Activating Craig Virgin

CraigVirgin
Originally uploaded by jjactive2.

Craig Virgin is one of the top distance runners in U.S. history. But unlike the late Steve Prefontaine — the runner who preceded him and whose James Dean persona has given him a cult-like following — Virgin is a down to earth, likable guy who developed his hearty Midwestern work ethic growing up on his family’s farm in southwestern Illinois. Could that be why he never has gotten the attention he deserves?

The three-time Olympian boasts PRs including a 13:19 5K, a 27:29 10K, and a 2:10:26 marathon (second at Boston in 1981).

“My approach wasn’t sophisticated," he told us. "I would just go out and run as hard as I could.”

Virgin is now 50 years old — yes, time spins by. Above, in St. Louis's Forest Park for a Sunday afternoon photo shoot and bike ride, he's bookended by Activeness's John and JPD.

Landis Wins California Tour

Phonak's Floyd Landis won the first Tour of California. Americans Dave Zabriskie, Bobby Julich, and George Hincapie finished 2-4.

Cyclingnews.com has a Tour of California photo on Route 1's famous Bixby Bridge.

Race Report: Olympiad Memorial Half-Marathon

February 26, 2006, Chesterfield, Missouri

It was dry and sunny but only in the low 20s for the start of the half-marathon and simultaneous 10K. Seemed like a low turnout, with definitely less than 200 total. I noticed that I hadn't seen many flyers leading up to the event and they went from going up to 7-deep in age group awards last year to now only giving hardware to the top 3 overall and top masters (40+ year-olds). "Budget cutbacks", I suppose.

As I looked around at the racers lining up, I couldn't help but notice that I didn't see many of the local elites. This could get interesting, I thought to myself.

We ran the usual route from the Snowball series — downhill at the start. Two or three guys went hard from the get-go, but it was pretty thin near the front. As we made our way to the 10K turnaround cone, we were all thinking the same thing, I'm sure. "Who is running 10K and who is running the half?" It's the question you are dying to ask but don't want to be the first one to say anything.

When I saw the two rabbits turn around at the cone, then two more, I was soon running straight past the 180 degree arrow on the road and into second place. Whoa! I took a look over my shoulder and two guys were right there. Not much later, I dropped my gel. I made a quick decision to go back for it, which put me into fourth, since those two were only yards behind at the time. I caught up with them and the three of us ran together for the next 5 miles. I held their pace for as long as I could, knowing it was my only chance at "making the podium." But at the water station around mile 8-9, one guy skipped water (the guy didn't take any the whole race!) and surged on us "hydrators." He opened a gap, the other guy closed it down, and I dropped back into 4th.

The last four miles were uneventful as I tried to keep a good pace and hoped for a little boost from my Espresso Hammer Gel. One more guy came by me to knock me down to 5th, which is where I finished the race.

Twenty-eight seconds slower than my PR and 1:11 behind the 3rd place finisher was a good result for me. I'll take it.

Racer X: False Hope

When Singleathletes.com sent me the profile of "Sportshottie", the title itself got my heart rate to rise slightly above my steady state of 47 bpm.

"I want a man who apperciates women and repects them for who they are," she proclaims. And furthermore, she indicates, "I'm live on my own and love it, independence is everyting to me."

"Apperciates" - I wonder if that is country grammar?
"Repects" - Is that like working your pectoral muscles on back-to-back days?
"I'm live on my own" - She is not on a ventilator to keep her alive.
"Everyting" - I'm having flashbacks to Schultz on Hogan's Heroes. I know nut-ting!

X-man wants to make something clear: I appreciate and respect femininas that are alive and independent. But there is just something about a woman who can spell that takes it to a whole new level.

Saturday Deactivations

JPD: Mandarin Orange double-caffeine PowerGel. I had one in my last race and it tasted like I was eating an orange peel. (I don't think you understand the commitment required to be a champion. I will take the extras off your hands. - John)

JPD: A co-worker gave me some protein bars that she couldn't stomach. After almost losing my lunch at masters, now I know why. Should I have been concerned that the bar was called "Nitro-Tech" and the flavor was "S'mores Sensation?" (You can keep the extras. - John)

John: Woman at the gym today wearing the "Got (hard) WOOD? (floors)" shirt. Obvious reasons.

Activating Jason McElwain

Seventeen-year-old Jason McElwain, team manager of the Greece (NY) Athena High School basketball team, is autistic and typically sits on the bench in shirt and tie during games. But in the team's final home game, he donned a uniform and poured in 20 POINTS IN THE LAST FOUR MINUTES. Amazing and inspiring. "I was really hotter than a pistol," he told the Associated Press. Watch the video from Rochester WROC-TV Ch. 8.

