Thursday, June 23, 2011

The Devil Went Down To Auburn

I'm up in Tahoe for some vacation and Western States 100 spectating, and my unemployed-thus-idle mind got to thinking...why don't we have more crazy costumed spectators like they do in the Tour de France and other cycling events? There are a few, for sure (I'm thinking of you, Brown's Bar aid station), but not lining the tough climbs. Perhaps I could get out on the course with some rediculous outfit to cheer everyone on?

I could be the crazy devil like the famous Didi...


Or perhaps something more ominous...


There's always the classics...


Or something a bit more "wild"...


Some costumes do a good job of encouraging runners to keep going...


Hhmmm, a tough choice.

Well, I know where I would want to see a spectator on the course so that's where I'm going to hang. I won't tell you where but perhaps this costume (and hand gesture) will hint where I'm hiking into.


See you there!!!

Need some non-Western States reading fare? Here are a few stories/ideas to help juice you up:

Set your DVR to record the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Hayward Field, going on this weekend (ESPN2, June 24 11:00 pm-1:00 am ET, ESPN2 Re-air, June 25 1:00 -3:00 pm ET, Universal, June 25 3:00-4:30 pm ET, NBC, June 25 5:00-6:00 pm ET, Universal, June 26 3:00-4:00 pm ET, NBC, June 26 5:00-6:00 pm ET).

Check out Penny Palfrey, an ultraswimmer (and grandma!) who recently broke the world record for the longest unassisted ocean swim by going 67 miles in 40 hours. Well, when they say "unassisted" they aren't counting the crew who had to lure away sharks and kill them with a machete. Damn.

18-year-old running and triathlon phenom Lucas Verzbicas becomes the fifth high schooler to break a four-minute mile, joining the likes of Jim Ryun and Alan Webb. (Video)

80-year-old running god Ed Whitlock sets new age group World Records in the 5k/10k at the Canadian Masters Championships.
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5 comments:

  1. Unknown6/23/2011 08:58:00 PM

    Maybe Ian Sharman can be convince to run the fastest costumed WS100 finish?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sarah Lavender Smith6/24/2011 05:50:00 AM

    Fantastic! Looks like you've got Devil's Thumb covered. If I were to dress in costume, I might be a giant mosquito at Mile 31 or Chucky the evil doll at 78. Have fun and thanks for the laugh!

    ReplyDelete
  3. MuddyPuddle6/24/2011 08:07:00 AM

    Hey Scott-

    Penny's swim is an amazing accomplishment. As the founder of the Farallon Islands Swimming Federation I encourage you to find out the facts before defaming her and her crews' effort. Here is a good start:
    http://www.distanceswimming.com/featured/were-sharks-hacked-to-death-or-was-the-truth-hacked/

    We all have gut reactions to news, but as a blogger with quite a substantial following, I think you owe it to yourself and your readers to be more journalistic and less sensational. As noted there is an ongoing investigation to lay out the facts.

    Thanks-

    Phil

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kelly38866/24/2011 12:12:00 PM

    Hi Scott,

    This is my first time to your blog, and I love it! I actually came here because I was researching whether it would be possible to run with your pug, and I came across your posts about Rocky. I am so sorry for your loss-Rocky was absolutely adorable and seemed like the perfect companion.

    If you wouldn't mind me asking, did you do anything in particular to train Rocky to run with you, or was he just uniquely naturally disposed to running? Unfortunately, I don't have a pug yet, but I will hopefully be a proud owner in the near future and would love to do what I can to have him or her join me in running.

    Thanks!!

    Kelly

    ReplyDelete
  5. Tina6/27/2011 06:23:00 PM

    Great!! Had a good laugh! :D

    ReplyDelete

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