Monday, October 29, 2007

Track and Field Hall of Fame

I had the chance to visit the National Track and Field Hall of Fame at the Armory in New York City. I very much enjoyed many portions of the museum portion of the Hall, but was disappointed that the Hall didn't have a series of plaques or some similar form of biographical information on the athletes enshrined there.
I felt very hopeful when, on expressing my disappointment, I was put in contact with an employee who seemed to take note of and understand my concerns. We'll have to see if any of my comments seem to result in changes.
Two decent photos I got there were of:
New Balance Trackster - dating from the early 1960's, this shoe may have been the first commercial American made distance running shoe.
1972 New York City Marathon Program - this was from the days when the marathon was run entirely in Central Park.

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Saturday, October 13, 2007

Two of Nine

On Thursday, I went into New York City. My primary destination was the Forbes Gallery. I was headed there because I was aware that I could see some Olympic Gold Medals.
The National Jewelry Institute had put together an exhibit of Olympic Gold Medals, the oldest dated from 1908, 99 years ago; the newest from 2006. As a distance guy, the medals that meant the most were the distance medals. In the one hundred eleven years since the inception of the modern Olympics, the United States has won (if my count is right) only nine gold medals in distance running. By my count, the medals that we've won are: marathon, four, 1904 - Thomas Hicks, 1908 - Johnny Hayes*, 1972 - Frank Shorter, and 1984 - Joan Benoit; 10,000 meters, one, 1964 - Billy Mills; 5000 meters, one, 1964 - Bob Schul*; 3000 meters steeplechase, one, 1952 - Horace Ashenfelter; I recall that we one a gold in the 2500 meter steeple, but don't recall who won it, and I think there was one more (I have some homework to complete this post) and, I thnk one other. (The two medals marked with asterisks are on display.)
As a middle aged guy, I also enjoyed seeing the four gold medals won by the ageless Al Oerter in the discus (1956, 1960, 1964, 1968). And recall his efforts to return to high level competition back in the 1980's. This man, who recently passed away, was both an amazing competitior and his competition in middle age and later gives those of us who are seeing more salt than pepper in our hair, hope.
Regardless, several of the most important icons in American distance running are being displayed this fall in New York City. Yet, I suspect most runners who come into the city to run the New York City Marathon will have no idea that this exhibit is going on.
I was permitted, by special permission, to take photographs of the Johnny Hayes medal, and will link to where I post them.

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Thursday, October 04, 2007

Mousies Less One

We have visitors. living in an old house, they find ways in. I reduced my homes mouse population by one last night.



Mmmm, mmmm! Delish!

In looking for art, I found this website. It is plenty o' fun if you have a few minutes.

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Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Caught Him!

Two Mexican restaurants opened in my town at virtually the same time about 2 years ago. On Monday evening, my son and I walked into one of them, the one we tend to go to less, and headed for the counter. A voice from the corner said, "The boy is next!"
We got our food and sat down. We then realized that the restaurant had hired a caricaturist. He was drawing employees, and when he finished, my son headed over to be drawn. The artist did a good job, getting his basic look right. He was drawn running, one of my son's favorite activities. The mouth missed by a little, but otherwise, the drawing was spot on.

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