Now What ?

The post Olympic blues have set in. We watched the closing ceremonies this morning. OK, truth be told, the opening and closing ceremonies are not my favorite. Too much symbolism, that even the announcers sound iffy about as they read their notes. But at least it gave us something to watch as we pedalled the bikes for an hour.

How great was it that an Italian won the cross country ski marathon? and we got to hear that anthem again? and again? I love the 2nd part where they start singing "meatball, spaghetti, fettucine, frommaggio, pizza pizza pizza" Well, that's what I sang.

And any show that has the "Rotari, wh-oh oh oh" song is ok with me.

But, HEY !! how about our guy Apolo Anton Ohno ?? Trust the Seattle-ite to at least try during his event. (and that's my last Bode slam, for you WWF fans).
He is totally cool. And I'm sending Gina down to his dad's salon for a hair cut this week.

Clara Hughes is our new favorite Canadian. Her interviews were so great. A marked contrast listening to her and oh, say, any 16 year old ice skater or snowboarder...."awesome, like" Of course, she's an ancient and mature 32 years old.

I got word back from Brian Williams (the canadian one) that it was a kid named Jonathon Han, who sang that New Foundland anthem, on Hockey Day in Canada. Which begs the question... which day ISN'T Hockey Day in Canada?

Say, did I mention our long run on Saturday? 13 miles. It went ok, a bit tough at the end, and the foot was quite sore afterwards. So much so that I sent word to the coach that Boston is off the schedule. But this morning it was fine. So I sent word to the coach that Boston is back on the schedule. Who knows??? My emotions have spent more time in motion than my body. Way UP then way down.

Just wanted to remind you all that this a running blog.

Winter Wonder Land

Now I really feel like I'm particpating in the Olympics. We were once again blanketed by snow. I'm pretty sure there was a centimeter of snow. (in my olympic canadianism I go metric)

Well, today I was moved to tears. The Canadian men won gold in curling, as I'm sure you've heard. At the post game ceremony some kid sang a very moving version of New Foundland's anthem. Of course, not having heard it before, it's probably just a a very moving sort of song but...

And it begs the question.... do all the provinces have their own anthem? I guess there's "Alberta Bound". I'm not sure if there is a Washington state anthem. I don't think you can count "The Bluest Skies you Ever Saw Are in Seattle". What about other states? "California Dreamin", oh, but I'm sure some of you could come up with a better song for California.

My Czech heritage was showing as I screamed for Ms. Neumannova to win the 30K cross country ski event. Her name also is easier to say than Ms. Tchepalova or Ms. Kowalczyk.. And her name reminds me of a favorite Seinfeld line, "Newman !"

Who'd a thunk ?

Breaking news.... Just in case you get all your Olympic info from NBC, there is (was) (where do you live?) a Japanese woman in the ice skating competition. Oh, and by the way, she (Arakawa) WON GOLD !

Actually, the headline should be " Uh, Oh, Canada". Hey, the guys aren't in the hockey medal hunt, but their curling team, from New Foundland, where schools are closed to watch the game, throw the rocks for gold tomorrow. Good luck to them. I'm guessing Wayne and Janet have placed their bets already. sorry, low blow.

And of course, we're rooting for the USA guys who are playing for the bronze broom.

Really, we anxiously await Apolo Ohno's races.

But we are already feeling the slowdown of games.. next week will be tough. We'll just have to soldier on. Or some such saying.

Rush to judgement

OK, I've re-thought one of my earlier Olympic lessons. Now I'm thinking old Chad Hedrick is a bit of a jerk. Shani had good reasons for not skating in the team pursuit, and Chad just can't get over it. Could it be it's because he's from that red state Texas? Sorry, Shani. Move on, Chad.

The Olympic gold medal in the sport of Home Show wandering goes to.............. it's a tie. Co-winners, Ann and Gina !!! Do you know how many gas insert/fireplace booths there can be? Almost as many as the hot tub displays.. which are huge and make the overall square footage of the show almost marathon-ish. But it was a useful trip. I'm sure we learned information that we'll use sometime during the next (and last ?) remodel here at Green Lake.

Tomorrow's sport is to see how fast we can recycle all the brochures that we were handed.

FYI, we are already planning on attending the 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler, BC. I must start looking for a condo to rent.

