tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91725682024-03-23T13:51:58.069-04:00Scooter's Healthy and Active Living WeblogThis blog is intended to share my experiences and the things I’ve learned about living a healthy and active life. It will have information about weight loss, activity (exercise), and health. It may have some commentary about society. My primary exercise is running, with some walking and cycling. I’m a fan of these sports and compete regularly. I hope you find this blog useful, if there’s something you’d like to see or ask, please comment on a recent posting and I’ll try to respond.Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.comBlogger670125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-8855166229618642262015-03-10T11:29:00.001-04:002015-03-10T11:29:04.033-04:00Children and the Half Marathon (and Marathon) Recently, there was a post on the Marathon Maniacs Facebook page showing a young girl finishing a half-marathon. My comment was, "<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Just be careful not to let her overdo things." Last fall, I was involved in a conversation with one of my son's high school teammates' fathers about running volume. He had an issue with their coach having kids run 9 miles early in the season. I believe there is validity on both sides of this issue.</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> Let's first take a look at what may or may not be appropriate for a developing body. First, let's consider the game of soccer (football, except in the U.S.A.), that game involves 90 minutes of play and the athletes are constantly moving, switching between a jog and a sprint. Depending on the team and coach, substitutions may or may not be made. Most parents would not question this, after all it's a game; but they will question longer runs. Are they different? Absolutely, but is running meaningfully more demanding? No, and probably less so. Without the addition of those bursts of speed required in soccer, the loads on the body are generally less. </span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> If we assume a comfortable pace for a child is between an 8 and 10 minute mile (roughly 5 to 6 minutes per kilometer), then we can figure finish times for a half marathon in the 1:25 to 2:10 range. To me, these are reasonable speeds for kids, but with some caveats. It's here that we get into some of the real concerns about the propriety of this kind of activity.</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> Let's first look at prepubescent children. In many ways, I worry less about these kids than I do with those who are into puberty. First, keep in mind that young kids do not sweat well, so in conditions of high heat, serious consideration should be made to pull them from the event (I will use the terms event and race interchangeably here, but will often select one or the other to convey a message. In this case, I generally don't consider it appropriate for kids to race this kind of distance at these ages, so I choose the term event.) If they are not pulled from the race, then make sure there is a plan for external cooling. This means you should plan a strategy for evaporative or other cooling of the athlete through use of water and or ice to keep their core temperature from rising. I won't describe the process in this post, but may cover it later.</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> Second, prepubescent children tend to be very light, normally about 90 pounds (40 kg) or less. This means that loads on joints and connective tissues are fairly low and the risks of injury are concomitantly low. Third, children are often pretty attuned to their bodies and will stop running in case of injury or pain, unless adults have skewed things with messages like "finish what you start" or "Billy finished one, why can't you?" Kids should be encouraged to listen to their bodies. Whether an "I'm tired" message should be heeded is more debatable, but a "my knee hurts" message should unquestionably be listened to.</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> Third, the child should be enjoying the activity. It's here that things get dicier especially in regard to the question of what is enjoyment. I think most of us have struggled through something and afterwards felt good about the achievement. To me, with kids, this is NOT an acceptable level of enjoyment. The activity itself should be enjoyable. Kids should truly be having fun out there, and if they get a feeling of achievement, it should be coming from inside them. I know that many children get a lot of joy at beating grown-ups at something, and this, to me, is about as far as the achievement thing should go.</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> When we get to children experiencing puberty, I think we need to be a bit more careful in a number of ways. First, growth occurs at different rates in different parts of the body. Second, as weight is added, related tissues don't always develop initially with the required strength level to handle the bigger loads they can be subjected to. Thus, in my opinion, some easing of intensity MAY be appropriate. I think this is best handled by conversation with the athlete, but because kids often desire to be aloof from parents at this time, a more "arm's length" relationship, whether a coach, medical professional, teacher, aunt or uncle, or adult mentor may be able to get around the wall that's often there.