NBA 2006 Dunk Contest Highlights

Rookie Nate Robinson jumped over Spud Webb for one amazing slam and Andre Iguodala went behind his back for another. Let's go to the video.

Come Hungry, Leave Happy

One of the best defensive players coming out of the NFL draft wants to buy an IHOP restaurant after he signs that first big contract.

"The first house I buy will be the one with the blue roof on it that says 'IHOP.' It has been a dream of mine to own my own International House of Pancakes, and someday I will. Just last week I ate there five or six times, and about every time I got the same thing, pancakes and shrimp. It's a cool feeling to know that someday I'll get to eat at my IHOP whenever I want."

Hincapie Claims Lead in Tour of California

Big George won Stage 2 and leapfrogged ahead of Levi Leipheimer to take the lead of the Amgen Tour de California. Today's stage is a 17-mile time trial in San Jose. The ToC web site is a good one.

Activating Right To Play

Shani or Chad? Whatever. It's too bad their "Right To Whine" childish feud has diminished their impressive on-ice accomplishments.

Anyway, Joey Cheek looks like the hero of the bunch. By donating his U.S. winnings to Right To Play, the 26-year-old American speedskater has brought awareness to the non-profit organization, which establishes sports programs for children in impoverished countries. The $300,000 he helped raise by challenging other sponsors to match his donations will go to Right To Play programs in Chad for Sudanese refugees and to Zambia and other countries where Right To Play runs programs that teach lessons in HIV/AIDS prevention. "I don't know why more people don't do it," Cheek said. "I feel so great right now, and so happy. I think, when I look back, I'm going to be prouder of this than I am of winning a gold medal." Here's more on his story.

About 250 million children around the world are “Child Laborers,” employed in activities harmful to their healthy development, with little or no experience in the innocence of play. Right To Play believes “all children have a right to relax and play, and to join in a wide range of activities." Here's more info on Right To Play.

Running Injuries 101

STLToday.com has a rundown on how to treat various running injuries. Among the injuries listed that I’ve had over the past 20 years: black toenail (current), plantar fasciitis (nasty), IT band syndrome (gotta stretch that band), shin splints, and Achilles tendinitis. I experienced most of these injuries when I was younger. Cross-training, weights, light stretching, tips from Oprah, and just being smart about mileage all have helped. I made that up about Oprah.

Race Report: Frostbite Running Series #5, 15K (9.3 Miles)

February 11, 2006, Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri

On the Thursday two days prior to the Frostbite Series finale, I met Jason and Devin for nine miles of tempo running after work. I arrived late and it was cold. I hardly stretched or warmed up. That night and the next day my left calf hurt. By Friday evening I was pretty sure I would have to skip the race, which meant that if the other guys in my age group showed up and ran their normal pace, I would fall from 3rd place to 6th in the standings. Oh well, I thought to myself. I had four pretty good races and shouldn't risk injury, especially this early in the year. When I finally called it a night I decided to set the alarm, just in case.

I woke up once in the night and felt my calf muscle. Still a little tender. Very little chance of racing, go back to sleep. But when I woke up and stretched a little, it actually felt pretty good and so I decided to give it a shot, promising myself I'd bail if it started to hurt.

As a race official gave inaudbile instructions through the obligatory megaphone, he stated "we've found a key to a nice car." Gulp. I couldn't believe it. I had left my key at the number pick-up table. As I got my key and wondered where my head was, several of the 375 runners gave me a cheer as I raised the key as if I had just won the ultimate attendance prize.

Soon we were on our way in the cool, but not frigid, temps. I settled into a good pace and pulled up next to Roger as we started to chat. I finally asked him a question I had been meaning to ask him for a long time. As I spoke Flemish and he respounded in South Afrikaans, my question was answered. Cool! After about three miles, I dropped off the pace slightly.

Around mile five, Sam joined me after having won the three-mile race! He stayed with me for a few miles and then peeled off to run with another friend. Miles five through seven were probably the toughest and I could feel my calf whenever I really tried to push off with any extra effort. So, I just tried to keep my turnover and get to the finish. The last mile-and-a-half were a little better, and I gave a good push in the last 400 meters, finishing just behind two guys.

As I walked to the water cooler, I had to shake my head in disbelief that my leg had felt good enough to compete and turn in a reasonable time. I couldn't have asked for it to turn out any better given the circumstances. This feeling was verified as Todd (2nd place!) and I waited around for the awards and my name was mispronounced for 4th place in my age group for the series and realized I had held off the two guys breathing down my neck in the standings by a minute or so in the final race. Yes!

