Day Six - The Running Diary of an Addict

I don't get out much when the Olympics are on. Seriously, my five hours in College Park on Wednesday were the first time I had been out of my house for an extended period of time since Saturday. Hey, they only come every four years! Anyway, most people think that sitting around watching the Olympics all day is an easy task. To those people I say... Well, you're pretty much right. I'm not putting forth the effort of say, a doctor everyday. However, there are many issues you have to deal with. How do I best and most efficiently watch the events? Will I be able to stay awake? How do I fit my daily responsibilities as a human being in between events?  Will the people who watch with me improve my experience or annoy me to death? So without further ado, I will describe the typical day of an Olympics addict. Here's my day six running diary!

• 5:20 am: I start with France vs. Lithuania in Men's Basketball pool play on the TV, with swimming prelims on the computer. I'm feeling pretty fresh right now, probably the best I've felt among these multiple 5 am wake ups. We'll see how the set up changes, but at the moment, I'm going with my computer connected to a 32 inch Vizio, combined with the TV in my basement. That's what i've gone with most of the games, although today I might add to it.

Set up on Monday

• 5:30 am: France just went on an really nice run to begin the fourth quarter, led by current San Antonio Spur and the, shall we say burly,  Boris Diaw. Diaw essentially was mailing in his career last year with the Bobcats, before signing with the Spurs mid-season. To be successful, the Frenchman has to be really crafty and smart on the floor because quite frankly, the guy has no lift. Wait, France's De Colo plays for the Spurs too? Three French guys? Who do they think they are? Newcastle?
• 5:34 am: My dad just came down to see what was up. He also just shot me the, "what the hell are you doing with your life" look that I get when; I wake up this early for sports, try to justify watching the NBA to him or when he finds out I played Call of Duty until two in the morning. Just kidding, he's supportive of this madness... I think. 
• 5: 45 am: The Spurs... I mean France, picks up the win. I will always wonder how much better they would have been with the Joakim Noah (major PGA) in the squad. They really do have a lot of talent. I ponder this as I make a PB&J and pour a glass of OJ. Wheaties? Ha! That's the Olympic watcher breakfast of champions.
• 6:05 am: I think I can confidently say that this is the earliest I've ever woken up for a field hockey match.  Major bucket list goal accomplished! Right as announcers Mike Corey and Missy Meharg are getting into a rhythm on the call, NBC goes to commercial. I mean, its six in the morning and the USA is playing, is it really necessary to go to a commercial? Throw us early risers a bone, NBC.
• 6:18 am: The USA is unable to convert on a penalty shot late in the first half. I was able to watch some of the USA Field Hockey National Championships which took place in College Park back in May. The Championships doubled as the selection camp for the National Team.  One thing I got out of it was how this sport can be pretty exciting even with a lack of goals. I really enjoyed the nervous energy that came over the players and crowd when penalty corners were drawn. They knew how important every individual one was. It's so much better than say, women's lacrosse, which is what field hockey would be if there was stalling, lots shaky goal tending and a lack of allowed physical contact. 
• 6:22 am: The penalty corner hurts the US, as the Aussie's score a nice goal off one late in the half. The US played a decent half, but have to improve in order to gain all three points.
• 6:27 am: If I never have to see a Hulk Hogan/Troy Aikman Rent-A-Center commercial again, it would not be a bad thing. What a fall for the Hulkster. TNA and Rent-A-Center? Yikes.
• 6:30 am: Haha, Milorad Cavic can't even beat Phelps to the wall in a prelim as Phelps out touches him in a finish that only mirrors the Bejing duel in terms the margin of victory (no half stroke finish from Phelps). If I was the Serbian, I would think about that Beijing race every five minutes. It's gotta weigh on his mind.

Cavic's nightmare

• 6:45 am: Meharg, who's been awesome in her short stint as an analyst (Terpnation!), calls the US "lucky" being down only 1-0. She's right, the US have been really sloppy. 
• 7:00 am: If the US gets points out of this game, they better buy Amy Tran-Swenson something nice. The US is getting completely outplayed by Australia, but are still only down 1-0 because of Swenson's excellent goal keeping. Interesting last 10 minutes coming up.
• 7:12 am: The US goes down to the Aussies. Just didn't seem like they were as proficient playing the agressive, pressing style that both team's champion. USAFH seems like its in a similar place to the US Men's Soccer team. Good enough to beat good teams, with the ability to beat the great teams from time to time. They also probably put on maddening performences like today that make you question your sanity.
• 7:17 am: Well,  USA judoka Kayla Harrison goes all Ronda Rousey on a Russian. Miesha Tate nods her head solemnly.

