelers. As I listened to the voice on the other end speaking in a noticeable southern twang he stated "Mr. Almighty I've got your resume infront of me and it says you live in Connecticut, I doubt you want to move to Virginia but we do have some openings down here that you appeared interested in. "
Since it was after closing on a Friday night I couldn't get back to him but will call tomorrow to find out about the position to see if it's worth it. needless to say I texted my amigos, Nashville, Adam, and Sir Angry, about the position as I immediately began to look into rental prices.
I hit my parents with the news the following day that I had an offer in Virginia, and before I even got into "I'm researching it..." The list of objections came forward "Where are you going to stay? How much are they paying you? Do you know XYZabout real estate because we're realtors and things are XYZ in Connecticut? " from my mother. "After stating I'm looking into it...I haven't signed any dotted lines I still have to findout exactly what I'm getting..." Her objections contiuned to pour out "How much are they paying you because if it's not at least $50,000 it's probably not worth it." At this point I wanted to scream at her but thankfully held it in. I'm not stupid and know that no entry level job no matter how good is going to pay $50k a year to start with...but if I can make $30k-$35k that's enough to cover a rent and cover my current bills, and if that's the start then I have a good shot to make more with experience and it's better than sitting on my butt as a bank teller in CT making under $20k. Now yes it would be a little easier if the position was in Connecticut, I have friends and relatives here, know the properties here, hell my parents could probably get a commission on my rental, but as I mentioned earlierI need to research the position before I make any moves on it and if it's something that might be worth it I'll take it. I'd hate to let a good opportunity slip through my fingers because mom and dad want their son to stay home and take care of them. And in this economy a good opportunity is a rare gift.
I do have a couple of things working in my favor for this, one of my High School Friends is working and going to school outside of DC, and my godfather works in DC granted I haven't really heard from my godfather in almost 5 years. Also from traveling to the south and keeeping in touch with my homie in DC the cost of living tends to be lower than living in the good ol' tax you to death....I mean nutmeg state.
Likewise it doesn't get as cold in VA as it does in CT and their is a fairly large and developed tri community down there. Whether or not I'll take the position that's been offered me I don't know, but maybe as my father went on his soap box about on Friday night, this is the plan showing itself to me.
Still a Yankee for now
R.D.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Who will win Kona?
well I'll admit it I'm a tri addict/ pundit. I spend my hours at the office between customers and projects scouring Slowtwitch and Xtri and now with Rutger Beke succumbing to a foot injury I'm debating on who my picks for Kona will be. So with out futher ado here are my favorites, dark horses and sentimentals.
The Men's Race
Favorites.
Macca (AUS): Ok no brainer Chris "Badass" McCormack is at the top of my favorites list. Insane run split, not afraid to take crazy risks when everything goes right you end up with a victory lap marathon like 2007 if it doesn't well...just check out the 2002 You Tube Highlights.
Craig Alexanader (AUS): If Macca's off this guy is on. Last year his insane marathon split ( and his ability to tackle the cruel Hawaiian heat) gave him the victory he's fast he's strong and you know he's going to kick ass and take names.
Terrenzo Bonzone (NZL): Ok I have to put a kiwi in here and sadly it's not Cam Brown. Bonzone finished second in his 1st full Ironman in Taupo in March. He's got a solid run and bike split and he's been testing out the Shiv with Macca in the lava fields. Granted Taupo and Kona are completely different races....
Normann Stadler (GER): He's training with Chris Carmichael, he owns the fastest Kona bike split ever, and with Sindballe retiring the only real threat he has to his lead in to T-2 is Chris Lieto. Unlike Lieto's track record he has been able to hold on through out the run beating Peter Reid in 2004 and Macca in 2006, last year it looked like he was going to do it again until he cramped up in the lava fields but still he took a suck it up pill and finished 12th a far cry from his 2005 flat f**king tire meltdown.
Dark Horse:
Andy Potts (USA): Ok the Ironman isn't won in the swim but still Potts held on the finish 7th in his first Ironman after leading the swim. I think he can shatter the myth the the Ironman can't be won by a stellar performance in the swim ( granted you really do need a bitching bike split to build a coushion.)...the question is will 2009 be his year.
Sentimental Favorites:
Cam Brown (NZL): This guy has finshed consistently in the top-5 and as high as second. He's not getting any younger and I would love to see him win this thing once before he rides into the sunset.
Chris Lieto (USA): With the arrival of Andy Potts last year and his inability to handle the Kona Heat Lieto dropped from second overall to oblivion. The preceding year he led a good chunk of the marathon only to succumb to the heat in the energy lab where he lost the lead the Macca, and then highest American rights to Tim DeBoom. Put in two heart wrenching losses to Craig Alexander at Hawaii 70.3 and Boisie 70.3 and I can't help to feel for the guy. Seriously if he rolls into T-2 with a 15 min. Lead and manages to beat Crowie in flat out sprint for the line I will be one extremely happy camper.
