Lance finds he's human after all.

[The Moose]

So, Lance Armstrong, 7 time Tour de France Champion, cancer survivor, superhuman, has discovered that he to, is human.  Yeah, he ran his first marathon in under three hours, but considering his fitness level (compared to the average bear) I think he was  a little humbled.  Here's one account .
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Track/2006/11/03/2220834-ap.html

Mike

[Sandy]

Yeah it's interesting.  Coaches that were interviewed predicted a 3 hour marathon based on physiology then factoring in the "marathon experience".  I read a lot by Lance regarding his prep etc. and it would be truly interesting to find out what he really felt and experienced.  I have also read that his ex. wasn't happy about his foray into "her" world and that is why he didn't run NYC last year.  Was it really as hard as he's saying or is he appeasing the ex. and others who would be insulted if he breezed through it?  Was it really as hard as he said but would have been easier if he ate and drank during, something he said he wasn't used to doing nor did he practice during training.  I don't think we'll ever know the true story.  I'd love to see footage of his last 10k which would give us a glimpse, maybe.  Watching his splits he was 20 minutes for the first 5k and 1:28 for the half so he only lost 3 minutes over the second half.  How hard was it really?  Inquiring minds want to know!

[The Moose]

I can't see him caring enough about anyone else to appease them in a sporting event.  I've read both of his books, and he doesn't strike me as someone who can turn that desire to win off regardless of the reason.  Besides, I don't think anyone would be insulted if the 7 time Tour champ breezed through anything.  Sure it's aggravating, but do we really expect anything less than amazement with this guy?
By the way, I'm really impressed with the ex as well.  It must have been very difficult for her to make a leap into his world in such a public way.

Mike

[Sandy]

She is also changing her venue to trail racing, maybe her way of moving out from under the "shadow."  Good for her.

I don't know, I really have a hard time believing that he found his marathon "the hardest physical thing I have ever done", I don't buy it.  He's not new to running as he does trail tri's in his off season, is usually passed on the bike and then wins in the run.  He also comes from the tri venue.  I don't know, I hear him say the words but I don't know.........

[The Moose]

I hear you, but you and I both know the difference between a 1/2 marathon and a full is more than 21kms, and if you aren't prepared the end is murder.  I think he may have exaggerated a little, but on a bike you can stop pedaling and not fall over, if you stop running, well, you stop.  No little rests in a marathon. Alson his longest run was 26kms, not enough, even for Lance.  Heck, on the bike you aren't even supporting your own weight on your legs...

I'd like to see him train properly and try it.  I don't think he'd be as humble then.  I think he under-trained and paid the price like the rest of us.

I know he came from tri, but short ones, not Iron Man.

[Sandy]

Yeah I don't buy the longest run thing either.  He was trained by Alberto Salazar who trains some of the best in the world, comes from the marathon.  He did not allow lance to go into that undertrained.  There was a lot more going on then he's admitting to.  Besides when you climb Alp Duez there is not much time for coasting!

[Janet]

Yep,
  You don't get to be 7 times Tour de France Champ by coasting!  I definately think he was trying to appease his fans and ex by saying it was so hard to run the marathon.  Not too many people bike the Tour, parts of it, but not the whole thing like they do, so we really can't know what it's like, or just how gruelling it is.  On the other hand a lot more people have run a marathon, and know how they felt, to have him say it was a piece of cake would upset a lot of people whom it wasn't a piece of cake for.  He wants to keep his shining star status, so you don't dump on those that are giving it to you. Just my thoughts and opinions, besides I always knew he was human, amazing yes, but still one of us.