Why Muscles Get Tired

A fair amount of attention has been paid by the cycling blogs to yesterday’s NY Times article on muscle fatigue. Apparently, calcium, and not lactic acid, is the culprit. Follow this link for a descent summary.

My spin session tonight followed the Carmichael “Cycling for Fitness DVD.” Distance, 22.96 miles; time: 1:03:09.

2008 indoor totals: 19 rides. Distance: 353.98 miles; time: 16:52:44.

Britain Backed Down by Communist China?

The Daily Mail reports that British Olympic athletes are being forced to sign a contract prohibiting criticism of China’s communist government. If an athlete does not sign the contract, he or she does not compete in China. If one violates the contract while in China, he’ll be put on the next plane home.

A Crowning Achievment: Appalachian State University

Today (9/1) my alma mater pulled off the biggest upset in sports history: Appalachian State 34, Michigan 32. Actually, that should be: Appalachian State 34, 5th-ranked Michigan 32.

Absolutely unbelievable. Yes, ASU is the two-time defending national champion at the I-AA level, and yes those kids are used to winning every week, and yes they came prepared to play . . . but this was Michigan . . . at home. The Mountaineers are a great team, but upending the fifth-ranked, all-time most wins in college football, greatest helmet design in the game, Big Ten favorite Michigan . . . on their field? That’s crazy stuff.

The best part? All those shocked Michigan fans. All over that state, millions of people will never forget what they almost certainly didn’t know before today: Appalachian State University is in Boone, NC, and they have a football team than can, and did, kick your collective butt–on your field. That is way cool.

Follow this link to read SI writer Stuart Mandell try to explain the impossible.

You Tube videos of the miracle:

The key final plays.

The final blocked field goal and interview with ASU head coach.