Author Archives: Al

Frodo’s Watch

Posted on June 6, 2014 by Al

“One ring to rule them all…” — J.R.R. Tolkien   I’m a vacuum tube baby. When I was young, the home television was about the size they are now, but three-rather than two-dimensional. Most of the interior of the box … Continue reading →

Posted in Training Diary, Triathlon Central | 2 Comments

Interval Training At Altitude

Posted on May 27, 2014 by Al

I train at altitude primarily because I have a home at 8400′, thanks to my parents, who retired here in 1969, in a very beautiful part of the country with extraordinary cultural and recreational offerings – Aspen/Snowmass. Even if there … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspen Stories, Training Diary, Triathlon Central | 1 Comment

Race Rehearsal #1, Ironman Coeur d’Alene

Posted on May 25, 2014 by Al

“There’s no success like failure … ” – Bob Dylan Yesterday’s first race rehearsal for upcoming Ironman Coeur d’Alene ended for me with no run. The RR is meant to be a 112 mile bike (or six hours, whichever comes … Continue reading →

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Fruitvale Station

Posted on May 22, 2014 by Al

Two hours after midnight, New Year’s Day 2009, Oscar Julius Grant III was killed by Bay Area Rapid Transit Police at the BART Fruitvale Station in Oakland, CA. He was returning home to Hayward with with a group of friends, … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews: Books, Movies, Music, TV | 1 Comment

By The Pool

Posted on May 20, 2014 by Al

  Snowmass has always been Aspen’s striving but failing little sibling. Overshadowed in almost every aspect except for the size of its ski area, Snowmass has long tried imitation, usually coming up short in comparison. Decades ago, long before they … Continue reading →

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Camp Week #1

Posted on May 16, 2014 by Al

Totals: Swim 3 hr 45 minutes, 9600 meters; Bike 12:15/190 miles (a lot of hill climbing!); Run: 4:45/32 miles. Totals: 21 hours, TSS 1165>>165/day. Seems doable with a rest day the following Monday. Fired Up, Ready to Go! Continue reading →

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Short Term 12

Posted on May 3, 2014 by Al

Short Term 12 is a precious little movie, weighing in at just over 90 minutes. Even so, writer/Director Destin Cretton provides space for his story to evolve, without preaching or pinpointing. Short Term 12 is a unit within a California … Continue reading →

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Boston Marathon – The Race

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Al

All over town, transit stops were plastered with pictures of America’s premier distance runner, Med Keflezighi. The nearly 39 year-old Eritrean-born 2004 Olympic silver medalist was presumed to be over the hill. The big shoe companies no longer came calling … Continue reading →

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Boston Marathon (Friday)

Posted on April 27, 2014 by Al

The Boston Marathon is intoxicating. For a long weekend, an entire region merges with a sporting culture, the two intermingling into en experience like no other. Sure, you’ve done a big city marathon before, and, sure, you’ve been to many … Continue reading →

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… peaceably to assemble

Posted on April 20, 2014 by Al

Easter Sunday, before Patriot’s Day, in Boston, MA. People are assembling freely, in peace, all over this crooked cradle of America. Today, in Old South for the Blessing of the Athletes, a scant block from where the first bomb went … Continue reading →

Posted in Races, Training Diary | 1 Comment