Activating Joey Cheek

The U.S. speedskater has a heart of gold. We'll be rooting for you in Tuesday's 1,500, Joey.

Deactivating U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report has a disturbing story advising young "up-and-comers" that it may pay off to train for triathlons — just in case "your CEO or some other high-level executive either runs triathlons or is about to discover them."

This reminds me of that Seinfeld episode when George refuses to eat the tainted pie: "If you're one of us, you'll take a bite." Substitute "eat this vanilla bean GU" for "take a bite" and, apparently, you have today's corporate lackey.

I hope we can keep business on the golf course and maintain triathlon as a sanctuary from all the corporate B.S., but I guess people are out there for their own reasons. I still have to believe the writer, Eileen P. Gunn, was just desperate for a fresh angle and that this isn't really happening. Is it...?

Activating Russell Davies

I love that a guy that would make this goofy Valentine's Day video (Quicktime, 4MB) for his wife is Nike's global brand director. Nike, you're OK. I forgive you for Bode Miller.

Zero Tolerance

Zero
Originally uploaded by jjactive2.

This feels like an indoor bike trainer day.

Another Fat Man Is Walking

Activeness reader Marshall points out that A Fat Man is walking. The overweight St. Louisan is walking across the country to lose weight, regain his health, and bring national attention to obesity. Get your daily dose of the big man on his web site. Note: A Fat Man Walking is in no way affiliated with The Fat Man Walking. Good luck to all the Fat Men Walking.

Heroes of 2005

Runner's World's 10 Heroes of Running in 2005.

Racer X: 100 Best First Lines (7-9)

Wherein Anonymous Racer X takes the 100 Best First Lines from Novels and turns each one into the opening of a really lame tri-blog post by an infuriatingly self-obsessed triathlete.

Today's installment: Opening Lines 7-9.
Previous installment (4-6).

7. riverrun, past Eve and Adam's, from swerve of shore to bend of bay, brings us by a commodius vicus of recirculation back to Howth Castle and Environs.
Just as history is a cycle bound to repeat, so too, is my triathlon periodization training plan. But, laddie, can it be possible to peak at Wildflower if I miss masters tonight to down Jamesons at that bastard Finnegan's wake?
—James Joyce, Finnegans Wake (1939)

8. It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.
I looked down at my watch perplexed, for there was no thirteen, and became sublimely thankful that I had purchased my own timing chip. Anyway, I knew Big Brother would rectify this bizarre race-timing snafu.
—George Orwell, 1984 (1949)

9. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.
And it was true: London was the site of my best marathon time, while Paris was home to my worst. In both cases, my postrace nap was a far, far better rest that I went to than I have ever known.
—Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities (1859)

Deactivating Fast Food Nation

"Attracted to Wendy's by its healthcare menu," the White House inexplicably arranged for President Bush to present a proposed new health plan from the headquarters lobby of fast-food chain Wendy's International. "Was the lobby of Philip Morris unavailable?" asked Michael F. Jacobson, master of sarcasm and executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Please don't spray me with buckshot for mentioning it, but I once read that every 33 seconds an American dies of heart disease.

JPD's Book Review: Chasing Lance by Martin Dugard

Rating: 3 water bottles (out of 4)

In this quick read, the author recounts his rental-car journey around France in the summer of 2005, tracking Lance's quest for his 7th straight Tour de France win.

Dugard does a nice job capturing the importance, or lack thereof, of each stage with some interesting French history lessons and Tour insight mixed in.

In the end, I felt the book was more about the author's personal journey to discover his own purpose or mission in life, rather than a true Lance-chase.

Although it wasn't my favorite "Lance book" of the three that I've read, I'd still put it in the worthwhile and good category.

John's Book Review: Chasing Lance by Martin Dugard

Rating: 2.5 water bottles (out of 4)

In Chasing Lance, Martin Dugard chases Lance across France during the 2005 Tour but doesn't quite capture him.

I first noticed Dugard last summer when I stumbled across his Tour blog, which would serve as the basis for this book. At the time I thought he was a talented writer for a blogger. I still think that, but in this book he doesn't quite put his blog posts together to form a cohesive whole. The book reads like a French travelogue peppered with some basic cycling commentary.

