Lots of chatter today about lotteries and the like and, I must admit, it gets me psyched for the season. In addition to all the usual suspects I am particularly pleased that Scott Jaime and Joe Kulak will toe the line at WS in June. It'll be a bit like old home week. (Especially so if Criag weasles his way into the race again after spending 90 mins on the cot at 49 in 2010).
But, more to the point, and more meaningful to me now, I am in Telluride, CO for a job interview this week and had a 90 min window to run this evening. It wasn't much but I got onto the HRH course and realized how great it is. Truly, there are no mountains like the San Juans. The descent off Imogene into the setting sun really did it for me. Yes, indeed...
Friday, November 12, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Another WS Memory
The Awards Ceremony at the WS100, while a bit over-the-top, is always one of the highlights of my year. After all of the emotion of the race and the celebration of the finish the awards ceremony is the final chapter, the dessert, if you will.
This past year, my family found themselves in the front of the group and therefore we were right there when everyone received their buckles. In the photo above you can see the legendary Ian Torrence after he received his buckle.
Ian has always been one of the classiest guys in the sport and after chasing him through mountains, forests and deserts for the past 15 years I can honestly and sincerely call him a friend. His post-race congratulations accompanied with the words, "Impressive work, brother." will stay with me for a long time. Thanks Ian!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Teton Redux
A great race report from one of the classiest guys in the sport here.
I look forward to the next time DC!
I look forward to the next time DC!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Marathon
Last time I ran a marathon was Vancouver in 1997. I think it's time for another. So, I am heading to Boise for the City of Trees Marathon on Sunday. I have no idea what to expect but it will be fun.
You know, for me these days, running is that thing that I have, no matter what. So, I figure, I might as well have it any way I can.
You know, for me these days, running is that thing that I have, no matter what. So, I figure, I might as well have it any way I can.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Relationships
Last week, when I was out to dinner with some friends, someone asked,
"So Andy, tell us, what is your relationship with running?"
Um, well, that's an interesting question...
I totally bungled the answer and then we moved on with the evening but the question stuck with me as most good questions do.
It lingered...
What is my relationship with running?
Well, on the good days it's like a full-blown steamy love affair. You know, the kind you have when you're sixteen. Everything is good, intense and right now. No worries about the past and no thoughts about the future. Just now!
Then, there are the times when it's like a 20-year marriage. That tried and true I-know-what-you're-thinking-before-you-even-say-it kind of relationship. The kind of relationship that knows what to expect and knows what is to be expected. It's not flashy and it's certainly not sexy but it's there, day in and day out, always.
On occasion it's like having a brother. You know, you call each other from time to time and occasionally get together to take in a ballgame or a happy hour but for the most part you are connected because you have the same mom and you like the same things. That, most of the time, is enough.
There are those times the relationship is a bit mentor/mentee. You know, think "Tuesday's With Morrie" or something like that. These are not the best days of the relationship but they do help you get through the bad days and give you the reason to get out again tomorrow. And, these tough times make the good times better. And heck, who ever really likes having a mentor anyway?
And then, at last, it's like that "best friend" relationship. You know the one. The relationship that defies convention and resists definition. The relationship that persists 20 years after college graduation and the relationship that remembers you, warts and all, from years and years of history. The relationship that helps you understand who you are and who you want to be. The relationship that makes you whole.
So, running, here's to you!
My lover, spouse, brother, mentor, and friend.
"So Andy, tell us, what is your relationship with running?"
Um, well, that's an interesting question...
I totally bungled the answer and then we moved on with the evening but the question stuck with me as most good questions do.
It lingered...
What is my relationship with running?
Well, on the good days it's like a full-blown steamy love affair. You know, the kind you have when you're sixteen. Everything is good, intense and right now. No worries about the past and no thoughts about the future. Just now!
Then, there are the times when it's like a 20-year marriage. That tried and true I-know-what-you're-thinking-before-you-even-say-it kind of relationship. The kind of relationship that knows what to expect and knows what is to be expected. It's not flashy and it's certainly not sexy but it's there, day in and day out, always.
On occasion it's like having a brother. You know, you call each other from time to time and occasionally get together to take in a ballgame or a happy hour but for the most part you are connected because you have the same mom and you like the same things. That, most of the time, is enough.
There are those times the relationship is a bit mentor/mentee. You know, think "Tuesday's With Morrie" or something like that. These are not the best days of the relationship but they do help you get through the bad days and give you the reason to get out again tomorrow. And, these tough times make the good times better. And heck, who ever really likes having a mentor anyway?
And then, at last, it's like that "best friend" relationship. You know the one. The relationship that defies convention and resists definition. The relationship that persists 20 years after college graduation and the relationship that remembers you, warts and all, from years and years of history. The relationship that helps you understand who you are and who you want to be. The relationship that makes you whole.
So, running, here's to you!
My lover, spouse, brother, mentor, and friend.
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