I Am Lance Armstrong
When the play was at the other end of the rink, I’d stand with my chin on the knob of my stick waiting for the play to return.
Later, I’d pretend to be Vladimir Myshkin by crouching really low in my crease. Then I was King Richard Brodeur, skating from corner to corner during intermissions.
This sort of dreaming, of emulating idols became the cornerstone for an entire Michael Jordan / Nike advertising campaign called Be Like Mike.
By mimicking the stars in the sport, we become them. When I played baseball, I crouched deep in the batter’s box like Pete Rose, I swung and pumped by bat like Willie Stargell and I threw sidearm like Kent Tekulve.
Later on, I would mimic radio stars. I would tape Darren B Lamb, Howie the Hitman and Mark In The Dark Allen and then play their breaks back, repeating them word for word and studying their structure and style.
This past month I have found myself worshipping an idol once again. With Lance Armstrong’s return to the Tour de France after kicking cancer’s ass, after owning the sport for the better part of a decade and after taking 3 years off to run a few marathons, make a few speeches and have a few beers, I’m in awe once again of what is possible.
Lance didn’t have the kick to chase Alberto Contador up Arcalis, and he sat back and played the loyal domestique on other climbs, but he still stood up on the podium when the peloton finally paraded down Les Champs Elysees.
More than a few times this month I’ve found myself hitting the wall on a long run, and just as I did when I was a kid, I steel my glare, I give over my body and I imagine myself as Lance Armstrong powering up Alpe D’Huez, Col de La Colombiere, Mont Ventoux or any of the other devastating mountains that make appearances in Le Tour.
I focus my eyes, I quicken my cadence and I repeat to myself “no gifts.” And then, if only for a few minutes, just as I was Ken Dryden, I was Pete Rose and I was Mark Allen; I am Lance Armstrong.
How did Lance Armstrong inspire you this month?
The Blog According to Buzz. Spread the word, ya heard?
Very inspiring, Buzz. And well-written too. Can tell you put tons of work into this post!
Aww shucks, thanks Allie. Love your Chill on the Hill video, btw.
Great post Buzz. Are you enjoying the recent battle of words between LA & AC? It sure sets up things well for an epic TdF 2010.
I just hope Lance has the legs to make it a good fight. By playing loyal soldier this year, he fell off a few minutes further than if he could have ridden along the attacks – I just don’t know if he has enough to win an attack.
But it will be great theatre, bring on D’Huez in 2010!!!
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