Super Bowl! To me it epitomizes everything that is America. Burly men running with balls, loud cheers, over analyzation of every move on the field, accompanied by charts and graphics, overconsumption of chicken wings doused in BBQ sauce and, since that’s not enough, dipped in Blue Cheese Dressing for your enjoyment, and cold, cheap beer. It’s awesome! I love it every year! Especially since the translation of football is “Fussball”, which is soccer on the entire planet, but here. I grew up with soccer, both my dad and grandfather were the ultimate soccer fans and I spent many Saturdays in the bleachers with my dad cheering on the local team. I know all the rules and to this day enjoy a good European soccer match. Interestingly enough soccer does not go hand in hand with over consumption of food groups that should normally be avoided at all cost. No European supermarkets break out 40 pound bags of chips or “6 Fors” in soda and beer cans when the European cup finals are being shown on TV.

When I first came to this country I love and now call home I was amazed by the foo(d)tball mania that comes upon us every winter. Of course watching my first game I had exactly Zero idea what exactly was happening on the field and tried to make sense of the fact that a game that in real time takes 60 minutes could be stretched out into a four and half hour marathon. But what intrigued me more was the male bonding displayed in this game:

Over the years I have come to enjoy football just as much as soccer. Of course a certain Tom making it onto the scene helped me understand and appreciate rules and regulations much better and faster.

These days I follow the football season and watch the occasional game. The 2007/2008 season, for reasons displayed shamelessly above, has been my absolute favorite so far, even if it did not end “perfect” for the Patriots. This season was of course a big disappointment for yours truly and it was definitely not the same without the “Brady-Moss-Toss”. But I can get over it and look forward to the next one. Just as I do after a not so perfect race. Now, if Brady would only start marathoning…

Today’s Running Tip: Buddy runs!

Buddy runs are a great way to bond with like minded people who share your passion for running. They also make long runs much more fun and enjoyable!