</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> Girls, especially, face issues during this time. The female athlete triad, which is comprised of disordered eating, menstrual disturbances (irregular periods and/or amenorrhea), and bone loss issues (osteopenia and osteoporosis). Don't assume, however, that if your athlete is a boy, you get a pass here. Male athletes are subject to at least two of these conditions. My first piece of advice is to NEVER tell ANY athlete that losing weight will help their performance. Instead, teach them to eat healthy foods to satiety. this means large amounts of green vegetables, especially leafy ones; large amounts of complex carbohydrates (studies show that most top athletes get roughly 80% of their calories here, mostly from grains); and adequate meat to fill their protein needs. (Vegetarians and vegans can fulfill this need through appropriate non-meat sources, but it adds some complexity and potential for concern.) Athletes in their teens also are often dealing with body image issues, and not just girls, so following the old aphorism, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all" is a wise course.</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> The Boston Marathon has a minimum entry age of 18. Many other marathons have a minimum of 16 or 17, and I think this is wise. There are stories of kids at Boston (and occasionally at other races) getting caught up in the excitement of the race and running in with it, occasionally for the bulk of the race. It's not the same as running with an entry, but it also removes much of the baggage that can cause wrong choices to be made. While kids can get razzed by their friends if they bail out, most are not too harsh about it. It can be a good entree into the sport and without the "have to finish" stigma. While I would not suggest this for adults, it's a way for kids to get a sense for what long distance running truly is about (and if there is a minimum age for the race, it's a way of skirting that restriction). If you are considering this, you should make a plan about what they'll do to get home, and they should be carrying a few bucks to help execute the plan and or ease their way. Also, keep in mind that the kids are at the mercy of adults out there, and while it's appealing to think "all runners are good people", unfortunately it's probably not so. Make sure they know to stay in public places and, if possible, with groups of adults or authority figures.</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> My general feeling about the marathon is that athletes should not run it until they meet 2 criteria, 1) they have stopped growing rapidly in height for at least a year and 2) they are sufficiently trained. (I'd say a good guideline is 35+ miles a week for at least several months including at least one weekly long run of at least 15 miles for a couple of months prior to the race.)</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> So, to sum up, I think the half-marathon, on an occasional basis is OK for kids. The marathon should not be for kids, though maybe for young adults. I'd say that if you're responsible for a child, the best bet is to keep their racing limited to 5k's and 10k's with perhaps an occasional 15k or half-marathon tossed in, especially if they are well trained for it. </span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".38.1:3:1:$comment10152693266139205_10152693271724205:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span>Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-69238860120912852462013-01-29T19:05:00.001-05:002013-01-29T19:05:40.650-05:00Runt Bike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlni4dZ_AldWa6-vC176kNKj23bh2Vk37nobT41FoY7inNP4KcHwwirbe2Ptb4jvAIvsZWEDvtrMWQWyuKW4Hqp0de0IuVp1lGfVcYXm8b454JFOoHCmjA__ho5kYyZAhdNlgGeA/s1600/PA140090-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlni4dZ_AldWa6-vC176kNKj23bh2Vk37nobT41FoY7inNP4KcHwwirbe2Ptb4jvAIvsZWEDvtrMWQWyuKW4Hqp0de0IuVp1lGfVcYXm8b454JFOoHCmjA__ho5kYyZAhdNlgGeA/s1600/PA140090-001.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-54834255495121374572013-01-23T04:01:00.002-05:002013-01-23T04:01:50.425-05:00Of Science and Chair DesignI was listening to a podcast of Edward Tufte (sp?), a guy who I need to look into a bit more. He mentioned something about Feynman diagrams (I'm spelling that like the physicist?), but am not sure that's right. Anyway, it got me to thinking about my parent's dining room chairs. (Yeah, I have weird synapses.) My parents have a Danish Modern dining room set. It's very nice, kind of sinewy and elegant in it simplicity. Unfortunately, the shairs have, over the half-century plus they've had it, been gradually breaking down. One thing the chairs lack is, any kind of stout bracing. They trade the elegance of style for a lack of sturdiness. They are lovely, but trading beauty for durability isn't a trade I like, or am willing to make. Simply, the lack of bracing means that when stressed, the chairs are more subject to racking, and this tends to tear the joinery apart. I am trying to figure a way to revise their design so they can live in both worlds, retaining the flow and sinew of the Danish design while both adding bracing and beefing up what is there so the chairs can both survive (and since I am unlikely to actually make chairs, this is an exercise in thinking) and keep their beauty. Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-79829081765921229132012-11-11T07:06:00.001-05:002012-11-11T07:10:13.696-05:00Bringing My Watch Back to LifeMy watch had a couple of problems, its battery was dead and the watchband was broken (note the missing buckle at the top).
