Taking a run around Newport the other day, I noticed that, despite the pretty chilly temperatures, there were plenty of other runners braving the elements. It got me thinking.
I know why I run in the wintertime (treadmills are awful, it's a good way to get some exercise in a short amount of time, no one bothers me, my dog enjoys it), but what motivates others to bundle up and go out?
If you live in Newport County and don't mind, or even enjoy, going for a run during the winter months, I'm interested to hear how you stay warm, stay motivated and why you prefer the cold outdoors to a treadmill at the gym. And if you have any interesting and/or humorous anecdotes about cold-weather running, feel free to share.
Either post your thoughts on the blog, or send me an e-mail at Krueger@NewportRI.com. I plan to use the responses for a story that will appear in the paper, hopefully sometime next week.
Thanks, and happy running.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Tough times at the Y
The honor system has always intrigued me. When I was in college, there was a tiny golf course two towns away that had a box for money - $9 a round. I always paid, mostly because it was the right thing to do and partly because I was always nervous to find out what happened if I didn't and got caught.
The honor system doesn't always work, though. Case in point was at the Newport County YMCA on Wednesday night. The new year always brings out an abundance of hopeful people wanting to make good on those resolutions. There's never enough machines, and people can get frustrated by that.
When I walked in, there was one woman in front of me on the dry erase board, signifying those waiting for a treadmill. I put my name down and jumped on an exercise bike. When it was my turn, I was getting ready to erase my name, and this guy went to jump on. People informed him that I was next, and he came over to put his name on the dry-erase board.
"What do I have to do?" he asks me. "Just write your name and what time it is," I reply. By this point, he's six or seventh in line. I jump on the treadmill and start my run, yet out of the corner of my eye, I see someone else finishing up. There was a girl who signed up right behind me, but instead of her getting on the treadmill, it was the same kid who tried to take mine.
I was sort of furious and wanted to say something, but clearly that's not my place. And the girl really didn't have the guts to confront him. After waiting at least 25 minutes, she got on a treadmill (right next to me, actually).
"That guy jumped in front of everyone," I said to her. "Yeah, but whatever," she replied. Clearly she wasn't as bothered by it as I was. I think I was bothered by it only because one of two things occured: 1) He's a complete scumbag who knew what he was doing or 2) He's an utter imbecile who couldn't solve the easy dry-erase board system. I don't know which is worse.
As if that wasn't enough, on my way out of the workout room, I went to dump my water bottle into the recycling bin. On the bin is a sign that clearly says, "NO PLASTIC CUPS." Lo and behold, what we do have in the bin? About 10 plastic cups and nothing else.
Look, this next few weeks aren't going to be pleasant at the YMCA. The staff is doing their best to try to accomodate everyone, but machines break. That's life. Your time isn't any more precious than anyone else there, so wait your turn to get on a machine and find out where plastic cups go and put them there. Courtesy tends to go a long way.
Being more courteous is a great New Year's Resolution.
The honor system doesn't always work, though. Case in point was at the Newport County YMCA on Wednesday night. The new year always brings out an abundance of hopeful people wanting to make good on those resolutions. There's never enough machines, and people can get frustrated by that.
When I walked in, there was one woman in front of me on the dry erase board, signifying those waiting for a treadmill. I put my name down and jumped on an exercise bike. When it was my turn, I was getting ready to erase my name, and this guy went to jump on. People informed him that I was next, and he came over to put his name on the dry-erase board.
"What do I have to do?" he asks me. "Just write your name and what time it is," I reply. By this point, he's six or seventh in line. I jump on the treadmill and start my run, yet out of the corner of my eye, I see someone else finishing up. There was a girl who signed up right behind me, but instead of her getting on the treadmill, it was the same kid who tried to take mine.
I was sort of furious and wanted to say something, but clearly that's not my place. And the girl really didn't have the guts to confront him. After waiting at least 25 minutes, she got on a treadmill (right next to me, actually).
"That guy jumped in front of everyone," I said to her. "Yeah, but whatever," she replied. Clearly she wasn't as bothered by it as I was. I think I was bothered by it only because one of two things occured: 1) He's a complete scumbag who knew what he was doing or 2) He's an utter imbecile who couldn't solve the easy dry-erase board system. I don't know which is worse.
As if that wasn't enough, on my way out of the workout room, I went to dump my water bottle into the recycling bin. On the bin is a sign that clearly says, "NO PLASTIC CUPS." Lo and behold, what we do have in the bin? About 10 plastic cups and nothing else.
