Well, the NY Marathon came and went and the bomb did disappoint and missed my mark of 3.30 by more than a minute per mile.  A few things here, I didn't reach the start line until 12 minutes after the 'gun' but I don't think this should matter as we all had timing chips.  Regardless, pretty disappointed in this, but the experience was incredible, already applied for next year.  As you recall, it was Nevada Day the 31st, just before the race on the 1st.  I did my requisite shot of whiskey, had 5 vodka sodas, and 2 beers and got in at 1.30a to wake up at 5.30 to get to the start.  However, I did get an extra hour of sleep for daylight savings.  I approached the race as I would normally approach a long run, so I didn't change anything, including alcohol consumption.  Had I skipped the booze and went to bed early, I don't think it would've mattered, not going to use that as a rationalization.  All in all, a good time, I just didn't expect to be running shoulder to shoulder at mile 20, it was pretty exhausting dodging people.

Yes, I'm running the NY Marathon this weekend.  Still at odds over what to do since it falls on 1 November, 31 October as you recall is Nevada Day.  I usually put on my shi*kickers and head over to the West Village to ... doh, not like that.  Anyway, I think I have a shot at 3.30, but I have to go to a few Halloween parties so it is very dependent on my alcohol consumption.  But enough about me.  Back in the day, when kids had more leeway and responsibility, and weren't necessarily the object of exploitation and manipulation, they did some pretty cool stuff.  Like run the NY Marathon.  A full decade in age younger than when I ran my first, here's more about the first generation of young runners via the NY Times.

Paul ran without parental supervision across five bridges and five boroughs — watched by relatives standing on sidewalks — to finish the race in a startling 3 hours 31 seconds. He is the youngest marathoner recorded in the marathon’s 40-year history but not the only child to become infatuated with a distance many adults find torturous, even life-altering.

Scott Black was exhilarated in 1979 as a 9-year-old. “People were holding out their hands, cheering me on,” Black, 39, said. “I remember there being TV cameras on me, a blimp for a portion of the race. I remember the crowds going crazy.”

Not exactly what my dirty mind wanted, or expected.  Easier clicked on than explained.

Cougars.  You probably know one.  MILFs.  You probably know many, Sarah Palin for example, is my fav, tho Nailin' Palin was mediocre (YouTube so probably safe for work) - the plot line was ludicrous.  Anyway, this is in the Bay Area, so climb_ca will probably take a look - and bring his kids.  More here about the clientele.

Wasn't really planning on getting into the Tour this year, but I have, all in baby.  By all means, you need to watch today's 20th stage of the Tour de France.  The Mont Ventoux stage in Provence is one of the hallowed stages, L'Alpe de Huez, Verbier are others, but Ventoux usually occurs later in the Tour and can be a make or break stage.  Keep in mind that Contador recently had a potentially career ending brain hemorrhage, significantly more serious than just having one wobbly in your nutsack - just pointing that out. Won't spoil it for you, but the stage was amazing, Wiggins' ride was one of the most memorable in recent history.  The Schleck brothers, Armstrong, Contador, Wiggins, Kloeden, sweet maria, was on the edge of my seat.  Watch, weep, rejoice.

The Annecy Time Trail was supposed to be a last ditch effort by Lance to make up time and perhaps get a podium, but he finished 16th, 1.30 back.  Contador not only kept the yellow jersey, but won the stage, beating favoured Fabian Cancellara.  Love it, not so much Contador, but Lance losing, he's such a d-bag and after seeing him hanging out at the Rose Bar in NY one time with an un-named starlet, he gets no love here.  He's all that is bad in American sports, marketing hype and a ponderous workman approach to winning at all costs, emphasis on costs.  I mean here's a fan of his:

I don't understand it, why do they even continue TDF, they should just give first to Lance
why: 1.he had cancer
2.he is American and American are the best at everything, well maybe not at homeless and murder.
3.He is Texan
4.He has big mouth
Come on now give the medal to Lance!

There's so much wrong in that post, I won't even start.  Currently Armstrong is on the podium, but watch Wiggins, solid, he'll make a run at it.  Anyway, read more here on the results of today's stage.

You'd think climb_ca would have done this already, being so 'tech savvy' but regardless, we have no enemies or comps in the outdoor business and we strive to bring you the most up to date information - always.  Obviously we're behind the ball here and all climb_ca has done is blogged about stackable coolers, so if want a better information source, Rocky may be it.  Caveat: if you like being pestered constantly with 'tweets' then here your chance to follow Rocky at Outdoor Retailer. Standard messaging rates apply.