Welcome to the Chicago Cubs Virtual Waiting Room!

"Just because it isn't working for you, or anyone you know, doesn't mean it isn't working for ticket scalpers."

Being a Cubs fan isn't easy. Never mind the annual meltdown. Don't sweat the overpaid coddled starts that are past their prime. $8 Old Styles, it's part of the charm.

Here is the actual catch of it all, despite all of that and annual face ticket price increases, YOU CAN'T BUY THEM. 

If you don't actually have to go work on wrist band day, you will lose the lottery. If you are at work and don't have to be in meetings, you can sit in the "Virtual Waiting Room" and watch games get sold out. 

But yet, here I am...

... and some sunny day in July or maybe even early August it will all make sense. I only hope one of these years that feeling makes it to Thanksgiving.

Woman Swims Across the Atlantic, Or Does She?

I hate to blow the ending of this one, but NO she didn't.  Not even close.

She did swim a real long way though. See the EverymanTri story for the explanation.

BTW- They also noted how someone could do it, but that would be even more silly than running across the Sahara (which is the subject of an upcoming post).

Lance Armstrong Comments on Doing the Ironman Triathlon

This one cracks me up (you can click on the photo to see the full photo).

For the last couple of years I have been talking about Lance Armstrong doing an Ironman.  Clearly I am not the only one, and looks like the word has gotten back to him.  See the photo above for his thoughts on it at he was training in Kona for his latest comeback bid.  Yeah Lance, the joke's on us.

"What's with all this Ironman business... I'm ready. Actually I'm not. Toughest competitors around.."

He also talked about going back to triathlons in this article in Outside.  And his coach, Chris Carmichael, talked about it in the article Lance Armstrong: Training in Kona, Thinking of Ironman (with video) from Slowtwitch.

That will be fun to see.

BTW- This is Armstrong's Twitpic page.  Kind of interesting to see what he posts.  For example, I guess someone stole his TT bike.  Since I am still riding my LeMond, it clearly wasn't me.

I Am Not Ready to Deal With The Cubs... Yet

Pitchers and catchers reported on Friday the 13th.  Really, is that a good idea for the Cubs?

I am just not there yet.  Not even close.  People are talking about going to opening day (I have gone the last 5 years now), and I have yet to throw my hat in the ring.  Single day tickets go on sale Friday and I don't think I am going to even try.

Part of it is that the Cubs are getting more expensive every year, and we are trying to save pennies now.  But truth be told, the bigger issue is that I am still pissed.  I am pissed that the Cubs continue to treat their overplay players like fragile eggs.  I am pissed that the team played like crap AGAIN in the playoffs last year.   And I am pissed that despite 100 years of not winning the playoffs it has become virtually impossible to get tickets at face (not to mention the fact the face cost of BLEACHER tickets are $60).

If I was GM I would trade any big contract guy for as many prospects as I could get.  In 4 years I would have a hell of a team.  As the Marlins how many championships they have won in the last 100 years.

So I post the video below in hopes that I get over my disappointment and jump on the Cubs bandwagon again this year.  I am sure the Kool-Aid will taste good when I get to it, but now all I can remember is the very bitter aftertaste.

• There was a good story in the Tribune today about the leadoff spot.  Stuff like this gets me closer to being able to deal with the Cubs, because I immediately get angry when Lou feels he has to coddle Soriano by leading him off.  OBP in the leadoff spot scores more runs. More runs wins games, maybe even playoff games.  I have a feeling the Ewing Theory will take effect after Fonzy leaves.
  

Happy Birthday James

I started this post in June to congratulate my buddy Charlie for winning an open water swim around Key West.  From his own report, he beat almost everyone in the race, took first place in his division (male), and he punch a shark in the face at the end for good measure.  Regardless that he got smoked by the only female in the race, they still gave him a cool trophy.  Nice work.

Since I am only some 10 months late with this post, I thought I would use it to wish by favorite God son, James a happy first birthday.  It has been a very exciting year.

See below a photo of the wonder kid taking his first swim.  This was right after the Hy-Vee Tri in June 2008.  I have been told that since this photo was taken James' swimming has vastly improved.  I am sure before we know it Chuck and I will be watching James put wakes in the Roosevelt pool or maybe be first out of the water at some triathlon. 

So Happy Birthday James.  Tell your pops I miss him and wish I could be around for him this week.  Your family is in our thoughts here in Chicago.

Dave's 2009 Motivation Blog

Will Anyone Notice If I Blog Again?  Do I care?  Not really...

Today's post is all about motivation.  I write this half to keep my ass moving in the craptastic weather that is the Chicago winter, but also to move my vast and loyal readership.

"Exercise is done against one's wishes and maintained only because the alternative is worse."   --  GEORGE SHEEHAN

Well, there are many reasons for exercise, but I think Doc Sheehan covered the basic one there.

Here is a good article about how there are no excuses not to workout (well there are a few in there).   "It may be Mardi Gras time, but don't let excuses weigh you down when it comes to exercise"  I think I really liked this article because it relates exercise to Mardi Gras.  You really do have to love New Orleans.

Sticking with the motivation theme here is an Runners World on how to Tough It Out.  I love the Star Wars reference from Brian Sell.

Since I am going to try to ease back into this internets blogging business that is all for today.  Here are a couple of odd balls for you:

• As if you needed another reason to work for Outside Magazine.  This has nothing to do with endurance events, but I suppose I should tack a few of these "Cool Party Tricks" on my to-do list.  "SHABA DO!"  Note: I really enjoyed the video where I learned to sabre a champagne bottle. Put away the knifes next New Year's Eve.   Also, I want to go on the record that I do not recommend the blowing fire bit. 
  
• Lastly, I got this from an email from Coldplay.  Glad to see they keeping their sense of humor despite all they've got going on.
  

What's Next for Dave? Hot New Things in Triathlon?

Still have to play catch up, but I read this article and thought it might be a good one looking towards next summer.

Half Ironman is the 'hot new thing' in the sport of triathlon