ARM BAR

• 7:25 am: First look at tennis today sees William and Kate watching Andy Murray. Big Willie completely outdid himself with Kate. She's awesome... especially in that blue right now. OK, i'm gonna stop.
•  7:35 am: Kayla Harrison injures her Hungarian opponent en route to a victory. I know they are different weights,  but can we just book her against Ronda Rousey now?
• 7:50 am: I love the difference between the Olympic watching experience on Bravo compared to the other NBC stations. When volleyball ends on say, MSNBC, we go to the inspiring P&G mom commercial. When tennis takes a break, we get a Real Housewives of New York ad. Will Sonia go there? I don't know, but the fact that watching Olympic events triggers memories of Kim and Kyle Richards just hurts. I blame my mom/aunt.
• 8:40 am: First accidental nap of the day! Damn tennis, but it was bound to happen at some point. The couch shows no mercy.  
• 8:53 am: Archery! It's been great so far these Olympics, bringing a lot of drama to my early morning viewing. 
• 8:56 am: Oh god, the Caroline Wozniacki good, but never good enough to win a major train has descended on the Olympic quarterfinals. Serena Williams, who has won everything except the Olympic singles gold, faces her. I see worse things than this song in Caro's immediate future. "I'm breathing you, I'm breathing you, I'm breathing you!!!"
• 9:03 am: Ms. Sunshine quickly goes down 3-0. Like clockwork...
• 9:05 am: MSNBC has joined the TV options and is coming strong with team dressage. Hardcore. 
• 9:11 am: American archer Kristen Llorig, better known as the trainer of one Katniss Everdeen, advances to the semi's of the women's individual. Will Jennifer Lawrence present the medals? I really feel like the sport of archery needs to capitalize on this Hunger Games thing. What do they have to lose? 

Bring the medals, Katniss!

• 9:15 am: Watching these horses high step like NFL wide receivers is awesome. I bet Terrell Owens gets offended when he's not mentioned during these broadcasts.
• 9:20 am: Oh, Ms. Rory McIlory lost the first set 6-0? Shocker.
• 9:27 am: Harrison back on the mat vs a Brazilian. Well, this isn't BJJ, so that's encouraging.
• 9:34 am: Even if it was BJJ, it might not have mattered. Harrison dominated Aguilar on the ground and arm barred her for the finish. Other than potentially being the first American to win a Judo gold, her perseverance after years of sexual abuse by a former coach is incredible. What a story. That sound you here is a somebody at Zuffa picking up the phone...
• 9:56 am: Random nap alert! Fell asleep on the couch for a sec. Wozinacki and Serena were in my dream, but this match was going no better for the Dane.
• 10:05 am: Caroline never had a shot, not just because she's playing bad, but because Serena is on an absolute tear.
• 10:15 am: Jim Cantore looked like he wanted to kill Al Michaels when the the legend called the Weather Channel star, "The Prince of Percipiation". I would too, Jim.
• 10:30 am: This slalom canoeing is awesome. If they made a theme park that had a white water track, I would be there in a second. Possibility of fun? High. Possibility of serious injury? Guaranteed.
• 10:37 am: TEAM GB!!!!!  Britain goes one/two in C2 canoeing. The four Brits jump into the water to celebrate. Wonderful scene at the white water venue.

Team GB!!!

• 10:54 am: Maryland native Katie Ledecky wins her 800 meter free prelim. A matchup against Brit Rebecca Adlington would make for a very entertaining final. 
• 11:00 am: trying to hold my nerves till the All Around Final at 11:00. I really think this is Gabby's to lose. If she hits like she did at team finals, it will be hers. Any slip up though, and Vika Komova, Mustafina and Aly will be right there to capitalize.
• 11:15 am: Finally get my first visitor of the day. My Mom and I watch American bad ass Kayla Harrison win the USA's first ever judo gold. Mom can't help calling the Gi a robe. My combat sport sensibilities were very offended. We may not speak for a couple hours.
• 11:17 am: my attention now turns to the Women's AA Final. Nervous? Yes. Pacing around like a lunatic? Not this time. Come on Gabby and Aly!
• 11:23 am: Second visitor to the command center! Pat has joined me for the women's all around. By combining us, the potential for inappropriate comments just went up a lot. If Josh shows up, it will be through the roof. 
• 11:31: Here we go. Shannon Miller is here calling the action on the world feed. She's really good. Get on that, NBC. The US girls are starting on vault and Russian Aliya Mustafina's stare set to kill. I swear, looking in her eyes effects you. It's like an extension of Putin or something. Maroney has to be shooting her looks from the stands. It's her duty as a teammate, hell, as an American.
• 11:33: They just showed J-Wiebs in the stands and she looks kind of indifferent to this whole thing. I know she's over the moon for her teammates, but this has to be killing her.
• 11:37 am: Aly and Gabby both hit their Amanars (tired of that word yet?) and get huge scores. Pat and I are spewing profanities at the Chinese and Russian girls. Everything is right with the world.
• 11:40 am: Komova finishes off the mat and still gets a 15.466. The judges just give it up for even trying an Amanar. It's pretty crazy.
• 11.44 am: Pat and I both make the mistake of looking Mustafina in the eyes. Not sure we'll recover. She threw a solid DTY and is a factor.