Look, this next few weeks aren't going to be pleasant at the YMCA. The staff is doing their best to try to accomodate everyone, but machines break. That's life. Your time isn't any more precious than anyone else there, so wait your turn to get on a machine and find out where plastic cups go and put them there. Courtesy tends to go a long way.
Being more courteous is a great New Year's Resolution.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
America's Pastime is on the clock
The minute the news that Mark McGwire admitted steroid use during his historic home run chase in 1998 hit the ESPN ticker, I knew columnists would have a field day with the former single-season home run king.
Guys like Jay Mariotti, who hates everyone, including his own children, at long last could rip the guy who never wanted to 'talk about past.' Sure, that's their prerogative, but McGwire's revelation doesn't inspire me to take him down a notch. Why? Because he's not the first to divulge and he won't be the last. To be honest, I think he sounds rather sincere as he takes on the media through interviews. It's obvious that everyone has it out for him, asking very insinuating questions, and he's facing it head one.
That being said, baseball as a whole is a joke. This is a bad situation and it's only going to get worse. Just wait. Eventually, Barry Bonds will either come clean or be proven guilty, and the same can be said for Clemens. That's eight MVP awards and seven Cy Youngs combined. What about the single-season home run record that Bonds owns? How about the all-time home run record? What is baseball going to do?
And these are only the big names, players who changed the game. Jose Canseco estimated that 80 percent of players were on PEDs during his time in the league. If that's anywhere near the truth, that's staggering. Makes me wonder what I could have done had I been poking myself with a needle.
Baseball is a mess, and it'll take a long, long time to be completely fixed. And, truth be told, I'm not 100 percent sure it can be.
Guys like Jay Mariotti, who hates everyone, including his own children, at long last could rip the guy who never wanted to 'talk about past.' Sure, that's their prerogative, but McGwire's revelation doesn't inspire me to take him down a notch. Why? Because he's not the first to divulge and he won't be the last. To be honest, I think he sounds rather sincere as he takes on the media through interviews. It's obvious that everyone has it out for him, asking very insinuating questions, and he's facing it head one.
That being said, baseball as a whole is a joke. This is a bad situation and it's only going to get worse. Just wait. Eventually, Barry Bonds will either come clean or be proven guilty, and the same can be said for Clemens. That's eight MVP awards and seven Cy Youngs combined. What about the single-season home run record that Bonds owns? How about the all-time home run record? What is baseball going to do?
And these are only the big names, players who changed the game. Jose Canseco estimated that 80 percent of players were on PEDs during his time in the league. If that's anywhere near the truth, that's staggering. Makes me wonder what I could have done had I been poking myself with a needle.
Baseball is a mess, and it'll take a long, long time to be completely fixed. And, truth be told, I'm not 100 percent sure it can be.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Playoffs or madness?
Last week, before both of our teams met with a painful elimination from the NFL playoffs, Scott and I had a short debate about which is the more wonderful time of year: NFL postseason or March Madness.
For me, it's football, and if the Green Bay Packers are participating, it's not close. Even with the depressing demise of the Packers in the wildest of this year's wild-card game in Arizona, I'm still excited to see how the rest of the playoffs play out.
Regardless of who's in and how good or bad certain teams appear, there is always some unexpected drama and excitement.
Almost every year, wild-card teams get hot and, against all odds, make a Super Bowl run.
Just about every team has one or more superstar players, whom you either love, or love to hate (i.e. Peyton Manning, Brett Favre), giving fans a rooting interest even if their team isn't involved. Rare is the game when I think, "I don't really care who wins." Although a Dallas-Baltimore Super Bowl certainly would produce such indifference.
Working against March Madness is that, after the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament, the level of intrigue plummets. That's when the Cinderellas tend to start losing and the fantastic finishes become less frequent. Games turn into foul-shooting contests in the closing minutes as teams try, usually without success, to overcome deficits.
Eventually, UConn, North Carolina, Kansas, Duke or some other big-time program cuts down the nets after a championship game that too often is not competitive. Five of the last 10 were decided by 10 points or more.
In the NFL playoffs, though, the underdogs have a legitimate shot to win it all, and some do. Three wild-card teams have won the Super Bowl in the last 10 years.
