London Bound

A couple days ago Marco asked me if I was bummed that I wasn't participating or didn't participate in the Olympics. This was my answer: When I was 13 I like many kids wanted to go to the Olympics. When I was 17 it never dawned on me that I would ever go. London will be my 4th Olympics. London is also the first time when I've had the honor to work one on one with an athlete starting 18 months ago with the goal of August 7, 2012. This athlete, a few of my friends and I created the above shoe from an idea. There was no previous model only words and ideas shared between us. So no, son I'm not bummed, I'm lucky.

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Facebook/Zootsports. I'll keep it all updated on my view of London and the results of the athletes I've gotten to work with.

15 Minutes

The disaster we had in the garage recently caused us to go through some things. This newspaper cover photo appeared. My 15 minutes of fame.
The photographer was out taking pictures of the storm and then he sees me running. He couldn't understand why I was running. My response "Why Not"

It's my point all the time. Running is so easy. You can do it any time, anywhere and in any conditions. So Why Not Run?

Colombia

Going through security yesterday at the airport in Bogota I had a rather long conversation with the customs agent. His questions at the time seemed offensive to me but the more I think about it the more I love it. My passport is proudly stamped with my birth city Bogota, Colombia. There was a time as a young child that I carried a Colombian Passport. At the age of 18 I had a decision to make. I didn't mull it over too much and there was no ceremony but the decision I made was to remain a US Citizen. At 18 I could have chosen Colombia. The questions from the Customs Agent were just that:
Where is your Colombian Passport? Why don't you have one, you were born here so you must be Colombian. Why don't you speak Spanish. Although all of my answers were in Spanish clearly he knew I am limited. The point is he's proud of his country and proud of his language. He wanted to know why I would give that up? It was a fun conversation for sure. I'm proud to have been born in that city.

It's a Small World - On the bike tour we took around Bogota we met a young guy from Boston. We talked about running, running shoes and City Sports in Boston. Then we talked about the Small World. This guy lived outside of Peoria, IL. His dad worked for Caterpillar. He went to Southern Illinois University. 4 things in common with me (running, Peoria, Caterpillar, SIU) all at a random bicycle tour in Bogota, Colombia.

Finally the Pictures of the Family. Marco, Mary, Ana Maria and her boyfriend Ito. Family for life...

It's a good life......

Colombia the Last Day

The best part of the day was spending it with Ana Maria and friends. One of the more rewarding things to in life is share your home with students. We have done it twice. Ana Maria spent her Senior year in high school wit us when Marco was three. Today we got to see Ana on Colombia, her home. I will post pictures from today in a later post.
Bogota is known for many things. One of its treasures is Street Art. Below is a taste.

Colombia week 2

Santa Marta. Sand, sun and warm water. No phone and no internet.

Dia Quatro en Colombia

We had a great day taking a bike tour of Bogota. Every Sunday they close many of the streets to cars. The city comes out in bikes, skates and running shoes to enjoy the day.

Dia tres en Colombia

Being born in this city means I don't struggle running at 8600 feet. Today was a trip to a salt cathedral. The cathedral was not the high point. The best part was getting there by local transportation. 2 hours by bus and metro.

Dia dos en Bogota

Running in thin air 2625 meters 8,260 feet, museums, having coffee in the hotel where Dad negotiated deals and the Fruit Market.

Dia Una en Bogota

A great day back in Bogota!

Where's Dave?

I've received many questions about the Blog. Like why did you stop writing. Simply put I ran out of things to say. Or I had too much to say, I'm not sure which is correct. Anyway today is a short update on my recent travels. 

 You see all kinds of interesting things in China. Tough to see but these are high heels. 

 There was a Level 3 Typhoon in the air. It hit Hong Kong later in the evening. But you sure didn't see it in this sunset. 

 Every day around 6pm in Kitzbuhel it rained. A good solid hard mountain rain. 

 Yes, Austria is Green!

 As my friend Scott said "You expect to see the Peloton riding through any minute" 

 Some people have it rough. This is what they see every day. 

 The many splendid Alps

Every town in Europe is partially defined by its Church steeple. 

It's a good life.....

Dave