The women
Favorites:
Chrissie Wellington (GBR): Got a flat tire lost 10 minutes on the bike and still managed to comeback and spank the women's field. Seriously the last Chick to win by that much was a Doped up Nina Kraft...who then got the title stripped from her. Add to it she's an absolute girl scout who was aiding starving kids in the third world before she took up this hobby and it's hard not to cheer for her.
Dark Horses
Ok here's my list of the runner's up.... I mean people who might have a shot at Chrissie
Belinda Granger (AUS): She won Hawaii 70.3 she has a fast swim a fast bike, and a solid run. Seriously if Wellington's drive train explodes in the Lava fields she'd be a contender.
Mirinda Cafree (AUS): A shit load of 70.3 wins and a victory at REV3 I'd take her seriously.
Dutch chick who was 2nd in 08. I would like to put up the chicks who were second last year but I have no clue how to spell Valvendarlarken or what ever her name is...but all I know is she set the day's fastes bike split in 08, again if something happens to Wellington she'd be right in the thick of it.
Sentimentals:
Bree Wee (USA): If this thing was scripted this would be the perfect feel good story for the NBC highlights...well ok she could be battling lifethreatening illness, or have been orphaned at bith.
The Men's Race
Favorites.
Macca (AUS): Ok no brainer Chris "Badass" McCormack is at the top of my favorites list. Insane run split, not afraid to take crazy risks when everything goes right you end up with a victory lap marathon like 2007 if it doesn't well...just check out the 2002 You Tube Highlights.
Craig Alexanader (AUS): If Macca's off this guy is on. Last year his insane marathon split ( and his ability to tackle the cruel Hawaiian heat) gave him the victory he's fast he's strong and you know he's going to kick ass and take names.
Terrenzo Bonzone (NZL): Ok I have to put a kiwi in here and sadly it's not Cam Brown. Bonzone finished second in his 1st full Ironman in Taupo in March. He's got a solid run and bike split and he's been testing out the Shiv with Macca in the lava fields. Granted Taupo and Kona are completely different races....
Normann Stadler (GER): He's training with Chris Carmichael, he owns the fastest Kona bike split ever, and with Sindballe retiring the only real threat he has to his lead in to T-2 is Chris Lieto. Unlike Lieto's track record he has been able to hold on through out the run beating Peter Reid in 2004 and Macca in 2006, last year it looked like he was going to do it again until he cramped up in the lava fields but still he took a suck it up pill and finished 12th a far cry from his 2005 flat f**king tire meltdown.
Dark Horse:
Andy Potts (USA): Ok the Ironman isn't won in the swim but still Potts held on the finish 7th in his first Ironman after leading the swim. I think he can shatter the myth the the Ironman can't be won by a stellar performance in the swim ( granted you really do need a bitching bike split to build a coushion.)...the question is will 2009 be his year.
Sentimental Favorites:
Cam Brown (NZL): This guy has finshed consistently in the top-5 and as high as second. He's not getting any younger and I would love to see him win this thing once before he rides into the sunset.
Chris Lieto (USA): With the arrival of Andy Potts last year and his inability to handle the Kona Heat Lieto dropped from second overall to oblivion. The preceding year he led a good chunk of the marathon only to succumb to the heat in the energy lab where he lost the lead the Macca, and then highest American rights to Tim DeBoom. Put in two heart wrenching losses to Craig Alexander at Hawaii 70.3 and Boisie 70.3 and I can't help to feel for the guy. Seriously if he rolls into T-2 with a 15 min. Lead and manages to beat Crowie in flat out sprint for the line I will be one extremely happy camper.
The women
Favorites:
Chrissie Wellington (GBR): Got a flat tire lost 10 minutes on the bike and still managed to comeback and spank the women's field. Seriously the last Chick to win by that much was a Doped up Nina Kraft...who then got the title stripped from her. Add to it she's an absolute girl scout who was aiding starving kids in the third world before she took up this hobby and it's hard not to cheer for her.
Dark Horses
Ok here's my list of the runner's up.... I mean people who might have a shot at Chrissie
Belinda Granger (AUS): She won Hawaii 70.3 she has a fast swim a fast bike, and a solid run. Seriously if Wellington's drive train explodes in the Lava fields she'd be a contender.
Mirinda Cafree (AUS): A shit load of 70.3 wins and a victory at REV3 I'd take her seriously.
Dutch chick who was 2nd in 08. I would like to put up the chicks who were second last year but I have no clue how to spell Valvendarlarken or what ever her name is...but all I know is she set the day's fastes bike split in 08, again if something happens to Wellington she'd be right in the thick of it.