And recent Super Bowls are worth mentioning among the best of all-time. Santonio Holmes' toe-tapping touchdown grab for the Steelers last February. David Tyree's ridiculous helmet catch against the Patriots two years ago. Adam Vinatieri making himself a household name with two game-winning field goals in Super Bowls XXXVI and XXXVIII.
There aren't many finishes like that in the NCAA final, and as awesome as the tournament is, it doesn't compare to the NFL's version.
For me, it's football, and if the Green Bay Packers are participating, it's not close. Even with the depressing demise of the Packers in the wildest of this year's wild-card game in Arizona, I'm still excited to see how the rest of the playoffs play out.
Regardless of who's in and how good or bad certain teams appear, there is always some unexpected drama and excitement.
Almost every year, wild-card teams get hot and, against all odds, make a Super Bowl run.
Just about every team has one or more superstar players, whom you either love, or love to hate (i.e. Peyton Manning, Brett Favre), giving fans a rooting interest even if their team isn't involved. Rare is the game when I think, "I don't really care who wins." Although a Dallas-Baltimore Super Bowl certainly would produce such indifference.
Working against March Madness is that, after the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament, the level of intrigue plummets. That's when the Cinderellas tend to start losing and the fantastic finishes become less frequent. Games turn into foul-shooting contests in the closing minutes as teams try, usually without success, to overcome deficits.
Eventually, UConn, North Carolina, Kansas, Duke or some other big-time program cuts down the nets after a championship game that too often is not competitive. Five of the last 10 were decided by 10 points or more.
In the NFL playoffs, though, the underdogs have a legitimate shot to win it all, and some do. Three wild-card teams have won the Super Bowl in the last 10 years.
And recent Super Bowls are worth mentioning among the best of all-time. Santonio Holmes' toe-tapping touchdown grab for the Steelers last February. David Tyree's ridiculous helmet catch against the Patriots two years ago. Adam Vinatieri making himself a household name with two game-winning field goals in Super Bowls XXXVI and XXXVIII.
There aren't many finishes like that in the NCAA final, and as awesome as the tournament is, it doesn't compare to the NFL's version.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Draft day debacles
There are dozens of columns and blog entries claiming that the Patriots' decade of dominance is over. New England appeared in five AFC title games and four super bowls - winning three of them - since the start of 2002, but Sunday's loss can't leave fans feeling good about the future.
And looking at recent draft classes, the next few years look even more bleak. Take last year's draft. Sure, Julian Edelman (seventh round), Darius Butler (second)and Sebastian Vollmer (third) contributed, but what about Patrick Chung (second) and Ron Brace (second)? Chung was a special teams guy who all too often was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, while Brace rarely saw the field.
How about the 2008 draft? Other than Jerod Mayo, selected No. 10 overall, the Patriots have either cut ties or don't play Terrence Wheatley, Shawn Crable, Kevin O'Connell and Bo Rudd. Jonathan Wilhite and Matthew Slater also were drafted this season, but they're hardly superstars.
The 2007 draft? Do the names Kareem Brown, Clint Oldenburg, Justin Rogers, Mike Richardson, Justise Hairston, Corey Hillard, Oscar Lua or Mike Elgin ring a bell? Didn't think so.
There are other high draft picks through the years that didn't pan out, and that will be the case for all teams. But Bill Belichick used to be the gold standard of using late-round draft selections to pick talented but under-the-radar guys. Guys like Matt Cassel (seventh roudn, 2005), Tully Banta-Cain (seventh round, 2003), Asante Samuel (fourth round, 2003), Dan Koppen (fifth round, 2003), David Givens (seventh round, 2002), Jarvis Green (fourth round, 2002) and Tom Brady (sixth round, 2000).
The point is, the Patriots no longer have that Magic 8-Ball when it comes to the draft. It seems as though Indianapolis and Scott Pioli have it (Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon) and the results to prove it.
And looking at recent draft classes, the next few years look even more bleak. Take last year's draft. Sure, Julian Edelman (seventh round), Darius Butler (second)and Sebastian Vollmer (third) contributed, but what about Patrick Chung (second) and Ron Brace (second)? Chung was a special teams guy who all too often was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, while Brace rarely saw the field.
How about the 2008 draft? Other than Jerod Mayo, selected No. 10 overall, the Patriots have either cut ties or don't play Terrence Wheatley, Shawn Crable, Kevin O'Connell and Bo Rudd. Jonathan Wilhite and Matthew Slater also were drafted this season, but they're hardly superstars.
