In the spirit of the Olympic games ...

Saturday, July 28, 2012

I decided tonight to post some of my collected quotes from Olympians.

"I can feel the wind go by when I run. It feels good. It feels fast." -- Evelyn Ashford"I
Didn't Set Out to Beat the World; I Just Set Out to Do My Absolute Best." 
- Al Oerter
“The essential thing in life is not so much conquering as fighting well.”
– Baron De Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games

“Endurance? You’ve only got to get out there and do it. Face up to it: man was meant to run.” – Percy Cerutty

“Working hard becomes a habit, a serious kind of fun. You get self-satisfaction from pushing your self to the limit, knowing that all the effort is going to pay off.” ~ Mary Lou Retton

The first thing is to love your sport. Never do it to please someone else. It has to be yours. - Peggy Fleming

“Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something. It’s our goal in life to find it and keep it lit.” ~ Mary Lou Retton

“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”
― Muhammad Ali

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

FUNFROG79 7/29/2012 8:35PM

Love it :-) Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBBYFROMMT 7/29/2012 1:21PM

Hey, these are good! Report Inappropriate Comment

SHEILA-45 7/29/2012 12:23PM

I like this quote: "Didn't Set Out to Beat the World; I Just Set Out to Do My Absolute Best." - Al Oerter If everyone just tries to do their absolute best it's all one can ask for! Thx Report Inappropriate Comment

TRACYZABELLE 7/29/2012 8:23AM

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MARATHONDAD 7/29/2012 7:53AM

great quotes Report Inappropriate Comment

What we did not see here in the USA

Saturday, July 28, 2012

In my last blog post, I commented/complained that there seemed to be no conclusion or bridge between the extravaganza and the Parade of Nations. Well, there was but we in the USA didn't get to see it.

I am just lifting what Deadspin.com say about this video. It kind of makes me angry that NBC did not carry this but substituted a vacuous interview by Ryan Seacrest with Michael Phelps. This brought ears to my eyes.

Headline: tinyurl.com/bv34nzn
Here's The Opening Ceremony Tribute To Terrorism Victims NBC Doesn't Want You To See
by Timothy Burke

The major transitional element of today's London Olympics opening ceremony was a downtempo performance of adoptive sporting anthem "Abide With Me" by Scottish singer Emeli Sandé. The song and accompanying dance were a tribute to the victims of the 7/7 terror attacks in London that claimed 52 victims days after the 2012 Summer Olympic hosts were named. (It's also been suggested the performance was a memorial to the war dead.)

Regardless, it was a rather significant and emotional moment in the opening ceremony, coming just before the parade of nations -- and it wasn't aired in the United States. Instead, viewers were treated to a lengthy and meaningless Ryan Seacrest interview of Michael Phelps. NBC regularly excises small portions of the opening ceremony to make room for commercials, but we've never heard of them censoring out an entire performance -- especially to air an inane interview. We've asked NBC why they didn't air the tribute, and if they get back to us we'll let you know what they say. In the meantime, enjoy the performance everyone else in the world saw. [BBC]

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

FUNFROG79 7/29/2012 8:28PM

Thanks for sharing! Report Inappropriate Comment

DTYUNGU 7/28/2012 5:56PM

beautiful, thanks for the post Report Inappropriate Comment

PA_KITTY 7/28/2012 12:02PM

thank you Report Inappropriate Comment

DMF2012 7/28/2012 8:40AM

I was going to watch the live stream, but fell asleep :( Report Inappropriate Comment

NANCYHOME247 7/28/2012 7:25AM

I tuned in NBC last night and was left a bit perplexed by the elaborate presentation that depended upon an "interpretor" to explain it significance. Having read your blog, now I feel doubly deflated about how I spent my time. I've mused about how all the commercials leading up to the Opening Ceremonies focussed on the sponsoring companies with random un-named Olympians playing a roles--and I've seen nothing advertising the Olympics, itself. The most ridiculous ad was produced by Febreeze, featuring the Azeri wrestling team glibly waving cans of air freshener around. My husband works in Azerbaijan... and he'll attest that the Azeri have no idea what Febreeze is! Report Inappropriate Comment

BOB240 7/28/2012 7:17AM

I don't know..I'm British and I found some aspects of the ceremony a little too political. e.g NHS.. I did cringe a little at the military deployment of the Union Jack. Although sometimes British military intervention has been ok.. there have been occasions over the last few hundred years where we have upset just about every nation present at the olympics with our military... If NBC editors made decisions based on their audience then it's up to them. Youtube has the full story. I think I'd have preferred the Phelps interview.... Report Inappropriate Comment

