I've experienced quite a setback in my training. A week ago, I ran the dreaded 20 miler as training for the Baltimore marathon. Fortunately, I finished reasonably. Unfortunately, I straining/irritated a muscle in my foot and/or leg. I've been able to do anything besides a 6-mile tester since then...not cool. I'm beginning to think that the marathon might be out of the question - like for real if it is not any better! 2 weeks baby, but this weekend is NYC and I'm sure I will be doing a good deal of walking around - suck.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
People are RUDE! Kanye West
"Dear Kanye,
What happened to you as a child?? Did you not get hugged enough?? Something must have happened to make you this way and I think we’re all just curious as to what would make a grown man go on national television and make a talented artist, let alone teenager, feel like shit. I mean, I’ve seen you do some pretty shitty things, but you just keep amazing me with your tactless, asshole ways. It’s absolutely fascinating how much I don’t like you. I like everyone. I even like my asshole ex that cheated on me over you…which is pretty odd since I don’t even personally know you. The best part of this evening is that you weren’t even up for THIS award and yet you still have a problem with the outcome. Is winning a moon man that much of a life goal?? You can have mine if it will shut you up. Is it that important, really??
I was actually nominated in the same category that Taylor won and I was excited for her…so why can’t you be?? I’m not even mad at you for being an asshole…I just pity you because you’re a sad human being.
On a side note, Beyonce has always been a class act and proved again tonight that she still is. Go TEXAS!!
Taylor Swift, you outsell him ….that’s why he’s bitter. You know I love your work! Keep it up girl!"
KC (Kelly Clarkson) - posted at http://iamkelly.wordpress.com
Friday, September 11, 2009
Playing with Class
This will hopefully be a short post. I do have to comment on the fact that playing with class is something that you do not see often in sports. Last night in my co-ed "rec game" there was a tremendous display of such behavior. My team 5? opponents 1. What can I say, the other team was very decent, but we just demolished their defense. Anyway, back to the point, the other team had this little blonde girl who played in the center (where I was playing) and she was very good - quick, technical, and such a great attitude. Not only did she know the game and know her role on the team, but she also played with class. What do I mean by that term? I'd say, eh...respecting the game, respecting her teammates and opponents, but playing a solid game herself, not needing to brag or yell at other teammates for poor decisions and terribleness, not getting frustrated either or letting frustration overtake her game. Something easy to say, but hard especially on the losing side. Now this co-ed rec league gets a little rowdy, usually every game with disputing referee calls and trash talking and yes it happened during last night's game. I witnessed this girl calming her teammates down, helping up the guy/girl (from our team) up who got fouled, and apologizing for the behavior of her own teammates. What a nice thing to see. Can we all maybe attempt to play with class the next time we take the field? Ladies and gentlemen, I guarantee that it will just make you a better player. This young lady definitely displayed impressive skills with the ball, but to me what made her stand out was that she played with class. Thumbs up!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Still on top
http://www.messiah.edu/athletics/sports/womens_soccer/articles/0910/sep-9.html
Below is the commentary email received from the MWS assistant:
First half we came out ready for a change and earned a corner in the first 30sec. We were dangerous but didn't put it away. Erin played Mandy in and the keeper came out Mandy went down and slid...keeper got the ball, mandy somehow got the keepers forehead and she had to leave the game for a cut. Mandy got a stern lecture from the ref but it seemed pretty 50/50 to me. Continued to press them for the first 30 minutes with several good looks included 1 more corner but to no avail. Then both teams subbed multiple players and Hopkins kind of had the better of play the last 15 of the half. They were never really dangerous but we gave up 2 corners and right now we just kind of hold our breath and hope on corners.