Answer to the Skater Uniform Question

An astute Blog reader has asked about those little patches on the inner thigh of the speed skaters. She's is an astute Olympics watcher. OK, she's also an astute elementary school principal, and AKA, my sister Joan.

For the answer please read the following information (I lifted it from some ISU website) (Internat'l Skating Union, duh...)


Introduction
All participants in Short Track Speed Skating know and understand that the sport
involves risks and danger of injuries, including cuts and puncture wounds, particularly
those resulting from a collision or fall. ISU Members must instruct all participants to
respect safety measures required to minimize such risks and dangers. In particular,
Members and participants must observe all ISU initiated safety measures, including those
stated in Rules 280 and 295 and in this and other Communications.
The ISU has commissioned a study of fabric standards for competition clothing/uniforms
for Short Track Speed Skating including a medical assessment. The study identified the
special areas of risk as those shaded in the drawing below. These include the neck, groin,
axillar region, gluteal region, lower arms, hands, back and front of the knees. At a
minimum, all of the areas specified in the figure below are to be protected by the cutresistant
fabric specified in this Communication
Areas of risk
2
In order to determine the suitability of competition clothing/uniforms materials for Short
Track Speed Skating, tests were carried out to simulate the effect of extreme falls and
determine the quality of materials. Through statistical and error analyses, the results from
these tests have been correlated with test results using the same materials under
international standard EN388 (this widely recognized standard will be familiar to clothing
manufacturers). Using the test data, an equation has been determined which makes it
possible to test a material according to standard EN388, and then calculate its suitability
for Short Track Speed Skating.

Cut Resistant Clothing
No limitations will be imposed on the manufacture of protective competition
clothing/uniforms other than, at a minimum, the material must comply with Standard
EN388. A close study of the implementation process, the world wide availability of cut
resistant clothing/uniforms and practical experiences has resulted in a reconsideration of
the requirements. The cut resistant material used in protective clothing according to this
ISU Communication must meet as a minimum requirement the Level 2 Standard
according to EN388 in a cut resistance test (resistance to cutting by sharp objects). Cut
resistant protection may be either integrated in the actual competition uniforms, or be
worn as special underwear.
To ensure consistency in the testing of the fabrics used, the manufacturers of cut resistant
clothing/uniforms are strongly recommended to have samples of their fabric tested at
SATRA Quality Assurance, Ltd., SATRA House, Rockingham Road, Kettering,
Northamptonshire NN16 9JH, Great Britain, fax no +44/1536 410 626.
The report commissioned by the ISU on the cut resistant study is available free of charge
for ISU Members from the ISU Secretariat. For manufacturers and other third parties, the
report is available at cost of mailing. Details of the Standard EN388 are available through
every national standardization institute or can be ordered from SATRA Quality
Assurance Ltd.

Application and Control
According to Rule 295, paragraph 2, of the Special Regulations for Short Track Speed
Skating, each Skater is solely responsible that his/her personal equipment meets the
highest safety criteria in order to obtain the utmost safety for the Skaters. ISU Members
are herewith requested to ensure that all Skaters entering international Short Track Speed
Skating competitions shall respect the above-mentioned Rule and the requirement of this
Communication for their competition clothing/uniforms as soon as possible, but at the
latest as of July 25, 2004.
ISU Members are requested to ensure that their competition clothing/uniform
manufacturers label their products stating that the cut resistant fabrics used meet the
criteria of Level 2 Standard according to EN388, and/or provide documents that confirm
the requirements of the cut resistant fabric. Such document must be in English, duly dated
and signed by the manufacturer and it must be provided upon request before the
competition clothing/uniforms will be considered acceptable.
3
The ISU may carry out random controls on the use of the required cut resistant
competition clothing/uniforms. Skaters must be able to present proper documentation
about the uniforms and the materials used. Non-compliance with the requirement at ISU
Events after July 25, 2004 will result in an immediate exclusion of the skater(s) from the
respective ISU Event or Olympic Winter Games.