Dugard brings an endurance athlete's mindset, an obvious passion for cycling, a love of traveling through France, and a press credential. Though he seems to want to establish journalistic credibility by emphasizing that he's able to hang with well-known writers like Sports Illustrated's Rick Reilly and Austin Murphy, that credential doesn't gain Dugard much access to the riders. His interaction with Lance is mainly limited to a post-Tour phone call in which the seven-time Tour winner tells him what it feels like to be a retired cyclist: "I don't like to lie still and I don't like to be bored. A body at rest stays at rest." Yawn. If you want true insight into cycling and Lance, try Daniel Coyle's Lance Armstrong's War.

Though it felt shoehorned into the book, I liked Dugard's conclusion:

"What my pursuit of Lance had shown me was that life was to be lived to its fullest; that daily process of pushing forward, always forward, constantly exploring and expanding one's capabilities, was the great mandate."

So will you be responding to your own great mandate to live life to the fullest by taking the time to read this book? If you're a big fan of the Tour de France, then, yes, absolutely. If not, go fly a kite or discover an unexplored continent or something.

Twenty People Collapse While Running the Hong Kong Marathon

One of the runners has died. Of the 20 stricken runners, another is critically ill. The city was shrouded with smog when the race started. If they don't take major steps to clean it up soon, China's pollution problems are going to be the world's problems.

Syrup Swimming (Deserves a Quiet Night)

Perhaps sensing the winter apathy seeping into the Activeness headquarters building, long-time reader Anonymous Economist — who disputes our hypothesis that Adam Smith would’ve kicked Karl Marx’s butt in a long-course triathlon yet remains one of our favorite sporadic contributors despite being far too bright to hang around here — points us to this Nature.com story asserting that swimming in syrup is as easy as water:

"It's a question that has taxed generations of the finest minds in physics: do humans swim slower in syrup than in water? And since you ask, the answer's no. Scientists have filled a swimming pool with a syrupy mixture and proved it. … Speed depends not on what you swim in, but on what shape you are. Once the effects on thrust and friction have been cancelled out, the predominant force that remains is 'form drag'. This is due to the frontal area presented by a body - try running with a large newspaper held in front of you and see how much more difficult it is. … So the perfect swimmer, whether in water or syrup, has powerful muscles but a narrow frontal profile. 'The best swimmer should have the body of a snake and the arms of a gorilla.’”

I'll bring the waffles.

Anonymous Racer X: Hello, OnStar

This also appears in the February issue of SwimBikeRun St. Louis Magazine, banned by the International Olympic Committee as an illegal performance-enhancing publication.

OnStar: Hello, OnStar.
Racer X: I'm trying to get home but I just realized I passed my highway exit 10 miles ago!
OnStar: Are you drunk?
Racer X: No! I just rode my bike for six hours in Columbia and I'm toast. My brain is fried.
OnStar: Sir, did you hydrate well? Salt tabs? Sports drink? And gels and bars? WHAT WAS YOUR NUTRITION PLAN?
Racer X: Is that really important now? How do I get home?
OnStar: Sir, I'm showing that the gels and salt tabs never made it out of your backseat cooler.
Racer X: Please get me home, OnStar. Last time I was this late my girlfriend stuck a steak knife into my new Ironman Stealth Wetsuit!
OnStar: I'm dispatching a state trooper to administer some lemon-lime Accelerade and guide you home.
Racer X: Thank you, OnStar!
OnStar: I've also notified your tri club of your bonk. It's totally a newbie move.
Racer X: Damn you, OnStar!

Just Cut It Out

Steve Fossett, for continuing to set meaningless nonstop flight records that nobody cares about, you have been Deactivated. We get it: You're a Millionaire Adventurer. Now go do something that matters.

Race Report: Snowball Series 10-Miler

February 5, 2006, Chesterfield, Missouri

It was cold (in the 20s) and windy, but a bright sun was rising as runners gathered for the fifth and final race of the 2005-2006 Snowball Running Series. I had not signed up for the series and was only doing my second race out of the five in the "long" division. The "short" division competitors easily outnumbered us and headed in the opposite direction as we started down the hill.

After about three miles, the top 10 racers settled into a pace that spaced them out along the straightaway to the turnaround just over the bridge. I was in seventh, then sixth, then seventh again at the halfway point. A tailwind helped me keep my pace despite what felt like a frozen nostril.

I ate a gel at about 7.5 miles and tried to focus on the pavement ahead as my sunglasses fogged up. Up the hill and right into the parking lot, I heard Lui and Matt (third and fourth place) yell encouragement as I finished in a solid time and held on for seventh overall.