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbv_GKCC0oa0UfVcPw5GL75Fpl7-i5hCPXOn5qDBih94WrR3Vn5t8PM3TAW7-PvOJvnXJinN74k4WVVswjrl_-cd7KCVi2_P3loibzor4vJe4vAALwipt7zsrBILlVyYgfQ-v9dQ/s1600/IMG_3882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbv_GKCC0oa0UfVcPw5GL75Fpl7-i5hCPXOn5qDBih94WrR3Vn5t8PM3TAW7-PvOJvnXJinN74k4WVVswjrl_-cd7KCVi2_P3loibzor4vJe4vAALwipt7zsrBILlVyYgfQ-v9dQ/s320/IMG_3882.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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So I pried off the back using my Leatherman Micra.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjt08xyNizD3uE__W8xcNiDPl1Acu5EG26VELi1l8eyHI5yHrkhi3mm-gZhNbgS2J2lbjsqW66wAcPM-vmSpoR8JjbCraJ9YlOdPAqWhdy0do-ScXWWjyWIcLLDpPFXKXcB_fEaQ/s1600/IMG_3883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjt08xyNizD3uE__W8xcNiDPl1Acu5EG26VELi1l8eyHI5yHrkhi3mm-gZhNbgS2J2lbjsqW66wAcPM-vmSpoR8JjbCraJ9YlOdPAqWhdy0do-ScXWWjyWIcLLDpPFXKXcB_fEaQ/s320/IMG_3883.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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And then, I removed the battery and dropped in a replacement. I then pressed the back on. This took a bit of effort, as it's very tight - the watch is water resistant, so it must be tight!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KW_W8oWiolup39SE-LSzr1ETsVBgyVDqvzlXhTmlWfMwSLnkjIhMI2FbbUz-81qt-5ubIOGx5r6_DJFzfS5gN7GTipLI0QGLMsdKH6WxyP6qehwpB-v6UDGS5pvzr6zKntcOhw/s1600/IMG_3885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KW_W8oWiolup39SE-LSzr1ETsVBgyVDqvzlXhTmlWfMwSLnkjIhMI2FbbUz-81qt-5ubIOGx5r6_DJFzfS5gN7GTipLI0QGLMsdKH6WxyP6qehwpB-v6UDGS5pvzr6zKntcOhw/s320/IMG_3885.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
Then, using the little band replacement tool which was included with the watchband, I replaced the band. The replacement tool is that little gray plastic oval at the top right of the picture. At its top, there is a little groove and that end's been narrowed to a point so it will fit into the gap between band and watch. The result - a watch that was practically good as new. I'd done this back in April 2011, it's now November 2012 and the watch has been running flawlessly.Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-69315007719195110452012-10-29T10:27:00.001-04:002013-01-29T19:01:48.949-05:00Alfred E.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVz4lqKAZEsKdjAkVijpDqaRfSPriHzpg-6e1bwBXxTiP71PeJoacuM1DUD-5_5MLVjmXdEI_qtBvS8r47Pu4Wi7qQn41-DhwBjSPjVzwL3go0vMgCrIGpo2LmVmTl02wm1FT6ig/s1600/alfred_e_neuman2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVz4lqKAZEsKdjAkVijpDqaRfSPriHzpg-6e1bwBXxTiP71PeJoacuM1DUD-5_5MLVjmXdEI_qtBvS8r47Pu4Wi7qQn41-DhwBjSPjVzwL3go0vMgCrIGpo2LmVmTl02wm1FT6ig/s400/alfred_e_neuman2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-57825398427392506032012-07-21T09:49:00.000-04:002012-07-21T09:49:09.352-04:00An Ecological ConundrumI recently found myself facing a little puzzle. I wanted to buy a bottle of water, something I generally do not do, because I filter and usually keep plenty around, but I was out and badly needed more fluids. I looked at the two choices I had, half-liters for 17 cents or a liter and a half for 69 cents. I was puzzled at first by the price premium for the larger bottle, but decided to buy it because I figured it had less ecological impact.