Safety Measures
Obviously, the safety program respecting cut-resistant uniform material, together with all
the other safety measures specified in the ISU Rules, cannot absolutely assure full
protection for all competitors under all conditions. Experience demonstrates that stumbles
and falls occur in this high-speed ice sport. All ISU Members and their clubs, coaches and
officials who conduct training programs are admonished to teach safe skating techniques
during training and to insist upon compliance by their competitors with ISU rules during
competitions.
Milan, Ottavio Cinquanta, President
June 28, 2004
Lausanne, Fredi Schmid, General Secretary

WOW, talk about BLAHHH-G
But now you know, these folks aren't just strapping on skates and speeding circles around the rink. There is big technology involved. There was an article about a Canadian skater and the cuts he suffered from some blade.. But it brought flashbacks of my weed whacker accident and I had to stop reading. If I could find the photos, I'd share , but....

Now, if one of you loyal blog readers could inform us of just what the axillar region is, I'm sure it'd be appreciated.

Olympic Lessons

Well, I guess we've all learned a little lesson about Show boating, now haven't we? Thanks to Lindsey Jacobellis for that.

Or how about the old "don't count your chickens before they're hatched" . Thanks to US women's hockey for that.

Or how about "never underestimate your opponent". Thanks to Canada men's hockey for that.

Or how about "there's no I in team speedskating" oh wait, there is an I... Thanks to Shani Davis for that.

Or the famous "always double check your bus schedule so you won't be late for your Olympic competition". Thanks to Johnny Weir(d) for that.

OK, OK, enough of this.
We are waiting for the temps to rise above 30 F here before going out for our run. Might not go until next week.

Dude !

Forget that lame (or should I say gold lame ?) figger skating. Snow board Cross is the COOLEST. Gina just read an article that says "cool" is still in. Gnarly is not. What a fun looking race.

I see our guy Weir(d) crashed and burned out of the medals. Figgers.

Tonight we had a bike fitting. Some PT guy who knows all about bikes got us set up with correct seat / handle bar settings. And got the cleats on our new bike shoes set correctly. We are now officially bike geeks. Shorts (diapers) and all. We should be pedalling much more efficiently now.

Now I must get back to more SnowboardX.

Ligety split !!

Ted Ligety wins the Combined Downhill event! Bode boy is struggling, but I guess that doesn't mean he isn't meeting his "goals". Only he would know that.

And the Croatian sensation is now a brother - sister act. Cool.

Snow & Ice

We had a huge snowstorm last night. We were blanketed with the white stuff !

Now I really feel like I'm at the Winter Olympics !

I have time to blog because the men are figger-ing and I really only need to watch the Canadien, Emanuel "Can't Do", as Margaret has cleverly named him.

Our boy, Bode, has managed to dq by straddling the gates. Maybe if his coach put a beer at the bottom of the hill, he could manage to finish a run.

OK, hearing some really odd trumpet music from the tv land. Better go see who is falling, I mean skating, to that.

Torino or Turin ? ?

First, let me just say that this Olympic blog is dedicated to the memory of Schmerler, the Curler.

OK, two weeks of television bliss for sports freaks like myself. Esp. since we become virtual Canadiens for the duration because we get their tv station and they do lots of live stuff, unlike our NBC which likes to tape delay the "drama" for big night time audiences. And they have that neato maple leaf to dec out all their uniforms.

The winter Olympics are fun because it's all so beautiful. And it's sports none of us in our right minds (presuming we are) would ever do. Well, I know a lot of you snowboard but on the half pipe getting major air? or in a group race? no.

I know this is blasphemous to most of the world but I could do without the "figger" skating. Especially the pairs. and definitely skip the ice dancing. I will admit to their athletic ability, but sports with "costumes" not uniforms, sends me over the edge. And all the drama, sequins, flowers and teddy bears, and tears.... did I mention tears??? It is all so nicely summed up by good old Nancy Kerrigan's quote "Why me ??" cuz it's all about "me".

OK, that rant is over. But it does remind me that I saw an interview with my sister Joan's Favorite Portlander, Tanya Harding, the other day. If she's still boxing I'd guess it's in the heavy weight division. Still a nut job.

Now, I must get back to the tv. I hear there are some terrific crashes on the ski hill today. And the Canadien women lost their opening round of curling to the defending gold medalists, Sweden. I guess the ice is too straight. And they like their ice to be a bit more "swingy", and if anyone knows what that means, please chime in.

Political Blahhhg

Today was interesting. We went downtown to see Gina's rowing mate, Sally Clark, get sworn in as the newest City Council member. And if today's 15 minute meeting was any indicator, we wish her all the best. Can you say "zz zzz" ? The meeting portion was a sleeper, and this was with no agenda items.

