I ran a very easy, like 9-minute pace, 5 miles last night while watching the Olympics. I have a question for anyone that may have some insight. Do the announcers (for events like skating, skiing, etc – not entire hockey games) watch the performance live and then go back and do their commentary after studying the tapes? I can’t imagine they do a play-by-play for every athlete and then just show a handful of the top athletes and the U.S. athletes. Also, it sure seems like they know a little too much about what’s happening while it’s “live.” I guess I’m thinking of the downhill skiing I was watching last night.
I slept in this morning but was able to squeeze in an easy 5 miles on the treadmills at work over lunch. I have another easy run planned for tonight. Another 6.5 miles tonight and I will reach a new milestone. Stay tuned tomorrow to find out what it is.
I find today’s quote of the day particularly useful when thinking about those evening runs after a long day at work.
“Workouts are like brushing my teeth; I don’t think about them, I just do them. The decision has already been made.” PattiSue Plumer, U.S. Olympian
I don't know the answer to your question regarding the announcers. I assume they announce the events live, but I'm not sure. However, I have another question for you winter sports experts. Why is there a clock counting down the time during the curling matches? Is there really a time limit?
ReplyDeleteBart, doesn't it seem like they know just a little too much about how an athlete is doing. Like on the downhill they'll say something like "She's had a rough season, but she looks fast on the top section." Then of course, said athlete will go on and medal.
ReplyDeleteI believe their is a time-limit in curling. However, I'm not sure what it means when time runs out. If I had any desire to know, I could probably google curling to find out.
Susan, I can't give away my sources. Let's just say the words "quotable" and "runner" are in the title - preceded by "the".
I watched the women's downhill last night and the former skier who was announcing (color commentator?) did know an awful lot about how they were doing before the splits; however, I can't say he knew too much, since I've never worn a pair of skis in my life. He did, however, give reasons for his opinions (her skis are really bouncing or she took a bad line). They also have countless stats and a research staff available to them.
ReplyDeleteThe best I can do is compare it to a sport I know more about. I've seen a baseball scout say a AAA player would never be a successful major leaguer after seeing him take one at bat. To compare it to runners, I would guess that you could probably tell if a runner is struggling late in a race by his or her form. You wouldn't necessarily have to see the splits.
Honestly, the bottom line is that I just don't think they could fake the enthusiasm for a great performance if they already knew what had happened.
I love the quotes, too! Hope the run tonight went well. BTW--excited you'll be in WI for IM MOO...but must admit I'm jealous you'll be enjoying a nice frosty beverage while I'm gasping and wheezing on my marathon. :) ha ha
ReplyDeleteBart, you're probably right - the commentators are former Olympians so they probably know a thing or two about the sport.
ReplyDeleteSara, glad you like the quotes. Hopefully they'll provide some motivation towards IM Moo. My brother lives in Madison, so it'll be a good excuse to go visit.
Oh, if you're going fast enough to be gasping and wheezing at that point, you'll be in good shape. For me, just walking was difficult enough.