Further examination and thought revealed to me the mistake in my logic. A half-liter bottle need only be strong enough to hold up to handling about a pound of water, while a liter-and-a-half needs to hold up when subject to three pounds of water. The difference means that the small bottles are vastly thinner and though the two additional necks adds plastic to the equation, I figure the total works in ecological favor of the 3 smaller bottles. Never mind that two would have certainly sated my needs at the time. I'm now quite sure I made the wrong choice.Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-54458931400318343642012-07-06T08:04:00.000-04:002012-07-06T08:26:19.372-04:00The Blob! (cue foreshadowing music)I've gotten rather out of shape. I was 192 pounds when I weighed about 2 weeks ago. My goal, in the near term, is to get into good enough shape to be able to work out comfortably and to lay the groundwork for a year round fitness program.
My son is going out for the high school cross-country team in the fall, so I am using the times I drive him to runs, etc. to take the opportunity to run. Because I am a minimalist shoe guy, overdoing the runs early tends to make my upper calves sore, so my distances are very short. I am trying to get out on the bike to get some longer aerobic work, but times are still pretty short.
I'm trying folks!
Note: I should point out that two posts (and a year and a half) ago, I posted something similar. At that time, I started a weight loss competition and got my weight down to just about 175 before I let myself go again. With a new job and school, etc. I just didn't make fitness a priority - shame on me.Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-6441924719644594752012-07-01T01:24:00.001-04:002012-07-01T01:24:37.876-04:00The kid aggravating his Dad.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWW62lA1KccIi5urEB-R81Ctm9e_Pwwr4LtsU62vsLlT3KKzuxpoq-rHwjUbYAxvv34QzwQ0ZXhZ-C_MMr5sw4hGIZrTpHixBjFkYfd7hRJLW4rwD94rv2NiR3Q7bkOGITMPnHw/s1600/P6300090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWW62lA1KccIi5urEB-R81Ctm9e_Pwwr4LtsU62vsLlT3KKzuxpoq-rHwjUbYAxvv34QzwQ0ZXhZ-C_MMr5sw4hGIZrTpHixBjFkYfd7hRJLW4rwD94rv2NiR3Q7bkOGITMPnHw/s400/P6300090.JPG" /></a></div>
The kid aggravating his Dad.Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-80981010586978086612011-04-23T20:21:00.000-04:002011-04-23T20:23:58.742-04:00Grete Waitz and my son and me.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qSnpMRjEMxtlA6aamip0-5wOgBR7zIqNqPzsw0S1CKw3QHYyYbl4uIUYpvw4leO2cckrkQf4n0jNLZllpEdObdERKnolVwKE9f22eJzYHYBvK2t00Yfd7h5PGDf038iR3SI9hw/s1600/IMG_3300-1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 287px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qSnpMRjEMxtlA6aamip0-5wOgBR7zIqNqPzsw0S1CKw3QHYyYbl4uIUYpvw4leO2cckrkQf4n0jNLZllpEdObdERKnolVwKE9f22eJzYHYBvK2t00Yfd7h5PGDf038iR3SI9hw/s400/IMG_3300-1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598939116860438402" /></a>Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-53747257679157497892011-01-21T05:23:00.002-05:002011-01-21T05:30:35.531-05:00A ConfessionI have gotten sloppy. I am back in school, but will be finishing that this semester. I want to be thinner and am willing to work at it. I also really dislike the cold and the big dose of snow and ice we've been getting. That makes it hard for me to get outside.<br />I want to go on the record that I am committing myself to losing 20 pounds by the end of summer. I am just shy of 190, and I want to be under 170, not because that's my goal. It isn't, rather I want to get there so that some other fitness activities don't stress my body as much. I'm also committing myself to be doing three good, substantial workouts weekly on the roads by the end of March.Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-50560801653870601912010-12-16T09:20:00.002-05:002010-12-16T09:27:18.654-05:00On Hot Chocolate and DyingI've become a fan of McDonald's McCafe Hot Chocolate, so I stopped by my local McD's this AM. I sat down to drink and read, and there was a group of about 6 older men (70ish) who were talking rather loudly. The result was that I read little and laughed a lot. <br />One guy said that he wasn't planning a viewing when he died, but if he had one, he'd like one of his buddies to slip his cell phone into the casket, go outside and call him during the event.