But the swearing in part was great. The Conibear Rowing Club was well represented. And rowdier than the other groups of family and friends that came to support Sally. But that's to be expected of the jock crowd.

And the bonus was we got to meet "celebrity" council woman Jean Godden. Jean wrote a column for the Seattle P I forever. The local scene, name dropping, funny, good reading. I was actually sorry to see her run for office. I liked the column. That's her shooting off poppers or something. Maybe it's a light sabre. Sally is going to have to mind her p's & q's sitting next to her.

The rest of the day was spent sitting in bath tubs at various stores while Gina measured, of course. "How do you like that angle of lay back?" And standing on carpet samples. "ooh, that's comfy" "ooh, that's $9000 a square foot".

And so it begins.

Well...

We've had the Seahawk lights burning. But for some reason they only come on in the middle of the night. Maybe the game was played too early. Well, maybe not for you east coast folks.

Gina and I were all set to jump in the lake if we won. Unfortunately, we're dry. We are of the mind that "at least we were in the game". I've never been big on calling the losing team LOSERS. Good to know, too, that the winners were such great players. I mean, I don't think they had one single holding penalty all game. hmm.

But hey ! The nachos were good !

Nachos Blog

We've had our coffee, workout and showers. Now it's party time !

The Bus may be a Michigan kid, and a Notre Dame guy, but I've got no loyalty to him today.

Is that my beer calling? What time are the nachos planned for? Yahoo for Super Bowl, we get nachos !! The nacho anticipation level is as great as the game's.

The winds have died down. The lake is calm, the sun is out. It's a beautiful day in Seattle.
The only way it make it a better day is a win.

Go Seahawks !

12th Man !!!! 12th Man !!! 12th Man !!!

So sue me, you Texas A&M twerps. jeez, yet another reason to hate Texas.

Gina and I are planning our 12th man sign for the front of the house for game day.

So, yesterday I ran4 miles. YES !! i am really upping the mileage now. Saturday's long run is 6 or so. And of course, biking like Lance. Some day I'll upload all the daily exercise heart rates, run paces, mileages, biking miles, mph, cadence, etc etc.

And really bore-blog you. by the way, nice cartoon, Joan. :)

Running Crazy

Yes, that's the name of this blog because I should be talking about all the running I do. Well, it's been a while but today I ran around the lake. 3.1 miles. Yahoo !! Will try it again tomorrow.

Also rode the bike for 55 minutes. Gotta do something for exercise. Watched the Notre Damers come from behind to almost win. And then got in a half of the Gonzaga game. Adam Morrison was HOT !!! Watching the games makes the ride kind of fun.

On the political scene, one of Gina's rower mates, Sally Clark, was chosen to fill a vacancy on the Seattle City Council.

And I just heard that Portland had a bit of a shake today.

California dreamin

As the rain POURS DOWN here in Seattle. The sun was out yesterday so what am I complaining about?

Hey, we went to California over MLK weekend. Really it was ABB weekend. Annalise turned 14. We surprised her, brought the party to her drumline practice, got to watch all our mutally favorite tv shows and games with our long lost buddies, Traci and Denise.

Have yet to see her drum the big bass drum, though. That's another trip.

The verdict is in...

and it seems the jury duty system still sucks. YES, I got called again. Too bad I can't screen those calls. So, I catch the 7:00am bus downtown. Just to sit around til 10 or so. Then 85 of us get called. Bad sign. Means a big trial. A 3 weeker. ugh. I did a 6 weeker one time, but that was when I worked and got to stay away from the job/kids for that time period. Now it just messes with my training and blogging.

As about 40 of the others called out their lame excuses (root canal, day care issues, trips, important jobs... casino poker tourney director? ) I wished that I had bought airline tix to anywhere. Then we sat around for an hour. Then we got sent for an hour and half lunch. Only to come back for 10 minutes and be sent home for the day. Only to return at 10:00 tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed that I look enough like a bigot/idiot/genius/whatever necessary to not get chosen to serve.

Of course, if I do get selected I won't be able to blog you about it til it's over. Here's hoping I can fill you in on the case tomorrow.

Super Bowl, Baby !!!!