It was a good feeling to run a decent time and to score my first top 10 of 2006 on unrested legs and in cold conditions. It was a great way to kick off Super Sunday, knowing I'd be hanging with the Posse for the big game later in the day.

Scott Molina's Race Report

Former pro triathlete Scott Molina is still racing shirtless, drinking beer, and writing entertaining race reports down in New Zealand.

"I always make my kids cover up in the sun and use sunscreen whenever they're outside, but we crusty old lizard types who are about to die soon should be allowed a bit of pleasure from the sun. ... Truth be known, half the reason I do these silly events is just so I can eat and drink normally and not look like an old sea lion."

Activating Cagey in Camp Fallujah, Iraq

kgFallujahsign
Originally uploaded by jjactive2.

On Sunday morning I got annoyed because it was kind of cold — about 25 °F with a strong northwesterly wind — during my long run at the park. I had to wear three shirts and a pullover jacket along with a stocking cap and two pairs of gloves, my face went completely numb, and the GUs I was carrying didn’t quite freeze but did turn crunchy.

On Tuesday morning I got annoyed because my bike tire flatted — downstairs on my trainer. How does that happen? So I cut short my planned one-and-a-half-hour indoor ride at 50 minutes and added a 40-minute run on the local streets, dodging moms in SUVs and school buses along the way.

The active lifestyle full of annoying obstacles to overcome, I thought.

Then Sergeant Kevin G. — we’re not sure if he wants us to use his full name, so better safe than sorry — of the United States Marine Corps blasted me with some reality when he sent Activeness this email from Iraq:

Greetings,

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know that I really enjoy reading your Activeness blog. I read several blogs each day and yours is constantly the first one I read; it is also one of my favorites. I especially enjoyed your “Game Recognize Game” posting on February 7. I’m sending it to friends who I think would appreciate it.

By the way, if you don’t mind I’d like to add a link to your blog on mine. The site is www.cageys.blogspot.com.

Semper Fi,
Sgt Kxxx Gxxx

The sergeant currently is deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On February 25 he’ll start his return to the U.S. and to his home in North Carolina.

Among the “annoying” obstacles the sergeant has been overcoming while living and training in one of the world’s most dangerous combat zones are explosions from incoming rounds, ground-shaking eruptions from outgoing artillery, 12-to-14-hour work days, spartan 'gyms' that basically are tents with dusty weights and some cardio equipment, extreme heat and dust, the current rainy season and ankle-deep mud, and delivery trucks driven by third-country nationals who see Marines running as fair game for road kill.

Read for yourself at Cagey's Thoughts on the Go.

Cagey, you have been Activated. We’re extremely fortunate to have courageous men and women like you serving our country. And we’re amazed that you’re continuing your training while in Iraq. So keep your head down and stay safe until you get back to a place where the biggest training hazard is that brutal North Carolina summer heat.

- John, Jan, Racer X

St. Louis Marathon Training Tips

Activeness reader Todd “I Run With the Bulls” Lewis alerts us about a free information session at 7pm on Monday, February 20 for runners in the St. Louis area who are interested in tips for the Spirit of St. Louis Marathon, Half-Marathon, Marathon Relay, and 5K on April 8-9. Elite St. Louis runner Ben Rosario will give tips and answer questions at the REI store on 1703 South Brentwood Blvd. In Brentwood.

Space is limited. You can register at the store’s customer service department or call 314.918.1004.

As usual, Todd has been busy. Check out what he’s been up to and see his goals for 2006 over at his blog.

"He Pushes Himself Into Madness"

Daniel Coyle, author of the brilliant Lance Armstrong's War, wrote this lengthy New York Times article on Jure Robic, the Slovene cyclist and soldier who might be the world’s best ultra-endurance athlete.

"... He pulls out a DVD and prepares to reveal the unique talent that sets him apart from the rest of the world: his insanity."

A Big Minor Celebrity Wednesday

PEZ profiles bike racing actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar, otherwise known as Zach on the early-1990s TV series "Saved By The Bell."

"Mark-Paul got into bike racing a few years ago when he bought a road bike to burn calories and train within a specific heart rate as a way to stay fit, and as a safer release for his adrenaline than racing motocross. ... He’s married with one child and another due in May, so his training schedule is similar to the rest of us working dads – 3-6 hours on the bike each week. He races for Team VeloWorx as a cat 4 in SoCal."

