Napa Valley

Napa Valley
Originally uploaded by reflexblue

Crossed the bay over to the Napa Valley for a tour of the wineries.

Chinatown

Chinatown
Originally uploaded by reflexblue

Memoir of this gay- shar

Ultramarathon

Lunch break @ Mile 17
Originally uploaded by reflexblue

I completed my first 50-mile run last weekend in the 24-hour race called 20in24. I approached it as a fun run since I didn't train for it at all. I ran slow, and slower, ran/walked, walked, and basically moved forward until I reached six Kelly Drive / King Drive loops.

Loop 1: 1 hour 30 minutes with Steve from Frontrunners Philadelphia
Loop 2: 2 hours; took 30 lunch break
Loop 3: 2 hours 15 minutes
Loop 4: 2 hours 30 minutes; vomited while sitting at the EMS station
Loop 5: almost 3 hours
Loop 6: 2 hours 15 minutes

I was painfully slow, but was there any doubt that I would complete 50 miles?

Utah

Utah
Originally uploaded by reflexblue

climbing

Pink Flamingos: In Hot Water

The Philadelphia Aquatics Club recently went to Washington DC to participate in the 2008 GLBT World Championships swim meet. Fins swimmers set a number of age-group national swim records. However, the one performance that is most talked about is the campy land / water dance routine that is presented in the YouTube video below by Fins swimmer Drew Davidson:

NO, NO, NO!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBEXsY60ABY

NO, NO, NO!!!

This performance part of the Pink Flamingo competition on June 22, 2008.

Did we win?

NO, NO, NO!!!




Continuing one of the most popular and distinctive traditions, IGLA 2008 included the Pink Flamingo Relay, which of course was not a "relay" at all but rather a unique combination of cabaret, synchronized swimming, and high camp!

VENUE. The Pink Flamingo was held at Natatorium of the Eppley Recreation Center at the University of Maryland (the same venue as the swimming, diving, and synchro competitions and water polo final), which has an underwater sound system and a large, steeply-raked spectator area with excellent sightlines.

THEME. The theme is In Hot Water. "In hot water" is an expression that describes a person--typically a politician or celebrity--in a scandal. But it also suggests other interpretations, as well as a variety of music possibilities. Creativity is what the Pink Flamingo is all about--but don't overlook the obvious, either!

BASIC RULES/JUDGING. Each team's performance is limited to five minutes. Judging will be done by a panel based on audience reaction; use of theme; use of water; costumes; and choreography/staging. Incorporation of something recognizably Washingtonian--politicians, lobbyists, diplomats, pundits, monuments, museums, cherry trees, the election, the inauguration, and so forth--is optional but encouraged. As always, no makeup/costume/set elements or materials which could plausibly pose a hazard to the pool's filtration system; specifically, no glitter or feathers. First, second, and third place awards will be presented at the banquet.



Anh Dang
President of the Fins Aquatics Club