KSCRAP363 7/28/2012 6:14AM

It's ridiculous! They'd rather show us a meaningless interview than something so beautiful and touching! Report Inappropriate Comment

ASHLEIGH_BRIANA 7/28/2012 12:46AM

I cheated, and found a live stream, and started watching at 4:00. I can't believe the difference between the British broadcast and the American broadcast. Such a shame. Report Inappropriate Comment

I have no one to blame but myself.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

I sat myself down at 7:30 PM EDT and changed the channel to WBAL HD, the Baltimore NBC affiliate expecting to see something really special. As it happened it was about four and a half hours I will never get back. I could have walked away at any time, but I kept hoping that something would happen.

I will admit it had it's moments. When Rowan Atkinson playing Mr Bean played strumming bass line in the Chariots of Fire theme. It was very funny. When Daniel Craig playing James Bond enters the Queen's office and it was actually Queen Elizabeth. Bond, in Her Majesty's Secret Service, escorted her to a helicopter which took her to Olympic Stadium where she parachuted out. Quite amusing.

And then there was Meredith Viera showing that she has a really great pair of legs, but nothing between her ears. There was a segment called "Thank You, Tim." It was honoring Tim Behrners Lee, to which Viera said: "Who ever that is." Really? Only the inventor of the World Wide Web. I would understand if Janey Q Public had no idea who he is, but my goodness, she's supposed to know something and at the very least have a script.

I found that very funny.

All in all, the opening ceremony was boring. The main show, before the parade of nations ended with no discernible conclusion or even bridge. It was rather disappointing. So disappointing in fact that I went over to Amazon and ordered a DVD of the Beijing opening ceremony.

Tomorrow on TV: Road Cycling and Swimming, though I don't know which events. Also Fencing and Archery.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

FUNFROG79 7/29/2012 8:27PM

Viera is awful Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBBYFROMMT 7/28/2012 6:04PM

I missed it. Darn (not). BTW, I like your background. I used to have a ton of those for my 45s. Ok, anyone younger than us won't have a clue as to what those are. Report Inappropriate Comment

SPIRIT42013 7/28/2012 2:42AM

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Keep running!!!

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Things we see and hear at the end of a long race, a marathon or a half marathon.



After you have run +90% of the course, this is absolutely NOT what you want to here. Because for me, around mile 16, this is what I feel like. (I may print this up and take it to Marine Corps Marathon.)

And the cowbells. I just wanna throw your stupid cowbells in the river ... and you after it. They aren't helping.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DEBBYFROMMT 7/28/2012 6:01PM

More cow bell (Ok you have to be an old Saturday Night Live watcher) Report Inappropriate Comment

IMSMILEY88 7/28/2012 12:44PM

Ok, so I've never run a marathon ('just' 4 Halfs), but I love the comments, the cheers, the cow bells. Cheer me on!!! Lie to me and tell me I'm looking good! I might just believe you... thanks for the comment on my post. You are right! Exercise had become a very good habit, and I've let it slip. I've got to start planning better and keeping my commitments. And, I'll do it! I had a great, 4 mile run this morning and am starting to feel like an athlete again. I've been back now for 2 weeks... and feeling better & better! Report Inappropriate Comment

THE_NEW_MELISSA 7/27/2012 12:18PM

I'm laughing, all I can think of the SNL skit with Will Ferrell..."More Cowbell!" http://www.youtube.com/watc h?v=BjsUf_oIgp0 There's the link if you're so inclined... Report Inappropriate Comment

SNEVIL1 7/27/2012 12:00PM

I think i'm the opposite. When I did the 5k a few weeks ago I kept telling myself every mile "you're almost done". lol. I need to trick my brain at the start that it's closer to just run to the finish line versus turn around and run back to the start Report Inappropriate Comment

SHEILA-45 7/27/2012 10:39AM

I'm with you on the cowbell thing. My co-worker was going at it with one during a pep rally in the gym with me standing next to her! ugh... my ears! I don't know how anyone can appreciate them. So, what should one say as you're closing in on the finish line? Just curious...I clap. Report Inappropriate Comment

FUNFROG79 7/27/2012 10:08AM

I LOATHE cowbells Report Inappropriate Comment

BOILHAM 7/27/2012 9:59AM

I know for sure when they say "you're looking good" that they are lying. I know I look like a running zombie, but I like it anyway. Report Inappropriate Comment

TERID816 7/26/2012 11:18PM

I never understood the cow bell thing! Report Inappropriate Comment

SPIRIT42013 7/26/2012 11:06PM

What! No cow bell?! Report Inappropriate Comment

MTULLY 7/26/2012 10:58PM

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The Olympics

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

The 2012 Olympics are almost here. Friday is opening ceremonies.