<br />They were also talking about sales going on now, and one of them mentioned that Joseph A. Bank is appartently offering 70% off, so if any of his buddies needed a suit to be buried in, now might be a good time.<br />It sounds a bit dark, but these guys were having fun, and it brightened up my morning a bit. I, when I go, would kind of like a New Orleans style jazz procession from the service to my interment.Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-23956240313454670282010-11-23T07:16:00.002-05:002010-11-23T07:44:16.324-05:00On Meb and BaldiniI just read the part of Meb Keflezighi's new book <em>Run to Overcome</em> where the 2004 Olympic Marathon was described. I've got to say that this race was a favorite of mine. I watched it on the back deck of my house with my son, then six cruising in and out.<br /><br />Near mile 22, Meb and Italy's Stefano Baldini were running together, trying to chase down Brazil's Vanderlei de Lima after having dropped Kenya's Paul Tergat. Meb turns to Baldini and says "Endiamo primo e segundo" (Let's get first and second). As described in the book (p. 129), "His eyes bugged out. He looked absolutely shocked, like he was thinking, <em>Is this black dude in a USA uniform actually speaking Italian to me?</em>"<br /><br />Shortly thereafter, de Lima was pushed from the course by a deranged spectator. The spectator was pulled away from him by other fans, but de Lima was doubtless slowed and rattled a bit by the incident. He was quickly caught by Baldini and then by Keflezighi.<br /><br />As the race neared its conclusion, my son was chanting, "Go Meb, Go!" As well as the race turned out, I think my favorite part was when de Lima ran onto the track and "did the airplane" running with his arms outstretched and running a swerving pattern on the track having beaten the odd circumstances that had delayed his arrival. His face reflected pure joy, and I consider it one of the most special moments in sports.<br /><br />The book, which is an easy read (it was co-written by sportswriter Dick Patrick) provides lots of insights into Meb's success. While I haven't yet finished it, it's clear to me that this book will be a well-loved addition to a runner's library. It will likely be especially valuable to young runners as it contains lots of important distance running lessons presented without being preachy.Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-4241312169830319792010-10-04T07:10:00.003-04:002010-10-04T07:42:44.965-04:00Out of the MoneyFor the first time in several years, the Boston Red Sox did not qualify for the post-season. They finished the regular season with a record of 89-73 with a winning record of 0.549. That record represented the fifth best in the league, but third in the AL East. Both teams that finished ahead of the Sox made the playoffs.<br /><br />I had initially planned to write this because I expected the Sox to have finished out of the money, but with a better record than at least one of the teams that made the playoffs, but a slump about 2 weeks back dropped the Sox record a bit.<br /><br />Still, especially given the injuries they had to deal with, they have nothing to feel badly about with the season's results. A look at each division shows the AL East to have a 0.532 record, while the Central has a 0.493 record, and the West has a 0.481 record. Clearly, the Sox play in the league's best division, and this affects their record. Would they have won either of the other divisions if they played there? Probably, but they don't.<br /><br />Congratulations to the Rays, Twins, Rangers and Yankees for making the playoffs. I guess I have to root for the Rays, as I can't root for the Yankees, ever! Given their records, I have to believe that an AL East team will be in the World Series, but I'm not sure which one. Time will tell.Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-88483241976620183952010-09-24T10:39:00.002-04:002010-09-24T10:46:39.751-04:00QuizzedYesterday, I stopped by the office of the paper for which I write. In the course of discussion, the fact that I'm in school chasing a math degree. The publisher, who's a trained engineer, decided to give me the quickie quiz of my mathematical knowledge. He asked, "What's the integral of 1/x?" I pondered for about a second, just to be sure I didn't blurt something stupid, then replied, "Natural log, isn't it?" I was then told that many eople who claim to know math do not know this (or at least can't answer it on the spur of the moment). It's a foundation in Calculus II, so there is really no excuse (except forgetfulness) for math people not knowing this. It's really a good simple test - if you can't answer, you really have no business claiming to be a math head (mathlete?).Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-5268357776952906402010-09-14T12:50:00.002-04:002010-09-14T12:55:03.585-04:00A Few Car ImagesA trio of lifted car images:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPnpwlC0dSLBekszMLsW1CtZTPFt19UKqklEnG84kXF2PVt2UQoSbhx97n0DNUV0OzQ-O2otCt02Dh4pkzjg7E9cNcnt9PNmiRpvNqcNKibXy7V9bRywvaHXIHvumKCruFALijQ/s1600/citroen-2cv.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPnpwlC0dSLBekszMLsW1CtZTPFt19UKqklEnG84kXF2PVt2UQoSbhx97n0DNUV0OzQ-O2otCt02Dh4pkzjg7E9cNcnt9PNmiRpvNqcNKibXy7V9bRywvaHXIHvumKCruFALijQ/s400/citroen-2cv.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516812956726236994" /></a><br />The Citroen 2CV<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIK1UsWrHubfFMy8zwjLuyT98Aw31WOg5v58SSX9MhTfdMsCNALSY9Bp6y7SB1LoK72T-M0atjDDuwgFmwHD21HyjjjC-ZFAZmOA38VQ-mgnnTRdrxPlQ3U310IJnRRDAOGyuBQ/s1600/TR7.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIK1UsWrHubfFMy8zwjLuyT98Aw31WOg5v58SSX9MhTfdMsCNALSY9Bp6y7SB1LoK72T-M0atjDDuwgFmwHD21HyjjjC-ZFAZmOA38VQ-mgnnTRdrxPlQ3U310IJnRRDAOGyuBQ/s400/TR7.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516812952821439250" /></a><br />A Triumph TR-8<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIS4r5t92T5C10_P0sCYlcrf8OZalTtFYedAMVcIEqQ1l6Zwbc0BjeUZG350f-CALGss4Z5YeB1bkYjdMGAf6eIufddueShzqRDUvTR91KWUmlrJXO_r2JxV00g2miWvH7AK96g/s1600/TR-6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIS4r5t92T5C10_P0sCYlcrf8OZalTtFYedAMVcIEqQ1l6Zwbc0BjeUZG350f-CALGss4Z5YeB1bkYjdMGAf6eIufddueShzqRDUvTR91KWUmlrJXO_r2JxV00g2miWvH7AK96g/s400/TR-6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516812943809818754" /></a><br />A Triumph TR-6Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-68989195618685207712010-07-23T13:43:00.000-04:002010-07-23T13:44:17.528-04:00Just to Yank a Chain<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rDCEmrp_jV6ZV4XF45T5pv-EJVAcMmq_PNoqfLPhlkTjWET2sgggDp51cirIgTwqw5oVpgYhnjzAiodf5kxqffFXVUrFAo6ByV6MJDnk2-F78C9zLiad9LDTDz8QL684vCCKTw/s1600/scope-mouthwash-original-mint.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rDCEmrp_jV6ZV4XF45T5pv-EJVAcMmq_PNoqfLPhlkTjWET2sgggDp51cirIgTwqw5oVpgYhnjzAiodf5kxqffFXVUrFAo6ByV6MJDnk2-F78C9zLiad9LDTDz8QL684vCCKTw/s400/scope-mouthwash-original-mint.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497158850435876482" /></a>Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-16643115889789344062010-07-12T23:05:00.002-04:002010-07-12T23:10:50.227-04:00National Distance Running Hall of Fame Inductioncheck out this picture:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYGE1VKuK5QSiAcrm_MM3h7ryBKoL3zeLzNdaI6g4pbLbxMDWKiXFXb8GqNeV9V4nWRqWVfOxeqYYk-wtb08y4uADdyKsq6D5DVaVBGSK4cLCeXMmCQkIc7NwXLG1XlWFRyO7DA/s1600/IMG_3069.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYGE1VKuK5QSiAcrm_MM3h7ryBKoL3zeLzNdaI6g4pbLbxMDWKiXFXb8GqNeV9V4nWRqWVfOxeqYYk-wtb08y4uADdyKsq6D5DVaVBGSK4cLCeXMmCQkIc7NwXLG1XlWFRyO7DA/s400/IMG_3069.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493222125076279362" /></a><br /><br />From Left: Dick Beardsley, Nina Kuscik, Miki Gorman, Kathrine Switzer, Bill Rodgers, and Larry RawsonScooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-8426122756118731492010-07-08T20:16:00.002-04:002010-07-08T20:19:30.319-04:00Crossing PathsLast week, I went to a park in town and there was a guy riding a big wheel unicycle - the wheel was about 3 feet in diameter. last night, on my way to class, I passed an International tractor. A very rare sight on NJ's suburban roads. Both of these things made me smile, big toothy grins. I like crossing paths with the odd and weird.Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-89669859951550620542010-06-20T23:03:00.002-04:002010-06-20T23:08:42.392-04:00Takedown!