Endorphin Fanatics

London Day #3

The Brownlee Brothers have huge pressure on them. This photo of them is everywhere. Phone Booths, Buses, in the subway station. The weight of the nation has moved most to greatness. The events last night of 3 British Gold Medals in 45 minutes on the track or Andy Murray beating Roger Federer for Gold. But the pressure has also gotten to a few especially those who were clear favorites. On Tuesday all the guessing will be answered.

It’s pouring rain at the start of the Marathon. It didn’t slow down the runners and it didn’t stop the fans.

Trafalger Square and the Marathon Start line.

I was cold, wet and needed a break from the rain. I heard the TV coming from a Pub and took the opportunity to get warm. What do I find, a man wearing a pair of Zoot shoes. Tobey from Germany was there with his Greek wife and brother Stephan. We had a great time drinking beer, talking running and of course running shoes. Stephan bought his one ticket for the Olympics one year ago. He debated between events and finally settled on the men’s 10,000 meters. He sat in that stadium in complete Awe of the biggest 45 minutes in British Track History. And he said “I saw a white guy medal in the 10,000”. What a lucky man. Tobey is learning to midfoot run. Do you think I had something to say?

The women at 6K. Big pack that stayed together until 20K. Then the race started and finally at 30K the Africans made their first appearance at the front of the race. What a final 10K it was.

It's a good life.....

London Day #2

What an unbelievable day. The highlights:

The humbling experience to watch the Zoot Prophet and Zoot Footwear in the Olympics.
The determination of Sarah Groff of the USA. She was dropped off the pace on the run and fought her way back to the lead pack.
There are 500,000 plus lining the course and who do I stand next to. The open water swim coach for Nicola Spirig. Before the race starts he says “She will win” and she did.
The little girl walking with her mom after the race “When I grow up I want to Swim, Bike and Run”.
The pressure on the British Athletes. The defending gold medalists in lightweight double scull (rowing) who finished 2nd and were devastated. They apologized to the country for not winning. The commentator who said anything but a double gold from Mo Farah would be a disappointment.

2 hours before the start and the fence is taken.

They didn’t know it at the time but their day would end up great. Lisa Norden of Sweden covered everything on the run and finished a close (by a lean) second.

The race venue.

I’m going to take lots of pictures like this. The Union Jack comes in lots of different fashion.

And their off. Somewhere in the front is Olivera of Brazil. She was 3rd out of the water in the Zoot Prophet.

More Union Jack

After the race I was walking to find a coach to deliver a wetsuit to. I came upon this. Royal Albert Hall. One of the more famous performing arts venues in the world.

It's a good life.....

6 Days in London: Day #1

I had the pleasure of spending 6 days in London at the Olympics. During my time I kept the folks at Zoot updated. This is simply a recreation of those days.

Day #1 in London was spent finding my way around. I made it to the Triathlon Venue with no problems. It will take me roughly 10 minutes to get to the park and another 10 minutes to get to a good spot to watch the race. Of course I also found the park close to the hotel for running. 12 minutes to Regents Park and 15 minutes to Hyde Park. Not a bad job finding the hotel.

Women’s Triathlon is Tomorrow 9:00am London Time.
Men’s 10,000 meter is Tomorrow 21:25 London Time.

The British are killing it on the Cycling Track. Unreal how good they are. It’s always fun to listen to Chris Bordman and Mark Cavedish doing the play by play.