Runner's World has a feature on 42-year-old actor Tate Donovan, a runner and a triathlete. On his most challenging triathlon to date:

"The hardest one was one called the Wildflower Triathlon, which is just so hilly you would not believe it. It's in California and it's a 56-mile bike ride; it's just straight up and down these hills. Then the run is 13.1 miles, and it is just these trails. It's pretty much known as the toughest half Ironman there is. What made this specifically terrible was that I was shooting the movie 'Good Night and Good Luck'; it's a great movie and you should see it if you haven't. I play a character who's a chain smoker. All those newsmen smoked like demons. So I'd spend all day on the set smoking cigarettes, and I am not a smoker, and I can't bear smoking, and then I'd go out for these long runs. It was just brutal."

Look at Thor Hushovd's Sweet Bike

Look
Originally uploaded by jjactive2.

2006 Tour de France green jersey winner Thor Hushovd has a sweet new Look 585. Plus he's really good at hooking up with chicks and like the only guy at school who has a mustache. (movie reference)

Activations: “Game Recognize Game”

This column originally appeared in the February issue of SwimBikeRun St. Louis Magazine, the first publication to break the story of the Armstrong-Crow split.

Activation – noun: making active and effective

If you’re a hip-hop fan, you may be familiar with the expression, “Game recognize game.” At the risk of sounding like Tipper Gore explaining the ins and outs of explicit rap lyrics, the concept is this: If you “have game,” it means you’re proficient or skilled in something. And this means you’re more inclined to recognize others that have game. One can have game in a sport, skill, career, or judgment — just about anything.

Game is measured by your results, knowledge, commitment, improvement, contributions, and attitude. Recognition crosses fields. A molecular biologist can recognize a talented writer. Despite not being avid athletes, my parents — accomplished and well-respected in their professions — acknowledge the commitment I’ve made to sports and the active lifestyle.

Even in today’s impersonal, disposable world, you can find a well-designed product, a valuable service, or an employee who takes pride in doing the best possible job. That is game and it deserves to be recognized.

So what does this have to do with sport?

“Game recognize game” is the nod you give to the other runners on the trail, regardless of their speed. It’s the hand you raise off the bars to acknowledge the rider headed in the opposite direction. It’s the mutual understanding that shaved legs and a Speedo don’t make you a freak. It’s the encouraging words you give and receive during a race, from 5K to Ironman. These are the secret handshakes of the active lifestyle brotherhood and sisterhood that you’re likely part of if you’re reading this publication.

If your favorite Monsignor asks if you’ve considered the priesthood, you have game. If you honk at cyclists and give them the finger because you were forced to slow down for a moment, you have absolutely no game. And you probably have other issues.

If you’re invited to be on a committee, your review is requested, or a friend asks your opinion – these are signs you have it. That’s great, but it’s even more important to respect it in others. It needs to be given, too.

Whether it’s to the last-place finisher — new to the game but committed and improving — or to the elites who are in the hunt for the podium, we need to show our appreciation of our racing peers.

We all know how good it feels when someone we admire pays us a compliment or respects our effort. If you have game, you better recognize game.

Respect,
JPD

Best. Ad. Ever?

In honor of the Super Bowl, here's Terry Tate, Office Linebacker. (Thanks, L!)

If It Makes You Unhappy, Split

SherylLance
Originally uploaded by jjactive2.

Lance Armstrong and Sheryl Crow announced their breakup. The articles quotes Lance's past answer of what drew the two together: "She's hot," Lance said. "I saw that." Whoa that's deep, man. I wonder if he gains possession of all her little yellow bracelets? Word is the heartbroken Sheryl is wearing the "mask of pain." As Phil Liggett might also say, "He's crazy. He's always been crazy. And what on EARTH is he doing?"

Racer X: 100 Best First Lines (4-6)

Wherein Anonymous Racer X takes the 100 Best First Lines from Novels and turns each one into the opening of a really lame tri-blog post by an infuriatingly self-obsessed triathlete.

Today's installment: Lines 4-6.
Previous installments.

4. Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice.
"Papa, when global warming takes effect and this icecap melts, this lake would be muy bueno for an Oly distance triathlon swim," he remembered saying. Now, as the executioners took aim, the Colonel couldn't help but wonder if the smallish lake actually had been better-suited for a sprint.
—Gabriel García Márquez, One Hundred Years of Solitude (1967; trans. Gregory Rabassa)

5. Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins.
Please apply this Body Glide liberally to prevent chafing of your inner thighs during your long run, my darling.
—Vladimir Nabokov, Lolita (1955)

6. Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.
Yet ours surely would be a happier family if Uncle Sasha simply would admit he is lying about his marathon PR.
—Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina
(1877; trans. Constance Garnett)

Peter Reid Wants to Be a Superstar

Peter Reid is gearing up for a full season of racing in 2006. Reid wants to continue improving his marathon time:

“I’ve always said real men run under 2:50, superstars run under 2:45. If I run under 2:45 in Kona next year, you will see a grin from ear to ear. I want to be a superstar.”

