Indy 500 The Famous Phil Giebler

You've all heard about my famous friend, Val Ritchie, the super triathlete, basketball star, pork ribs BBQ-er, well now you're gonna hear about her nephew Phil Giebler. He's been racing cars for many years, has gone to Europe to race those Gran Prix type courses... Has been hoping for a break through into the big time.... well today he qualified for the 91st Indy 500 which will be held next weekend.

He had to hang on and do it on Bump Day.. We are learning new things. Trying to get the Indy lingo down.
He was 2 turns on the track away from qualifying yesterday but ....... yes, he hit the wall and crashed. Which is definitely not what one wants to see. Esp. when you "know" the driver, and his relatives. But I guess he's a super driver because he hung tight, bumped it against some other wall, and didn't destroy the car or himself. They got it repaired and he took care of business today. Had to go 4 laps, faster than the slowest guy yesterday. And hope no one else did it even slightly faster.

Just before he went off on practice laps the camera caught him and he gave a nice wave to all his west coast fans. I think I saw him mouth "Hi Phil & Genevieve" (grandparents) And I know he promises to never hit the wall again. Big sigh of relief.

All we can say is YAHOO !! for PHIL !!



Phil in his helmet.


Phil shaking hands with a teammate. some French guy (gee ? )





And for your statistical pleasure:

INDIANAPOLIS 500 BUMP DAY QUALIFYING CHRONOLOGY (cont.):
3:42 p.m.
#31
PHIL GIEBLER/Oxnard, Calif.
Ethos Fuel Reformulator - P/H/F
QA-1 (QE-2)
1 – 40.8709 – 220.206
Q – 50
2 – 40.9237 – 219.921
3 – 41.0480 – 219.256
4 – 41.0645 – 219.167
T 2:43.9071 – 219.637
#31 Giebler bumps #18 Kite from field.

And the play by play, from the indycar.com website:

Activity today by Playa Del Racing to prepare the #31 Panoz/Honda/Firestone that Phil Giebler qualified for the 91st Indianapolis 500:
Time
Action
1:22 p.m.
Car is rolled on pit lane.
1:27 p.m.
Giebler straps into car.
1:32 p.m.
Team removes engine cover to make adjustments.
1:47 p.m.
Engine fires, Giebler begins practice lap.
1:48 p.m.
Car returns to pit.
1:51 p.m.
Team removes engine cover for inspection, reattaches cover.
2:04 p.m.
Giebler begins practice laps.
2:07 p.m.
Car returns to pit.
2:09 p.m.
Team removes engine cover for inspection, reattaches cover.
2:16 p.m.
Giebler begins practice laps.
2:21 p.m.
Car returns to pit.
2:35 p.m.
Giebler climbs from car while Richie Hearn makes qualifying attempt. Sits on pit wall.
2:48 p.m.
Giebler returns to car.
2:54 p.m.
Giebler returns to track for practice.
3 p.m.
Car returns to pit.
3:09 p.m.
Giebler returns to track for practice.
3:14 p.m.
Car returns to pit.
3:32 p.m.
Car pushed to tech rack for technical inspection.
3:39 p.m.
Giebler strapped into car for qualification attempt.
3:42 p.m.
Engine fired. Team manager Mark Weida shakes Giebler's hand, taps top of his helmet. Giebler begins qualifying attempt.

Training recap for the week

In case you're interested.

Last Saturday I ran with the group on the Snoqualmie Valley Trail. A slight incline the whole 11 miles. and for fun I kept up with Ty for 8 of them.. At her blistering 9:00 pace. Fortunately I was able to drop down to a more humane pace for the last 3 miles.

Tuesday night we joined the group for a FUN workout. After a short warmup (it was 80 degrees out at 6:00pm) we did 3 mile repeats on a tough/hilly course in Lower Woodland Park. A route I studiously avoid on my normal running days. AGGGHHHH it was hard ! Gina's foot was feeling good so she joined in on all the fun.

I did a 7:52, 8:12, and 8:22...... oh and the goal was to run them all at same effort/time. That didn't work out so well. My chest was burning.

The big problem with a 6pm workout is that it TOTALLY INTERFERES WITH THE COCKTAIL HOUR .

Wed. I went to the pool for 30:00 of lap swimming. A minor miracle in that I had the lane to myself for most of the time. At first some guy was thrashing around. Hard to tell when/if he was doing backstroke or crawl. I think he was flipping. But jeez, minor tsunami each time we passed each other. But then he was gone !

Saturday morning I'll go join the group up at Tiger Mt. for 12 miles (6 mile loop twice).
Check out the warnings that Coach Lesley puts on the workout agenda. Cracks me up. But really, why leave the city???

Cougar
If you come across a cougar, stay calm and keep your eye on it. Back away slowly, making yourself as large as possible (hold arms over head). Don’t run or turn your back. If the cougar follows or comes toward you, respond aggressively. Make eye contact and make loud noises. Grab sticks or rocks for weapons, but try not to crouch too low when picking them up. If the cougar attacks, fight back. Make sure you keep the animal in front of you and convince it that you are a threat rather than prey. Use anything you can get your hands on as a weapon and go for the face and eyes.

Bear
If you come across a bear, keep it in view, but don’t make eye contact. Back away slowly, don’t run unless you know you can get away (which is unlikely since bear run as fast as a horse and can climb trees). If the bear follows you, drop a bag or piece of equipment to distract it (only drop food as a last resort) and continue to back away slowly. If the bear goes to its hind legs it is trying to scent (identify) you – talk softly and keep backing away (always keep the bear in sight). If the bear gets aggressive (including jaw snapping, head lowering, ear flattening, woofing sounds or growling), try to determine its intent. The bear may be acting defensively if you’ve startled it or if it is protecting cubs or food. Waving your arms and talking in low tones while backing away may help the bear identify you. Sometimes a bear will bluff its way out of a situation by charging and veering at the last moment.

