Hall, Keflezighi, Deems, Webster

Two big time races over the past two days. American heroes abound. For those who didn't pay to watch the Boston Marathon, it was...strange. Fortunately Andy "Deep Pockets"Martin threw down the $5 cash and brought his computer to my house this AM so we could view it. Like last year, Ryan Hall charged off the line to lead the main pack through the first 8+ miles while the rest of the pack was happy to let him take on the wind and coasted behind him. Merga, last year's winner, then threw down a 4:35 mile and Hall was suddenly dropped, barely visible on the screen. Within two miles he came charging back and took the lead. The other fast guys once again strolled behind his wind shield, running comfortably for several miles. Once they hit the hills around mile 18 or so, Robert Cheruiyot and Merga separated themselves from the pack. It then became a two man race, with Cheruiyot eventually outclassing Merga. Cheruiyot went on to run a course record of 2:05:52 and bounced around the finish area like he was ready to run it again. Merga was overtaken by Kebede, who finished second. Out of nowhere, a resurrected Ryan Hall then again entered the screen and was kicking hard, rapidly closing the gap on Merga for third. Merga had just enough at the end to finish in 3rd, two seconds ahead of Hall. Meb Keflezighi then came charging down the home stretch for 5th. Pretty sweet, 4th and 5th for USA.

DEEMS (Blogger Picture) VS WEBSTER
As sweet as Boston was, it was nothing compared to the Light of Hope 5k. While I couldn't get the live feed on my computer, I did check the results to see who took home top honors. While there was no surprise with Mike Olsen taking first overall, admittedly there was, well, shock seeing Ron Deems and Dave Webster as second and third overall. Looks like it was a battle! Way to go old guy masters! There's a new rivalry in town.

As for me, well I knocked down two maple bars and three cups of coffee during the marathon this AM. I then limped out a 5 mile run and am now eating again. Pretty typical training for me. I should be ready for barbeque season soon.

Why Tele when you can Alpine ski?

If you haven't noticed, this is slowly becoming a ski blog. That's what injury will do to a man. Two weeks ago I entered my fourth decade of life. I had been counting down this date in anticipation of becoming a "masters" runner and climbing back onto the podium...top spot if all played out to my plan. Instead, I haven't run more than 10 miles per week and am now attempting yet another rehabilitation modality with Active Release Therapy. Matter of fact, I have my second session today with Mark DeJohn. Anyhow, by great fortune, winter decided to hit the Cascades right around my birthday. Due to the influence of my wife, who practically begged me to get rid of my 1980's rear entry boots and $15 skis, I received a new setup of K2 Obsethed skis and Salomon X310 CS boots for my birthday. The kid who sold them to me described it as a "sick" setup, so I assume it's good. Anyhow, the skis have easily taken 20 years off my skiing age. Feel like I'm back in college again. Two weeks ago I had a "dad's" sense of pride skiing with my antiquated stuff, but now...wow. So, because of my inherent guilt, I had to buy Katie some fat skis. I was able to justify it as her early birthday present. She wound up with the Volkl Kiku's. We just returned from the mountain today and had an absolute blast. So, both of us now are contemplating temporary retirement from running and transitioning into full time ski bums. Shouldn't be that tough for me. I already have the affinity for beer and laziness. Might be a little more difficult on my wife, but I'll work on her. Hopefully with the end of ski season, this phase too will pass. I'm sure at some point we'll be back out running the trails, but for now, well, this is pretty fun.