In the team huddle before the game, we went over the strategy and reviewed the scouting report. Then Marti looked at us and asked, “Wait, what basket are we shooting at?” I clutched my belly in laughter. And not for the last time that day. Saturday was the inaugural women’s … [Read more...]
Four miles in four degrees
The conversation in my head went something like this: It’s really cold outside. What are you going to gain? Just hop on the bike for 90 minutes instead. It’s set up right in your living room. But there’s no real wind this morning. And maybe I should run. I need to get in some miles … [Read more...]
Body image confessions via Byline to Finishline
Somehow I missed the Lululemon controversy which erupted earlier this month. But here’s the skinny: The company’s founder, Chip Wilson, was discussing his product in an interview. Specifically he was addressing complaints that Lululemon’s yoga pants were subject to pilling. … [Read more...]
Reservoirs of strength via Byline to Finish Line
Trust that still, small voice that says, “This might work and I’ll try it.” The hill was long and the steep part was yet to come. I knew this in my bones. I’ve run this course at least 100 times. In all kinds of weather. In brilliant sunshine and total darkness. I know … [Read more...]
Race Report: Detroit International Half Marathon
I don’t remember how the topic of distance running came up, but suddenly I was sitting in Alaska with a bunch of women I had just met talking about half marathons. And before I knew it, I was on my smart phone, checking the registration situation for the Detroit International Half Marathon. My … [Read more...]
Live for Joy via Byline to Finish Line
Every so often, I hear her voice. It’s rarely around anniversaries like this, the anniversary of her passing. It’s rarely when I’m even thinking about something that connects us, like St. Bonaventure or basketball. It’s usually when I least expect it, when I’m by myself … [Read more...]
Race Report: Lucy Town Half Marathon
Right around Mile 7 I wanted to cry. In the general scheme of things, this is not unusual for me in a half marathon. At some point in a 13.1-mile race, I am going to want to cry. Occasionally I actually do cry. On Sunday, I was at the brink. I wasn’t anticipating so many hills. Then again, I … [Read more...]
Chrissie Wellington: A Life Without Limits
It’s the smile you remember. Even if you’re not a triathlete or particularly well versed in the ins and outs of the Ironman World Championship, colloquially known as “Kona,” you know there is something special about the smile. It never seems to leave her face. … [Read more...]
The art and science of covering baseball
The steady breeze cools the skin, making the hot summer afternoon bearable. The sun is slowly starting to slip the first base grandstand, bathing the field in a variety of shadows. It is late afternoon and the players have finished their stretching routines, sauntering off into their cliques as the … [Read more...]
Byline to Finish Line: Preparation for better things
As the cold water filled my bathtub, I slunk down, trying to submerge my body. My running clothes were stuck to my body, sweat acting as an adhesive between my skin and the wicking fabric. That did not go well. My workout was a tempo run and while I did four miles at a hard pace, I had trouble … [Read more...]