Racer X: 100 Best First Lines (1-3)

Wherein Anonymous Racer X takes the 100 Best First Lines from Novels and turns each one into the opening of a really lame tri-blog post by an infuriatingly self-obsessed triathlete.

Today's installment: Lines 1-3.

1. Call me Ishmael.
But just don't ever, ever call me late for the Tuesday night group ride. Anyway, my name is Ezra.
—Herman Melville, Moby-Dick (1851)

2. It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.
And it is a truth slightly less universally acknowledged, but no less absolute, that a single man in possession of a large lump of cash is in even more want of a sweet tri bike with racing wheels that cost more than his first car. Get those and the wife will follow.
—Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice (1813)

3. A screaming comes across the sky.
Even from all the way across the track, the familiar sound of that shriek tells me Ty has suffered yet another pulled hammie.
—Thomas Pynchon, Gravity's Rainbow (1973)

Pray to Google

Google is selling the video of the game in which Kobe Bryant scored 81 points. I didn't know Google sold videos. What can't Google do? Maybe nothing.

Event Announcement: "The Bonk Hard Chill" Adventure Race

Activeness reader Todd alerts us to a unique upcoming endurance event in Lake of the Ozarks (mid-Missouri) on February 11.

No, The Bonk Hard Chill is not the name of a metal rap group, but rather a potentially frigid adventure race entailing "Up to 18 hours of continuous mountain biking, paddling, running, trekking and orienteering" for two-person teams.

The event web site asks, "Can you handle the elements? The cold? Do you have what it takes to finish?" Get more info on how to "get your chill on."

Water, Water Everywhere

IT interactive editor Jeff Henderson is training for Ironman New Zealand through one of the wettest winters anyone can remember in Portland. Thirty days of rain in the past 31 days?

ESPN.com Parody

The folks at Cracked.com nailed it in this ESPN.com takeoff. Headline: "Detroit Native Jerome 'From Detroit' Bettis to Play Super Bowl in Detroit (His Hometown)"

Nike's Awake

AC/DC provides the soundtrack as athletes rise to the occasion. Put on your headphones and crank it up.

He’s a St. Louis Runner: Martin Kilcoyne

Martin
Originally uploaded by jjactive2.

Martin Kilcoyne
Sports Director — KTVI FOX 2
Co-host — KFNS 590 AM “The Morning Grind”

This interview also appears in the February 2006 issue of SwimBikeRun St. Louis Magazine, the official swim-bike-run publication of Super Bowl XL.

Martin Kilcoyne doesn’t have time for this interview. He should be attending a game, watching a game on TV, reading about a game, thinking about a game, or talking about a game. This guy’s got game.

Monday through Friday, Kilcoyne rises at 5:30 AM to co-host The Morning Grind sports talk radio show from 7:00–10:00 AM on KFNS 590 AM. Sunday through Thursday evenings, he delivers the sports news into your living room as KTVI FOX 2’s lead sports anchor.

The 37-year-old Kilcoyne, who grew up in St. Louis idolizing Jack Buck and Bob Costas and graduated from CBC High School and Marquette University, returned to work in his hometown in 1997 after spending six years eating ramen noodles and honing his broadcasting skills in Flagstaff, Ariz.; Rhinelander, Wis.; and Madison, Wis.

Though he works 60-hour weeks between his TV and radio jobs, Kilcoyne manages to squeeze in about 15-20 miles of running each week — usually at about an 8:30-9:00-minute-mile pace — in addition to doing 2-3 sessions in the weight room. We talked about his running regimen while watching an AFC playoff game.

JOHN: Why do you run, Martin?
MARTIN: I’ve been running from commitment my whole life.

Besides that?
I like the solitude. During a run I’ll think about things I need to get done that day or week — I review the mental checklist. Sometimes I think about what I’m trying to accomplish in my life. I like the metaphor of chasing something. You might run faster because you’re trying to get there as quickly as possible.

I love that feeling of finishing. If I was tired when I started, I usually feel more awake after the run.

How do you motivate yourself?
I heard that Oprah runs fives miles a day. And I know she ran a marathon. So when I’m feeling under-motivated, I think of Oprah and the phrase, “You’ve got to be kidding,” comes to mind. Then when I finish running I read my latest selection from Oprah’s Book Club and hope it’s not riddled with lies.

