The Long Run

A few months ago this ridiculously photogenic guy photo-bombed his way  on the meme and running scene.  I am more of the belief that if you are running a road race and look really good in your pictures, you aren't working hard enough...and I am not alone.

Not to knock the really good looking dude, but races should be hard.  After months (or weeks depending on your distance) of training, you toe the line and push your body to do its best on that day.  That is what makes racing fun.  It is hard, it is challenging, and you may look like that kid who likes turtles, but you run hard and win.  That is the best part of racing.

Before the end of the year I have three important races on the calendar, and while the NYC Marathon is clearly the biggest of my year, the other two might be more fun and, in the longer term, more important.

SFRRC's 1st Annual 5K Race

In August, my running chums with the SFRRC will be hosting a 5K.  This race is filled with local favorites, cool prizes, and a flat course (which is nothing to sneeze at in San Francisco).  But most importantly, it will be our little club's first race.  We are really excited to host the runner's of San Francisco and around the Bay Area.  So, as a member of the planning committee, a SFRRC member, and just a runner, I invite you to join us on August 5th for your opportunity to have really ugly pictures for your race collection.

The Business of Sports

There is no doubt in anyone's mind that when Little Johny gets his first Little League Jersey, he is dreaming of his first contract, complete with slugging percentage bonuses.

Oh, sorry.  He is most likely pretending to be his favorite player on his favorite team as he cracks a game winner in the bottom of the ninth, the standing ovation from the capacity crowed and jumping-slapping-head-home-plate-dance that the norm for MLB walk-off celebrations.

While there is no doubt that sports are big business, there are a few things within the business of sport that transcend the money. I would like to think that kids playing, the thrill of winning it all, and the spectacle of the Olympics still fall into the transcendent category.  But it would appear I would be wrong.

It appears that the always classy Dwayne Wade, the measured and thoughtful Marc Cuban, and the author of that post and editor of My Athletic Life Tim Huntley believe that the athletes should get paid to compete in the Olympics.  Huntley points to a number of ill-advised responses to Wade's recent commentary from an ESPN blog.  The reason why those who say they would rather lose the Olympic championship than have greedy (yeah I said it) NBA stars represent our country are right is based on that kid who dreams of the big hit.

This isn't to disparage those with limited other skills from making millions of dollars but rather to say at some point, money should dictate all actions.  There are some things you do for honor and some you do for pay.  Oh yeah, you PLAY A GAME for a living. So shut up you spoiled brat, be thankful for your gift and the culture that pays you to be a brute, and go win the gold for the best country on earth!

USA USA USA USA USA USA!!!