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZEInAYm_sAFMF6iXxPoWlqO0R5MPzB9l4JJHVn_EIOJw8VjU2YdzhoXhJbM6Mg1qopZw1EDezlB1Sno3L-ae-X8TY2hZNhxn0W8Pt-6h-EFMRy0j4vSZ8tom7R9aJ91g7G32gQ/s1600/P1010006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZEInAYm_sAFMF6iXxPoWlqO0R5MPzB9l4JJHVn_EIOJw8VjU2YdzhoXhJbM6Mg1qopZw1EDezlB1Sno3L-ae-X8TY2hZNhxn0W8Pt-6h-EFMRy0j4vSZ8tom7R9aJ91g7G32gQ/s400/P1010006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485058345146164274" /></a><br />Yesterday, I took a fall at a local park. I was running on a trail that parallels a road. I tripped on a mostly buried rock. It took me down hard. I opened up my right elbow and right knee. After making the "nuggh" sound as i hit the ground, I rolled off my back, got up and got back to running while I tried to evaluate my condition. I took looks at the places that hurt, and saw some blood on both places. They pained me into the night, and my knee felt stiff yesterday, but all was fine today - I should be healed in about 10 days. Still, it was a bit frightening.Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-48506465976074432912010-04-22T23:13:00.005-04:002010-04-23T08:39:27.708-04:00A New HeartA friend of mine is getting a new heart tonight. This has me thinking a bit about mortality. Not in a bad kind of way, just that he is, if all goes well, getting a new lease on life. However, his gain is somebody else's loss. His heart had to come out of someone, and they can't have been too sick - if I understand right, most hearts come from young, healthy people who died suddenly in some tragic way. That person likely has parent, a spouse or significant other, and maybe children. They all suffer a great loss, but others gain by their loss. My driver's license is marked as organ donor. Is yours?<br /><br />UPDATE: I jumped on Facebook this AM and found out there was an issue with the heart and he's slated to go hame today with his old, beat-up heart. I'm sure the decision was right, but it's an emotional roller coaster.Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-45498026732594892252010-03-22T06:57:00.004-04:002010-03-22T07:14:28.166-04:00Rollin', Rollin', Rollin'The title is a reference to the theme song of the old Rawhide TV series. The reason for the post was a chance meeting yesterday with a guy who had no legs. I was in a store, and I see this guy in a wheelchair checking out as I went through a nearby line. As I went out, he had headed our before me. I gave him a hand holding his cart while he unladed groceries from it. He was fairly young, I guessing 30ish. We talked a bit about wheelchairs, and he had one of the hand-cranked jobs, I think they call handbikes in the back of his van. He told me he's been called a wimp on occasion by some of the push-rim guys. He also told me that he hopes to compete in the NYC Marathon. Before we parted, I asked if he minded telling me what had happened. He told me he'd lost his legs in the crash of the Staten Island Ferry. I'm always impressed by some of these guys who when life deals them a lousy hand just keep moving forward and do what they can with a good attitude.Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-68431024504176127862010-02-20T10:00:00.005-05:002010-02-20T15:50:54.566-05:00On Olympic MedalsMy friend, Vince Hemingson, made a <a href="http://vince-hemingson.blogspot.com/2010/02/olympic-lemmings-and-line-ups.html">post in his blog </a>about choosing not to see Olympic medals at the Canadian Mint. I've seen the Vancouver medals, and they look to be about the size of CD's or DVD's.<br />I've had the pleasure of carrying a very old Olympic medal around the world. (I also turned down a chance to meet the Queen of England, but that's a whole other story.) One of the places where I took this medal was to the Expo at the London Marathon in 2008. It was displayed there, along with Dorando's Cup, and one of the events was an Italian press conference. At this press conference, which was organized by the Enzo Ferrari Memorial Marathon was Stefano Baldini, the 2004 Olympic Marathon Champion. <br />I found myself standing close to Baldini, and he commented, "Mine is much bigger." (Now, aside from all the potential nudge, nudge, wink, wink implications of such a statement, it's true.) The medal I was holding was about the size of a U.S. half-dollar. Olympic medals have grown significantly over time, from the very small size of the early era, to these oversize medals of today.<br />Those of you who might want to run a marathon in Europe may want to consider the Ferrari Marathon. One of the related things you can do tied to it is to visit the Ferrari Museum, which is located in the start city of Maranello. The finish is in Carpi, where marathon legend Dorando Pietri spent his running life. <a href="http://www.italianmarathon.it/news_en.asp">See more about the Ferrari Marathon here.