Do you have any fitness-related New Year’s resolutions?
Sure, and they’re easy to remember because they’re always the same: Give up sweets, drink less beer, and work out more.

You’re a big guy.
That’s why people often scoff when I tell them I run. I’m 6’-3” and about 30 pounds more than I want to be. Let’s call it 200 plus-plus.

Do you ever run while you’re traveling with the Cardinals or Rams?
Absolutely. I throw my running stuff into my bag with my iPod and all my media guides.

I’ve had conversations with Rams coaches while we were each on a hotel treadmill. During the 2002 National League Championship Series, I ran into Cardinals General Manager Walt Jocketty on the street in San Francisco. He indicated he was somewhat surprised to see me running.

Where are your favorite places to run?
In St. Louis, Forest Park is the clear choice. It’s a nice path and you never know who you’ll see. [Blues President] Mark Sauer almost fell off his bike when he saw me running there one day.

I like running in San Francisco and Chicago because you can go along the water. With Lake Michigan right there, Milwaukee is underrated. San Diego has great scenery. Last year I ran along the Galway Bay in Ireland.

What’s on your iPod?
Not to go Kevin Spacey on you, but The Who is great for running. I’ve been listening to lots of U2 since their concert in St. Louis. You need songs with an edge. No pun intended.

What’s the longest run you’ve finished?
Back in 1998 I ran about nine miles. I was living in Clayton at the time, so I started at my apartment and ran to Forest Park to do the six-mile loop. And then back home. These days my long run is that Forest Park loop. My goal is to one day run a half marathon.

How do you feel about running on a treadmill?
I do it when the weather is bad or if I want to fit in a run at the Y before or after a weights workout. But I try not to. Life’s enough of a treadmill, don’t you think?

I think that’s very existential. So you lift weights?
Pretty regularly for the last seven or eight years. When you have a job covering pro athletes, it does give you a bit more credibility if you’re at least mildly in shape.

When do you have time to run?
On a typical day — if there is such a thing — with no special events and no breaking sports news, I usually leave the radio station by 10:15 AM and get to Channel 2 by 2:00 PM. In theory I have a few hours in there to work out, nap, and eat.

In the summer I like running late at night to avoid the heat. The great thing about running in St. Louis Hills is you can run around Francis Park at 11:00 PM without feeling like Dustin Hoffman in Marathon Man. I’ve never admitted this publicly, but I used to have an irrational fear that someone would grab me while I was running at night and drill holes in my teeth.

That’s the most obscure film reference uttered in the short history of this magazine.
Thanks. That’s what I do.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen while running?
Last fall I saw two guys dressed in medieval garb stick fighting in Forest Park, at the edge of the woods along the Skinker hill. To me, seeing jousters on a Tuesday afternoon in the city of St. Louis qualifies as strange.

What’s the most interesting race you’ve run?
I ran a 5K with some other quasi-celebrities at Fairmount Park one summer night a few years ago. The only thing harder than running in St. Louis heat is running in loose dirt on a racehorse track. That one had both.

I finished the 1997 St. Louis Marathon. I ran the last six miles with my cousin. I remember spectators thinking I was running the whole race offering me water and yelling things like, “Keep it going, big man!” I didn’t look very good.

Is there anything you don’t you like about running?
I’ve done a few road races and these expert runners have shown up and run the course beforehand for giggles. That’s annoying.

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made involving running?
After watching Rocky when I was a kid, I drank a couple of raw eggs and went for a run. I got an upset stomach.

Where do you buy your running gear?
Fleet Feet in St. Peters is fairly close to Rams Park, so I try to pop in there when I’m out doing something on the Rams. They do a nice job with customer service.

Who would win in a race: You or Channel 4’s Steve Savard?
I’m quite certain Savard could bench press me 20 times but I would outlast him in an endurance run.

How about a race involving your radio partners on The Morning Grind: Jim “The Cat” Hayes and Tim McKernan?
The Cat would choose not to run. T-Mac would stop midway through to smoke a dart.

Who would you like to run with?
Bill Clinton. We’d meet some women and end up at McDonald’s.

You’re a sportscaster: Who’s your favorite runner?
Can I still say Alberto Salazar? I remember he was on the cover of Sports Illustrated for winning the New York Marathon in the early 1980s.

Other than that, I really liked that kid from Meatballs. Bill Murray called him a “wascally wabbit.”

What's a bigger honor: Your Riverfront Times award as "Best AM Radio Personality" or being featured as a St. Louis runner in this publication?
Tied for first.