Headlines, Bylines, and Why-lines

Greetings. I haven’t checked in for a while and figured it was about time to do so. Forgive the random nature of this post as I do a little mental housecleaning, organizing and venting. First of all, enough already with the snow and ice here in the east. We are faced with another round of ugliness today and I have to tell you that the fun part is over. Now this stuff is just a nuisance and a danger. Plus, you know how much I hate treadmills. This is making training for a March ultra marathon quite challenging.

I keep catching headlines regarding the state of actor Charlie Sheen. I am a pretty compassionate guy who understands the evil grip that addiction can have on a person. But I just can figure Charlie out. I really feel that he is perfectly content to self destruct; and self destruct as publicly as possible. Maybe it’s a ratings grabber but it sure is sad for those left in the wake of his destruction.

I have been biting my tongue on this one because I don’t really want to give it time or justice but feel the need to make a couple of comments. I was both taken back and intrigued by the recent blog post by “Charlie”. I encourage you to check this out:  http://charliebroadway.blogspot.com/2011/01/triathlon-is-stupid-sport.html. Charlie basically goes on a rant and blasts everything related to triathlon and triathletes in his post “Triathlon is Stupid”.

I actually do agree with a couple of his points that the sport has become way overpriced by certain entities and race directors. But where he spreads hatred and distaste for triathletes as people, I have found the exact opposite to be true. The triathletes that I am attracted to and surround myself with are among the most supportive and positive people I have ever met. While it spurs me to ponder why all of the negative people are attracted to Charlie, I think I know the answer to that question. I guess we’re all entitled to our opinions.

In quickly glancing at some of his other posts, I see a general theme of negativity loaded with expletives intended more for shock value than anything else.  I look at the post, and the author as an interesting sociology project that adds, detracts, or speaks of very little significance to the sport of triathlon or to triathletes. But, it’s passionate, and passion can be good.

Keep you eye out for the latest Liberty Sports Magazine. The February issue will be out any day and I have a feature article in there on a great guy named Andy Holder.

And on the subject of Liberty Sports Magazine, don’t forget the Endurance Sports Expo February 26^th and 27^th in Oaks PA. As last year, this will be a great two day expo of all things multisport, with speakers, demos, samples, etc. At noon on each day Todd Wiley and I will be presenting on the topic of “Balancing Life and Sport’. Come check it out.

And lastly, my next episode of Make it Count can be heard live on February 17^th at 6:30 PM where I will chat with Anne Mahlum, founder of Back on My Feet.

Enough rambling for now. Enjoy the snow, or ice, or warm sunshine if you are lucky enough to be in that climate!