Who Is The Real Lance Armstrong ?

just kept on doing what everyone starts out doing. The real question is, why did other people stop?"– William Stafford

Lance Armstrong what have you done? You were once a hero to all. Now things have changed. I remember years ago my sister Beverly talked about reading one of your books. She told me how terrific you were and how your story was so inspirational. She encouraged reading it because she enjoyed it so much- but I didn’t. I’ll have to talk to her now about her opinion of Lance. It is clear that most of us admired him and some even put him on a high pedestal. People wrote about him, companies sponsored him; he was interviewed by sports writers etc. Even his divorce and relationship with Sheryl Crow made the news. In fact, Lance was the news.

The California Amjen bike tour likely happened largely in part because of Lance’s sterling reputation. Riding a bike became more popular and still is. It is pretty common to see all the Lance look-alikes riding their bikes on our public roads with their state of the art two wheelers and fancy professional like clothing. You could pick up a triathlete magazine and likely see either Lance’s picture or an article about him in it.

Penny

Bike riding is a terrific cardio activity and loved by many. In fact Alpha’s sister Penny participates in century and double century competitions. She is a personal trainer as well. Occasionally, I encounter a biker on the Western States Trail. That disturbs me because the trail is used by hikers and equestrians as well. Bicyclists are not allowed because of the danger to horse and rider. The bicyclists that I’ve encountered, on this trail, unfortunately ignore the rule which is upsetting to say the least. However, I want to make it clear that when I met bike riders on common trials, such as the Omstead trail, they have been friendly and courteous.

Back to Lance and his recent confession. For years I have wondered if he was doping, ingesting HGH or performance enhancing drugs etc. to account, in part, for his tremendous success in the Tour de France. I knew that he trained hard, had the right physiology, and top human resources to aid in his success. But I was suspicious and even asked Trent, a retired professional bike competitor, if he thought Lance was doping. Trent pretty much evaded my question. It didn’t help that Lances response to doping was always the same and something like “I never tested positive.” He simply stated a lie of omission over and over. Now we know pretty much why he always tested negative as he had assistance.

More to follow about Lance.

Saturday, is a 23 mile training run for the Way Too Cool 50 km in March.  Alpha and I will look for you on the trail. In the meantime, keep moving and running.