The 2007 draft? Do the names Kareem Brown, Clint Oldenburg, Justin Rogers, Mike Richardson, Justise Hairston, Corey Hillard, Oscar Lua or Mike Elgin ring a bell? Didn't think so.
There are other high draft picks through the years that didn't pan out, and that will be the case for all teams. But Bill Belichick used to be the gold standard of using late-round draft selections to pick talented but under-the-radar guys. Guys like Matt Cassel (seventh roudn, 2005), Tully Banta-Cain (seventh round, 2003), Asante Samuel (fourth round, 2003), Dan Koppen (fifth round, 2003), David Givens (seventh round, 2002), Jarvis Green (fourth round, 2002) and Tom Brady (sixth round, 2000).
The point is, the Patriots no longer have that Magic 8-Ball when it comes to the draft. It seems as though Indianapolis and Scott Pioli have it (Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon) and the results to prove it.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Patriots miss a field goal to make it a two-possession game
Little's gone right, now that old reliable Stephen Gostkowski is wide right on a 44-yard field goal try midway through the final quarter.
Baltimore pushes lead to 33-14
Baltimore's running game produces another touchdown, putting the Pats down 19 points with 101/2 minutes to go.
Patriots still playing catchup
Patriots trail 27-14 late in the third quarter as a bit farther south the University of Rhode Island's basketball team falls in overtime to visiting Temple.
If only New England can get to overtime against Baltimore.
It doesn't look good. Not when Joe Flacco goes into the final 15 minutes after hitting a third-down pass for a first down at the Patriots' 36.
If only New England can get to overtime against Baltimore.
It doesn't look good. Not when Joe Flacco goes into the final 15 minutes after hitting a third-down pass for a first down at the Patriots' 36.
New England's sputtering offense
A Patriots pick and a spinning punt return by Edelman give the New England offense good field position twice, but the offense once again shows little. Baltimore's running game runs out the clock in the first half with the visitors up a comfortable 24-7.
Patriots on the scoreboard
Thanks to a Ravens turnover on a punt deep in Baltimore territory, the Pats get on the board with a short touchdown pass from Brady to Julian Edelman.
Now 24-7, Pats have some momentum, not entirely made be themselves. Now they've been hit by a facemask penalty on the kickoff.
I don't see this game turning around the way NE's playing.
Now 24-7, Pats have some momentum, not entirely made be themselves. Now they've been hit by a facemask penalty on the kickoff.
I don't see this game turning around the way NE's playing.
Now the Pats are down 21-0. Make that 24-0.
Better cancel those beach cabanas in San Diego. This one's spirling out of control. Brady under pressure gets picked deep in NE territory and the Ravens eventually run it in behind Rice - and now Sam Aiken has a Brady ball bounce off his hands - and another intercept and run back deep in Patriots land.
Can this get any worse?
Well, at least the bleeding has slowed. Only a Ravens field goal for a 24-0 score.
Can this get any worse?
Well, at least the bleeding has slowed. Only a Ravens field goal for a 24-0 score.
Boo birds
Another three-and-out for NE and a 34-yard punt return to the Patriots' 42 brings booing with 8:58 to go in the first quarter.
Le'Ron runs Ravens to 14-0 lead.
Le'Ron McClain's 1-yard run after a forced-fumble, strip-sack turnover by Tom Brady inside the red zone has stunned New England in a big hole.
Rice's 83-yard burst on the first play from scrimmage is the second-longest in post-season play.
The longest is 90-yards in 1999. The silver lining here? It was done by Fred Taylor when he was in Jacksonville going against Miami.
The Pats may need Fred to get his crown back today.
Rice's 83-yard burst on the first play from scrimmage is the second-longest in post-season play.
The longest is 90-yards in 1999. The silver lining here? It was done by Fred Taylor when he was in Jacksonville going against Miami.
The Pats may need Fred to get his crown back today.
Ray Rice is still running
Ray Rice goes right up middle on first play untouched and leaves All-Pro Brandon Meriweather grabbing air as well as the rest of the D.
NOT a good beginning.
NOT a good beginning.
New England-Baltimore game-time conditions
GREETINGS FROM GILLETTE
Sunny and cold ... 20 degrees ... wind north-northwest 12 mph ... windchill: 8 degrees.
Sunny and cold ... 20 degrees ... wind north-northwest 12 mph ... windchill: 8 degrees.
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