Seahawks to the Super Bowl !!!
and here we are, watching the game from our bikes. We're riding to Detroit !
ok, we've just started our half iron man event training. We've set up our bikes on indoor trainers to simulate riding (without the rain and cold)
Just to give you an idea about how long these NFL games take, we rode for an hour (well, 59 minutes, we're working on not being SO compulsive, not whole hour/start & end on the hour, etc) and the 1st quarter was just ending. Not to worry, I was able to crack a beer by halftime.

Today I ran outside for the first time since Dec. 14. 40 days, but who's counting? This past week or so was more of the same, indoor machines, with a bit of treadmill walk/run . zz zzz
Can't say whether the foot is totally better, since it never was really sore, but it's time to run. and ride. It was really fun to watch the game while pedalling. I'm sure it will get old but our summer goal is a half iron man triathlon in July (1.2 swim, 56 mile bike ride, 13.1 run) That and Boston in April, so IT'S TIME TO RUN .

We are psyched about the Seahawks. Although, we are not as invested as we used to be for the Sonics. Finally figured out that it takes too much energy (not to mention ticket costs) and too big of an emotional toll to be TOO into it all, but it was sure fun today.

We took a quick trip to California last week. I'll post some photos and trip highlights soon.
Go Hawks !

But was I sane to begin with?

Well, it's been a month of using the elliptical machines, the indoor bikes, the erg, running in the pool (see story below) . Amazingly, I haven't had the urge to kill anyone yet. Wasn't sure how I'd react with no running to keep me sane. Of course, the 26 consecutive days of heavy rain has helped with wanting to stay indoors.

OK, so I went to the pool one day with coach Lesley. She set me up with the little blue belt to wear while "running" in the deep end. It all went fine. I did not have my contacts in so was running blind but I thought I had it all figured out. The next week I took Gina with me. She says "Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Of course, don't be silly. It's easy. So off to the pool we head. Out of the locker room, around the pool deck to where the blue belts are hanging on a rack. This time I have my contacts in, so I can see. We start trying on various blue belts. It doesn't seem quite right, none fit, we're trying to adjust straps, frontwise, backwards, standing there for 5 minutes. All the while Gina asking "are you sure you know what we're doing?" Don't be silly. I'm sure they were blue belts. After a bit of this, the lifeguard calls out from across the pool (so everyone there can hear) "Ladies, if you're looking for the water walking belts, they are over here. Those are for your feet." Of course they are.

We had walked right past the real blue belts. Good thing I had my contacts in so I could be so observant.

Gina started looking for some cement shoes to put on me.

"Ladies........." I giggled the whole time we were running.

Anyway, Doc says if no pain while running go ahead with a progressive build up. So I have had a couple days of 2 minutes walking / 1 running for a grand total of 15:00. With 3 days in between. On this plan I should be ready to run the Boston Marathon in, say, 2009 ?

Results are in !!!

I know you've all been super anxious, waiting to hear who won the annual judging of the xmas cards. We waited til January to give the procrastinators a chance to participate.

Annalise, a drum roll, please..................................................................

The award for 1st card received goes to Gina's cousin, Sue V., from Michigan. again. Every year we get her card even before we go to Hawaii. She sneaks it in right before Aunt Louise.

The judges were having a tough go of it this year, with so many great entries... so we took the easy route and came up with a couple categories... Overall winner, and religious entries. Of course, these categories are subject to change each year, whimsical judges that we are.

OK OK
Religious card category award goes to Anne Z & Kathy of Rochester, NY. a lovely Bethlehem scene.

Overall (aka, Best Snowman) goes to Linda & Herb Sherburne. who won't even know they won, til we exchange cards next year. They are parents of kid/friends from my Queen Anne Rec Ctr. days.

The entry from Thousand Oaks was nice, and we must have really liked it last year, too, cuz we kept the same one that Michelle & Teri sent in 2004. There was a very creative one from Portland, but how many categories can we have? as with all sporting events, "there's always next year".

All photo cards are winners in my book. Of course, Bev & Diane's annual pugs dressed up as reindeer is always good for a chuckle.
But what's with photos of just the kids?? People, please learn to use the self timer and get yourselves into the picture. I say this like any of the people that sent these cards actually read (or even know about) this blog. :) but we bloggers are obliged to rant every once in a while. and i'm liking words with l's, g's, o's and b's . i digress.

Or that anyone, other than a couple previous winners, even know there is a judging.
Now you see how truly odd our lives are.