Monday, February 23, 2009

Becky, Thom, Minken - this is for you!

While followers may not see much traffic on some of our blog posts, I will say that we often receive more e-mails from our posts than comments. This certainly was the case of my previous post on the culinary highlights of Belgium. So, in response to those e-mails, I am feverishly scrambling to publish a post that highlights one of the little known secrets of Belgium - now bear with me, as I try to make the connection to running, I'll get there PROMISE!

It was 5 years ago that I discovered my closet romance with the Tour de France. I was ashamed of my passion for the most unbelievable demonstration of athleticism that I had ever seen. Sure, I had watched clips on ESPN before, but really - what is more boring than a bunch of guys on bikes? Well, if you have never watched the Tour, or any biking event for that matter, you are missing something amazing.

Now, five years later, I am submerged into the cycling culture (as submerged as one can be without actually being a biker.) I wish that I had been as interested in this sport 18 years ago as I am now because if I had been, I would not have missed the Spring Classics (the Ghent-Wevelgem, the La Flèche Wallonne , La Doyenne and the Paris-Brussels.) These all take place in April - and I am hopeful that I can catch a glimpse of my favorite Belgian cyclist, Tom Boonen, as he attacks the cobbles this April. (gosh, he's beautiful!) But, 18 years ago, I could have at least done an ode to Eddy Merckx ride - right? I would certainly have known to look for a younger Johan Bruyneel (the mastermind tactician behind Lance's Tour de France Victories)

Which brings me to Lance Armstrong - impressive enough in his Tour de France fame! And, as we followers know, his history is still unfinished as he has decided to ride again this year! As I have embarked on what has proven to be an amazing journey of marathon training, I am constantly reminded of Lance's retirement and his decision to run a marathon. I have done a bit of reading into his training schedule and preparation for all three of his marathons. There were naysayers, for sure, but there were more people who were convinced that his lung capacity and his dedication to training would bring him in somewhere around 2hours and 20 minutes. Armstrong's time was 2 hours, 59 minutes and 36 seconds.(barely within the 3-hour goal that he set for himself.) For his next marathon, the seven-time Tour de France winner trained harder, was injury-free and drew upon the experience of running his previous marathon and despite the fact that he referred to his first marathon as "the hardest physical thing I have ever done," he completed in his second marathon in 2 hours, 46 minutes, 43 seconds! The latest marathon that Lance ran was the Boston Marathon (2 hours, 50 minutes, and 58 seconds.)

Now, I have two thoughts on this: 1 - the fact that this man, who has endured the Tour de France on many many occasions, winning 7 of them, says that a marathon is the hardest thing he has ever done makes me very nervous (not gonna lie.) 2 - the fact that this guy has said that and gone on the run two more marathons gives me hope.

There you go, friends. I am listening to your comments.


9 comments:

  1. The internet is a magical thing. I think you should invite Sir Lance to do your marathon. Put it out there! What a fantastic inspiration for pace! Lance is up there, the heck with the ballon, keep up with Armstrong! What better thing does he have to do than help these young ladies raise money for a fantastic charity, Polio Plus (and realize some pretty impressive personal goals)? Watch Antiques Roadshow???

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  2. ha ha ha - you know that there is no Antiques Roadshow in our house during the month of April.

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  3. Didn't Tom Boonen get busted with cocaine?!! What kind of role model is that for your children!!

    Look out for a streaker running with Lance in the Alps... :)

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  4. well - what cyclist hasn't been caught up in the doping? He's still nice to watch.

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  5. Sir Lance is coming to Trieste for the Giro d'Italia... I was thinking about inviting him over for a pasta, but inviting him to the marathon is not a bad idea either...

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  6. Oh Lance was recently in my hometown (Adelaide Australia) and one Australian newspaper compared the public excitement to the second coming of Christ. I guess a lot of people do think he is some kind of god :)

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  7. sorry for the late reply, bathroom remodel!!! Anyone who knows me knows Lance is a GOD! At least in my opinion and he has not been caught doping although naysayers may disagree. He sure has been tested. Laura you can do this, just because you haven't ridden the Giro or le Gran Bouche doesn't mean you aren't strong. I have great admiration for anyone who overcomes obsticles and comes out ahead. Whether it be, weight, car accident, or for that metter sometimes just getting out of bed can be difficult. Keep on doin what you are doing and Vive la Lance!!!! oh I mean Vive le Tour de France oh I mean...du Marathon de Paris!!!!

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  8. I have to say I am sad there are not pics of Laura and Kari guns on the site!!! Hop to it girls!

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  9. BTW, for the record....I have no problem w/ Antiques Roadshow just not for 21 days in July! I would bet that any of the 37,000 registered for the Marathon would agree that either running or cycling are both killer!! Rock on girls!!!

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