Lance in simpler times, a pre testicular cancer speedo wearing triathlete.
I don't think it is a coincidence that he is a "man thigh" master during this cool phase of his life.
I have been a fan of Lance pre-cancer when he first showed promise in "le Tour". I read his books and consumed his total domination of his sport. All the while fearing his fall from grace. In recent years he seems to be more of a retired athlete/ celebrity/ mid life crisis guy.
This is the cycle as I've observed it...
Cool punk triathlete kid,
cocky American cyclist,
sickly humble cancer victim,
cancer survivor tour champ,
married family guy and Tour favorite,
into my kids I'm inspiring guy,
I'm divorced and care about being famous guy,
I'm retired bachelor I hang with celebs guy,
mid life crisis Paris and Mary Kate guy
who turns into ?
I am not sure anymore but I think it can only get better unless he joins the Taliban or something. As my fanhood for Lance has evolved, all that remains is his discipline and pure athleticism. During a more naive phase myself, I thought that someone who had gone through the cancer and was that disciplined and hard working was by extension a great person. Like most things in life, I guess it is just more complicated than that.
My recent hope with Lance is his recent training and racing of marathons. Maybe with all that time to think on those long training runs he will regain some of his soul. He races the Boston Marathon in a few days and I still hope he annihilates. If I am totally honest with myself, I know I would watch the entire 26.2 if it was televised. The magic memories I have of watching him on OLN racing at 5am (thanks Euro time change) every July for seven years are that good.
Hmmm. I wonder if that old poster is still in the basement?
*see video below for a sample of the discipline and athleticism referenced above.
10 comments:
Lance won his first Tour the summer after Mom was diagnosed with cancer, so the two became pretty interwined for me...they were on the same team, conquering cancer, just in different ways. Subsequently, my desire to see him win was more intense. In the later Tours, Lance and the Tour meant Travis bonding time...either on the phone or lying on the floor of your apartment. I still remember watching the live coverage of Lance's bike getting caught on a spectator and the ensuing chase to get back...unbelievable. Frankly, you and I started doubting Alex (whom I was dating) a bit when he was so callous about the Tour.
So...when I hear Mary Kate-type rumors, it hurts....bad. But, I'm with you, Travis. Despite it all, I was up early on Sunday rooting for him in his first marathon and disappointed in the brief coverage. (I swear I heard more about Kate Holmes' 17+ min/mile marathon.) Anyway, I too hope those training miles are doing him good...at the very least, let's hope he's running regularly in split shorts to tan those man thighs.
seriously. get that poster back out of the basement. there is such a soft spot in my heart for lance. i just have too many memories of cheering him on- on a first name basis- a familiarity that i felt was justified.
plus lance will always remind me of the snyders. i can picture that apartment so clearly. makes me happy. :) three cheers for lance and whatever midlife crisis he is in. i still love him.
correction: He hooked up with Ashley Olsen, the superior twin.
I love that poster, I used to think it was so bad, but so awesome cause it said "ass"
Armstrong ran Boston in 2 hours and 50 minutes. Dude is an animal.
Love the video. If I ever don't feel like working out, just watch that little gem and I'm out the door. I think it's time we dust off the poster and bring it back. How about the baby's room? It's never too early to start the training...
Frankly, I don't care what Lance did or didn't do during his athletic heyday or, for that matter, what he does or doesn't do today or tomorrow with whatever Olsen twin.
[I do agree with John that his Boston time yesterday was pretty good.]
I've realized for years that my admiration of Lance comes mostly through my relationships with my children--he's just a figure around whom we connect and interact.
May confidence lies in them, not in Lance Armstrong. I don't worry about being disappointed in them or in their choices because they know even better than Lance what it really means to "live strong."
kalex: those mornings were awesome. unfortunately he isn't rocking the short running shorts. they look like basketball shorts. come on Lance don't be a sissy.
ashley: I remember when we started catching wind of his marital strife. It hink both of our households were in panic. "Oh no... not Kik!"
whit: you're such a potty mouth:)
john: I still remember your words after your Lance sighting, "the guy exudes health." I'm still jealous. Is the S.E. favorite hirng for next year?
heidi: Lance themed baby room? we can do it!
dad: thanks for the shout out we try to do you proud. but I can't ride my bike 30 mph no matter what!
apologies for any mis-spellings prior. I'm tired.
Trav I feel like Lance is like one of my favorite foods the first time you have it you might not get it, then you try it again and fall in love and then that love becomes a passion. then you have it so much when it's not perfect you are so disappointed but then you give it another go and it brings back that old feeling you once had. Just thinking about this makes me want a piece of key lime pie what was I talking about. Anyway don't worry Trav Lance will be back and I mean come on who can say no to hanging out with McCaunhey or Mary Kate I mean there are so many unanswered questions about Uncle Jessie. I no I couldn't. that's like saying no to a slice of Heidi's strawberry short cake and we all no that's not happening. Now get that poster out get those short shorts on and get riding.
matt: thanks for the comment. it's about time:)
I'll get on the shorts if you do Mr. Triathlete.
the next time I see you I expect you to be 180!
Post a Comment