If the bear is not bluffing and shows predatory behavior such as following, showing interest and unprovoked attacks, you have to change your approach. Always fight back - jump up and down waving your arms and yelling. Try to look as big as possible, and never play dead (it makes you easier prey). Black bears can climb trees so stay on the ground.

The Running Fun

The 2007 running of the Breakheart Classic 6K race was the highlight of the weekend. Apologies to Katie & Will, and the birthday gal. Gina and I felt that the race was just a terrific way to bond with my siblings and nieces and nephews. I was so glad they all decided to join their crazy aunts.

Kristoffer actually trained, by Google Earth-ing a 6K route around his neighborhood. Although when asked if this running business might become a routine, he said "not so much".

Aileen chalked this up as her PR for a 6K.

Trish drank a few of those "gatorades" (well, it was a lime flavored beverage) that were served at the Cinco de Mayo rehearsal dinner and still showed up. She and Larry were spotted in the hotel gym stretching prior to the race. I now know they were probably just limbering up for the evening dance performance.

Tara ran her guts out. 9:00 pace. and with stomach cramps. Awesome !! And recent report from Croton Middle School is she ran the fastest mile for girls in 5th grade in 7:27. Aunt Ann has competition. I love it !

Patty led the cadence chanting uniformed gang all the way to the finish line. And looked good doing it.. Esp. since we now know she was infected with the ehrlichiosis bug.... some version of lyme disease. The race must have put a little oomph into Patty's muscles cuz she was spotted (unfortunately not on camera) doing the splits on the dance floor later that evening.

Attached are some photos taken by the supportive siblings, Joan, Catherine and JimHogan.



Patty must be running fast, check out the hair !


Trish with the pre-race stretch.. the bandana was a nice touch.


Most runners lean forward at the finish line...duh.
And there's fotog Joan in the background.


here's how the new watch works.


We are the buffest, baddest team in this race.



Showing a little leg for the camera.


Aileen cruises in. (Not a penguin joke in site.)



Is that a movie star watching the race? why, yes it is.



Kris breathing down my neck at the finish.


Larry passed that guy like he was standing still.

My Junior Assistant Kyle

As the official wedding blogger, I found myself inundated with responsibilities (eating, dancing, drinking, checking the Mariner score, sitting, drinking, dancing)

So I hired a junior assistant to help out in the photography department. Kyle McHugh, age 6, stepped into the void and did an excellent job. Kyle also celebrated his birthday on May 4. So I find myself wondering is he 6 ? or is he 7?

Here is some of his work. Others are on previous posts.

Will's dad and Ellen

Will's dad

Now I have a bit of explanation for the next 2 photos. Aileen thought that Kyle would lower the camera accidentally just as he pushed the button. Or it might just be his height. But it does seem odd that the only 2 photos of someone's chest were 2 gals with ..... Well, maybe no explanation is necessary.

Onward.

The Hogans

Maybe a little too "up close and personal"

but we can tell who the only one to get braces in the family is.

Snap it Kyle, snap it, push the button, push.... too late Gina looked away.

Thanks for the help Kyle. The check is in the mail.

The Birthday Girl

Everybody wants to get in a shot with the 80 year old gal.


Oops, wrong photo.


Tara sitting close to the main event. Possibility of more cake.


Catherine sucking up... I mean reading a very touching poem.


Ann spent hours baking the cake, and making sure it made it thru security at the airport.


Look, a photo of Aileen with no penguins in site.


Maureen and Jim paid extra to sit at the big whigs table.


Ann holding on to what has to be the only glass of water she had all weekend.


What world famous principal is hiding behind those Foster Grants?
oh, yeah, the eldest daughter of the grande dame. Excellent birthday toast, by the way. (thanks)

Good kids gone wild

Fish face


Kris at his new favorite boutique.
(check out the website)


What ever happened to that shy Kris, who read books and did puzzles?
(photo by Kyle)


This is a "wild" photo of Kyle, if only because of the serenity he exhibits.


Ah, the pretty niece, who can get away with wearing a jeans jacket at a wedding. If her Aunt Ann ever tried that, well let's just say she knew better.

The Younger Generation

Amanda & Matt, looking totally concerned about the whereabouts of Tess and Val.
photo by Kyle.


The baby Mac's




Next year's Dancing with the Stars star, and the calmest bride in history.
(or at least in historic Salem)


My Special K's.


The comedic writer and the penguin-ologist



Tess and Val. Thanks to technology I was able to crop out grandpa and grandma, to whom these kids seem permanently attached.

The Real V.I.P.'s

Did I tell you how much beer Ann drank at MY wedding?


The Hogans, stepping out.



Yes, my cords and polo are old but still casually stylish.



In a reversal of roles, the fern hides behind the guys.


Maureen wonders if she pulls the fire alarm will Ernie show up?

The V.I.P. ' s

Dad, remind me again why we invited that blogging sister of yours?


Will is new to the family, he obviously doesn't know that all of Aunt Ann's jokes are FUNNY.



Let the tears begin.



B.O.B. and M.O.B


Aunt Patty gave a heartfelt toast. And brother Larry, well let's just say this photo does not show off his true dancing skills. I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE VIDEO.