Category Archives: Sport

Sochi in Review

Thank God everyone is home safe and sound from Sochi. Unfortunately, not as many
local Russians had a chance to see the Olympic events due to logistical issues and
security protocol. Delegation heads were certainly counseled to remain mute on
particular negative attributes of the events and proceedings. Snow challenges were
apparently handled expeditiously and there was never a mention of scheduling glitches.

The Netherlands encountered the most success with the fewest athletes. It’s
obvious that this nation along with Norway knew exactly how to focus
training around one sport (skating and cross country skiing) with most available
medals.

The dramatic undulating swings of the Canadian women’s hockey team win over
team U.S.A. had to rank as the most exciting Canadian moments of the games.
The larger ice surface fostered pure play making and the four on four action
in overtime tested athletes’ endurance.

The sentimental moments are always cherished because the side stories are what
underpins the spirit of competition, fair play, and sportsmanship.

The Russian X country skier seen struggling with a broken ski while being
assisted by a Canadian coach exemplifies the spirit of the games. To finish
last is oftentimes a worthy accomplishment in the context of hurdles
presented.

The facilities will hopefully survive period is disuse. Russia’s government
will be challenged to exercise creativity in utilizing facilities for non-
sporting as well as sporting occasions.

These thoughts are only a microcosm from an early morning couch potato watching
from afar but it’s easy to sense the palpable bonding amongst all those who
in some way shape or form etched their name to the games’ success.

The family support of athletes will live in the hearts of competitors forever.

Why Run?

There are so many benefits to running and it’s peculiar that more people aren’t doing it for the simple sake of good health.  It may have to do with certain fallacies that work on the mind.  Perhaps, it’s much to do with the “no time” excuse that plagues the rational mind.  Maybe it’s the broken commitments of yesteryear working as a stymie for stepping forward.  Whatever the case, today is a great time to make a start just by starting.  A doctor’s okay is an errand away.  

Weight bearing stress on joint, tendons, ligaments, and bones is good for the body.  Yes, I said stress.  The body requires stress as an inciter of the life force.  Your body was built to move and thrive under eustress (positive stress).  If you are over weight, this is an issue because excessive stress on the knees can cause harm to the menisci (cartilage) floating between the tibia and femur.  Non weight bearing aerobic exercise will be a better option until normal weight is restored.  

Blood moves rapidly throughout the body including your heart.  Oxygenation at the capillaries is increased.  Imagine a washing of arterial walls at your heart as blood races through the pulmonary and coronary arteries.  With increased demand on the heart muscle, the coronary artery is asked to perform more powerfully.

Adrenaline is a hormone of which the secretion is increased during exercise and gets you feeling good.  What a way to start the day!  If you are one who can jump right out of bed and hit the streets, I tip my hat to you.  However; by 9:30 am you’ve digested a nutritious breakfast with caffeine perhaps inspiring your strength.

Running burns calories and enhances the motility of the digestive tract.  You’re life style is improved with better energy utilization and mental acuity.

Most municipalities have running clubs and welcome new members.  Make new friends and access recreational races through these clubs which often times have a component associated with fund raising for good causes.  

 

Frank Dancevic Story

He burst onto the Canadian tennis scene a decade ago and Canadian tennis fans had high hopes for Frank.  Upon checking out his talent live back then here in Calgary, I was struck by his raw talent and charisma.  However; inconsistency has plagued his play.  His results haven’t measured up to expectations but he has not given up.  For those lower ranked players keen to keep their players card and gaining a spot in the draw, it oftentimes means qualifying rounds.  This is what we don’t hear much about.  These are those matches played in the outback of the resort grounds sometimes at odd hours and periodically with wonderment whether the dream will be whisked away.

Two new rising Canadian stars have bumped Frank from the dialogue of Canadian tennis, but i see he has not only made it through three rounds of qualifying at this year’s U.S. Open, but he won his first round match in the main draw today and now meets a wiley veteran in Tommy Robredo.

Something Good is Gonna Happen Frank!  Keep it up!