I have not looked forward to seeing the Games in a very long time. Back in the '70s and '80s everybody wanted to see the gymnastics girls, and girls they were some as young as 13. But that grew old for me. If she didn't perfect 10, she somehow felt cheated.

The Winter Games got to be too much downhill for my taste, though the 1980 hockey team was an inspiring story.

This time around it is going to be different. Back in 20008, I had already begun my weight loss efforts, but the Games were not able to hold me. But this time ...

This time I am actually interested in the running events: the 10000 meter, the triathlon, the marathon, even the shorter distances. I may even stay tuned for the field events as I had when I was a kid. I am interested in the swimming. And in the biking. All because I myself have become an athlete. Certainly not on the level of the Olympians, but I have become one of them.

I realized that today as I watched the some of the first football game between Great Britain and New Zealand (GB 1 NZ 0).

This is going to be so cool!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KAREN42BOYS 7/26/2012 4:13PM

Yup, looking forward to this! I'm eager to watch the swimmers' form as well as lots of other parts of the games. fyi, Love your retro shape on your page. Kids probably think it's some cool anime weapon, not realizing it allowed us to play music! Report Inappropriate Comment

FUNFROG79 7/26/2012 1:30PM

I'm excited too! I love the running, the swimming, everything! Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBBYFROMMT 7/26/2012 1:21PM

Those runners are AMAZING!! Report Inappropriate Comment

-POOKIE- 7/26/2012 10:02AM

Its right on our doorstep, some of the horse events are within virtual spitting distance. the roads will be CHAOS here! Report Inappropriate Comment

MARATHONDAD 7/26/2012 8:08AM

I love the Olympics so much and cant wait for all the events GO CANADA!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

RHONDALYN10 7/26/2012 7:15AM

Concur! Can't wait for it to start!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

HONBAD 7/26/2012 7:12AM

I agree and feel the same way! They were always a little interesting to hear about and last time I developed a strange crush on Michael Phelps and his lisp. But THIS time I feel like I am watching with a new found respect for the sports since I am myself trying some of them. I hope you enjoy watching them! Report Inappropriate Comment

TRACYZABELLE 7/26/2012 4:45AM

I always get choked up at the opening ceremonies! Report Inappropriate Comment

DEEJON123 7/26/2012 12:44AM

Hi, I live in Canada, and must admire the attitude of Americans (even though they brag just a touch too much and too loudly) .... here in Canada it appears the athletes are always happy if they make it to near the top, there you are not satisfied unless they are at the top. I believe that attitude goes a long way toward adding to success, the winning attitude. I couldn't believe it the other night when our men's swimming coach said "we will do really well this time around, I think we may have a few swimmers in the top 20" Well, it is something many Canadians have mentioned and noticed at every Olympics, and here we go again!! So, to the Americans, way to go & congrat's in advance!! I too however will watch and am very interested in the events every Olympics, afterall I emigrated from Great Britain, so I have another choice at least, and will feel at home watching the scenery of my old home! Beautiful, such history. Report Inappropriate Comment

SPIRIT42013 7/26/2012 12:27AM

Can't wait! I like diving, the rings, floor exercises, uneven parallel bars, the horse, the equestrians (isn't Princess Anne's daughter riding?),field, high jump, etc., etc., and I could gush on and on, which kindly, I won't do here. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANGELWENDYMAMA 7/26/2012 12:00AM

I wonder where I can find the Olympics online to watch.. any idea? We don't have cable. Report Inappropriate Comment

JENG83 7/25/2012 11:50PM

I feel the same way, I don't think I've ever looked forward to it the way I am this year! Report Inappropriate Comment

SHELDONFOSTER 7/25/2012 11:22PM

Let's go Canada! :) Should be a fun games to watch! Report Inappropriate Comment

KKINNEA 7/25/2012 11:10PM

Yes, I feel the same way! Report Inappropriate Comment

UMBILICAL 7/25/2012 10:56PM

Great athletes inspire me. Report Inappropriate Comment