Sentimentals:
Bree Wee (USA): If this thing was scripted this would be the perfect feel good story for the NBC highlights...well ok she could be battling lifethreatening illness, or have been orphaned at bith.
She lives in Kona, she trains on course, she's a mom, she's been through divorce, it would be the first USA win in Kona for the women in Godknows how long and for it to be a local I think the island might just explode.
Natascha Badmann (Sui) She was unbeatable, then there was food poisoning then She crashed, she trashed her shoulder, they told her she would never race again, she came back last year and came about 15 miles short of finishing. This year she's in better form, and seriously I would love to see a photo of her passing the new Golden Girl at mile 25 of the marathon with that trade mark smile...granted age is starting to show....and the era of the Swiss Miss might be over.
Nina Kraft (Ger): ok I know we're supposed to forever shun dopers and wish death and plauge upon their houses but it's been 5 years. She's done her time, it's easy to understand why she did it and she did come forward quickly, there was no long drawn out proceedure she came forward, she confessed within 24 hours took her whacks and came back. She's good in the heat, she's won IMKY and IMFL she was battling the likes of Badmann a Lori Bowden in their haydays...I would like to see her win, just once, so she could prove that she was always capable of winning and didn't need the goddamn EPO to do it.
Alrght those are my picks I know I left off some great athletes I know I started some contorversey with the last pick, but there's my list. Where's yours?
R.D.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Today we ride for tomorrow we die...
or go back to work...whatever is less permanent...
I went out for a tune up ride with Josie from Hartford to Granville Mass. and back again. About 56 miles. Most of the ride is pretty uneventful. There are a lot of stops and traffic lights as you make your way out of Hartford ( along with a lot of switch backs I was having Providence 70.3 night mares at this point.) You pass through West Hartford, shoot past Uconn Law School and then it's out on to roads you only know by Route Numbers Route 183 through Bloomfield, then 189 you stay on it on what looks like a limited access high way with exits and merge lanes, it reminded me of the drive out of Auckland back in March where there were bike lanes along Route 1 and warnings to cyclists to mind cars merging on and off the high way. Then you're out in Bumpkin Country....as noted by the crushed beer cans of Busch Light and Pabst Blue Ribbon in the shoulder. As we rode out I noticed that while the rode looked flat I was really having to push to stay above 16mph. We approached the State Border and hit a couple of rollers, then as soon as we passed in to Massachusetts we got the biggest and longest whiff of Cow Dung. As we passed by a fairly large dairy farm. As Josie put it "Massachusetts stinks!*" We rode through the rollers to a little farm stand and then turned around to head back. As we flew back into Bumpkinville....I mean Granby, CT the reason we struggled so long to get out there became clear...we had been going gradually up hill the whole time and now were reaping the benefits of the descent. The rest of the ride was pretty uneventful but all in all Josie looks ready for Redman this weekend.
So that was it for me, I better go before the Barista makes me buy something.
R.D.
*this reference refers to The Western, MA town of Granville and one particular stretch of road passing said dairy farm and not the whole Commonwealth...granted I would glady use this phrase in reference to one Major League Baseball team located on Yawkey Way in Boston. GO YANKEES!!!!
I went out for a tune up ride with Josie from Hartford to Granville Mass. and back again. About 56 miles. Most of the ride is pretty uneventful. There are a lot of stops and traffic lights as you make your way out of Hartford ( along with a lot of switch backs I was having Providence 70.3 night mares at this point.) You pass through West Hartford, shoot past Uconn Law School and then it's out on to roads you only know by Route Numbers Route 183 through Bloomfield, then 189 you stay on it on what looks like a limited access high way with exits and merge lanes, it reminded me of the drive out of Auckland back in March where there were bike lanes along Route 1 and warnings to cyclists to mind cars merging on and off the high way. Then you're out in Bumpkin Country....as noted by the crushed beer cans of Busch Light and Pabst Blue Ribbon in the shoulder. As we rode out I noticed that while the rode looked flat I was really having to push to stay above 16mph. We approached the State Border and hit a couple of rollers, then as soon as we passed in to Massachusetts we got the biggest and longest whiff of Cow Dung. As we passed by a fairly large dairy farm. As Josie put it "Massachusetts stinks!*" We rode through the rollers to a little farm stand and then turned around to head back. As we flew back into Bumpkinville....I mean Granby, CT the reason we struggled so long to get out there became clear...we had been going gradually up hill the whole time and now were reaping the benefits of the descent. The rest of the ride was pretty uneventful but all in all Josie looks ready for Redman this weekend.
So that was it for me, I better go before the Barista makes me buy something.
R.D.
*this reference refers to The Western, MA town of Granville and one particular stretch of road passing said dairy farm and not the whole Commonwealth...granted I would glady use this phrase in reference to one Major League Baseball team located on Yawkey Way in Boston. GO YANKEES!!!!
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