2nd half we go to 3-5-2. molly-carey-Hoff, Kelsey/Muss 6/8, Leah 7, jo RW, Amy LW, Erin and Mandy up top. Their 1st goalie is back in. It was at this moment that for whatever reason, the planets chose to align themselves and we literally took over the game. We won EVERYTHING. We were hard. Muss had a couple of her sliding rock-your-world tackles. Katie Hoff is unbelievable right now. Coach and I were talking after the game and we decided she is the player that has advanced her game the most from day1 (she was MAYBE the 5th winger??) out of every MWS player EVER. Anyway, we passed and passed and combined and broke them down OVER and OVER. Their backs couldn't figure out how to handle Erin and Mandy. Jo was outstanding but got tired about 20 in. We now have a freshie named Corrine. She is Lisa fast, but with technical skill and Kacie quickness/agility. She comes in for Jo and gets in...all the way in...prolly 10 times. Mandy hammers a 7-ball from Erin near post and then Leah gets a perfectly weighted, flat-rolling spot ball around the 10 that she is running full speed onto absolutely KILLS upper 90. I can't really convey just how dominant we were in the second half. Shots 23-1 (in the HALF) Corners 10-1 (in the HALF). We didn't lose the ball once because of needless/selfish dribble. Oh and I forgot to mention...it was RAINING almost the whole time. Once again we should have had probably 5 or 6 goals but their goalie made some really nice saves and they saved a couple headed corners off the line.
2nd half we go to 3-5-2. molly-carey-Hoff, Kelsey/Muss 6/8, Leah 7, jo RW, Amy LW, Erin and Mandy up top. Their 1st goalie is back in. It was at this moment that for whatever reason, the planets chose to align themselves and we literally took over the game. We won EVERYTHING. We were hard. Muss had a couple of her sliding rock-your-world tackles. Katie Hoff is unbelievable right now. Coach and I were talking after the game and we decided she is the player that has advanced her game the most from day1 (she was MAYBE the 5th winger??) out of every MWS player EVER. Anyway, we passed and passed and combined and broke them down OVER and OVER. Their backs couldn't figure out how to handle Erin and Mandy. Jo was outstanding but got tired about 20 in. We now have a freshie named Corrine. She is Lisa fast, but with technical skill and Kacie quickness/agility. She comes in for Jo and gets in...all the way in...prolly 10 times. Mandy hammers a 7-ball from Erin near post and then Leah gets a perfectly weighted, flat-rolling spot ball around the 10 that she is running full speed onto absolutely KILLS upper 90. I can't really convey just how dominant we were in the second half. Shots 23-1 (in the HALF) Corners 10-1 (in the HALF). We didn't lose the ball once because of needless/selfish dribble. Oh and I forgot to mention...it was RAINING almost the whole time. Once again we should have had probably 5 or 6 goals but their goalie made some really nice saves and they saved a couple headed corners off the line.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
9/6/09 - Hopkins v. Lynchburg
On Saturday, 9/5 my plan was to go and watch both of the games at Hopkins. Unfortunately, it was also my long run day. I was up at 530 to run a dreaded 18 miler and upon completion, took the greatest nap of all time. Woops, missed both games. Fortunately, the money game was the following day on Sunday 9/6 - #6 Johns Hopkins vs. #10 Lynchburg. What a great game it was...great weather, close to home, and great soccer. Johns Hopkins totally dominated the first half and scored off of a dead ball/header. Hopkins really just outplayed Lynchburg early on and they got whatever they wanted, making Lynchburg chase. Lynchburg did show a solid defense though, not allowing any quality chances or looks on goal. Hopkins finally did just put one away off of a foul at the end of the half.
The second half was another story though. Lynchburg utilized the flanks very well. The right winger(s) did a great job of beating their defenders; however, did a very poor job of service, something of which is obviously key to scoring goals! A terrible thing to work so hard to beat your defender and then waste a great opportunity. Another thing that really stood out in my mind was the significance of the "half-turn." Wow. Especially, on this type surface (turf) where the ball just runs. The half-turn was just something that was engrained in our minds in college. Neither team used this effectively and it showed. The times when it WAS used...poor. Ok, enough criticizing. I was not disappointed with the soccer and was encouraged to see nothing extraordinary. Messiah should have no problem with either team, although I do believe that wins and losses can and may be a product of how teams match up. Hopkins plays at Messiah tomorrow at the Shoe - 7pm. Should be a good game and it will be interesting to see Hopkins play away where the grass is green and white lines freshly painted! Home of the national champs! See you there!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
the smell of soccer
The air is crisp and grass is green. I feel a change in seasons and smell…soccer! One can only know what I mean if you are a soccer player/parent/referee, etc. It is a feeling within that takes you back to the days that you played, as a kid for fun and a young adult competitively. The way you felt when you laced up your boots and made sure your guards were straight, the way the air smelled and the sky looked, the green grass and painted white lines; the feeling as if you were unstoppable; focused – it just brings you back.
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