</a>Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-3494856143183653842010-02-13T20:47:00.003-05:002010-02-13T21:03:09.906-05:00OlympiadLast night, as the Olympic Games began, I was at my running club's annual banquet. I did not see the torch getting lit (and what I now understand was its malfunction). The Georgian luger who was killed came up briefly in conversation.<br />After I walked in with my camera, I got tagged with the official photographer designation. One of my personal highlights is the annual hall of fame induction. Because my club is now 75 years old (unless it's 76 or 77, there's some debate), it was also a special year. Likely the biggest name inducted was high jumper <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milton_Goode">Milton Goode</a>, a 1984 Olympian, and the other big name was <a href="http://www.racewalk.com/Profiles/cclausen.asp">Curt Clausen</a>, a racewalker who competed in 3 Olympics (1996, 2000, and 2004) and captured a bronze at the world's in the 50km in 1999. Another inductee was a man who'd run the first New York City Marathon (and is still out there banging it out 40 years later!).<br />I shot a couple of hundred photos, and will post them on the club's blog.Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-43008841961276165412010-02-09T16:47:00.002-05:002010-02-09T16:50:47.499-05:00Awaitng The SnowThe weatherman is saying that we are going to see over a foot of snow tomorrow. I have mixed feelings about this. I still haven't found my x-c ski boots, so don't think I can go out tomorrow. I'm sure my son will be glad to get a day off, and based on the predicted conditions, I think his snow day is pretty much a sure thing.Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9172568.post-29819277042900016662010-01-30T09:22:00.007-05:002010-01-30T11:20:26.997-05:00Millrose GamesI spent last night at Millrose. My favorite race was the college 4x800. The reason was somewhat personal - don't get me wrong, the race was great, but it was only one of several excellent races. In this race, it took a little while to sort out, but around the midpoint, it looked like it was going to be a two-team race, University of Virginia and New York AC (yes, the organizers played a bit "fast and loose" with qualifications, but I think it proved justified). As the anchors took the batons, it had tightened up, with four teams within about 10 yards of each other. Then, the runner from UVa exploded - he just ran away from the field. The announcer commented that this runner was Robby Andrews, winner of last year's high school mile. Robby just blew away the field. It was really impressive, and it's clear that Robbie is going to be a star (it might be argued that he already is), at least if he stays healthy.<br />The man sitting in front of me was cheering frantically for Bergen Catholic in the Suburban 4 x 400 (I think) and in one of the turns, Bergen's runner went down and disappeared. He'd gotten tangled up or jostled, and went down, that's a part of the close quarters that indoor racing entails. It's sad when that happens, but sometimes it does.<br />Oh, and Bernard Lagat won his record-setting eighth Wanamaker Mile, surpassing the record he held jointly with Eamonn Coghlan. Lagat ran away from the field in the "premier" event of the meet. It was unquestionably the glamour event, but the women's mile was probably even more stacked with talent (Sara Hall, Sally Kipyego, Hannah England (who won), etc.), and the was lots of superb racing coming from unknowns and lesser knowns.<br />Aonther fine race came from the high school girls, with Emily Lipari of Roslyn, NY dueling Cory McGee of Pass Christian, MS. Before the race, I'd told my son to watch Lipari and McGee. I didn't realize that McGee had taken second each of the last 3 years, but she looked bigger and stronger than most in the field (my actual term was "looks like a horse" - and that wasn't an insult), and when it was announced that she'd been brought up from MS, it was clear she wasn't "field filler." The two of them set the race, but Lipari, who I believe is stronger as races get longer, faded late.<br />A good, intelligent recap of the meet can be found <a href="http://www.letsrun.com/2010/millrose0130.php">here</a>. Another good recap is <a href="http://www.dyestatmetro.com/?pg=reg1-2010-Indoor-NY-Millrose-Games">here</a>.Scooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15566835252586573058noreply@blogger.com1