Don't look into the, "Ice Queen's" eyes.

• 11:50 am: Kayla Harrison cries on the medal stand and then proudly sings the national anthem. That was awesome.
• 11:55 am: Where this feed is succeeding with Shannon Miller, it's failing with random commercials. Come on NBC, pick your spots.
• 12:03 am: Aly solid on bars. Did her job, but she is going to have to have great performances on beam and floor and hope the others slip up. Possible, but Vika, Gabby and the Ice Queen (I didn't make that up. Credit to Will Graves of the AP) all look solid.
• 12:08 am: Komova gets a huge score on bars. Profanities coming fast and furious now. 
• 12:16 am: HUGE set from Mustafina. 16.100? Jeez. HER EYES, HER EYES!!!
• 12:20 am: Gabby... Hits! Gets a good score too and keeps up with the Russians  TO BEAM.
• 12:30 am: Komova with a very "eh" beam set. It's a hit though, and she's right there.
• 12:40 am: Musti off beam. Gives her coach the cold shoulder after finishing. Guaranteed the NBC threesome says something dumb and presumptuous about that tonight. I would have done the same thing, Aliya. Stare set from "kill" to "sad". 
• 12:44 am: Gabby hits. Man she's rock solid right now. TFS gets a good score, and stays ahead of Vika. If she hits floor, I think it's hers.
• 12:51 am: Ali goes hand to the beam on her punch front. Shaky the rest of the routine. So unlike her. 
• 12:53 am: I would love to transcribe what Pat and I said to each other about Aly's miss and the Russians just now, but I think I'd get one of those 18 years or older blocks put on this. 
• 12:55 am: Just called Gabby, "GD" like I was her friend or something. I need a life. 
• 12:56 am: Burk finally wakes up and comes in for the last rotation. He continues his behavior from the team final and cheers for the Russians. All I can say is, you don't pick your twin.
• 1:18 am: YES! Gabby wins! I was unable to come up with complete sentences during that rotation. So nerve wracking. Aly getting fourth sucks, but Musti coming back from a torn ACL is an awesome achievement. She also deserves credit for giving great support to her teammate Komova after the event. She's a diva though, right NBC????
• 1:25: Gabby looks completely shocked. Her rise as really been remarkable. She was an alternate at the American Cup in January. Man, USA gymnastics is awesome. Vika is crushed. Second in the world two years in a row has to hurt.  Wieber looks happy in the stands and Maroney is on the verge of tears. 
• 1:35 am: Well after taking a couple minutes to come down from that emotional high, its time for more! USA water polo is putting the smackdown on Team GB (TEAM GB!!). Seriously, this first half is becoming a mercy rule situation 
• 1:43 am: In a battle of the two countries that are most likely to receive Taylor Smyth Profanity Laced Tirades (TM), China and Russia, battle in badminton. The sport tried to make a run at boxing for biggest joke of a sport at the Olympics with that match fixing scandal. Unfortunately, boxing ripped the title back by simply being boxing.
• 2:22 pm: Lunch today is a Chicken Salad Sandwich. While its not Qdoba like Day Four, it does the job nicely.
• 2:30 pm: Third nap of the day! Pat and I awkwardly find ourselves sleeping on different sections of THE LARGE SECTIONAL COUCH, then proceed to awkwardly ask each other if we were asleep. It's one of those things you just let go and act like nothing happened. 
• 2:50 pm: Rebecca Soni just destroyed the field in the 200 meter breaststroke. Seriously, that was impressive. The announcers then talk about Missy Franklin, and her size 13 feet. This leads to a conversation from Pat and I on whether we would date a swimmer. Decision? yes. Although, as Pat so eloquently stated, "I would avoid foot rubs". Me too bro, me too.
• 3:00 am: Tyler Clary defeats Ryan Lochte in the 200 back in a bit of a stunner. After hearing that Lochte is nicknamed the "one night stand man" by his own mother, Pat and I suddenly don't feel that bad for him. 
• 3:25 pm: Phelps beats Lochte and the eternally disappointed Laszlo Csech  in the 200 IM. Phelps is just a straight champ. There's not much else to say.
• 4:00 pm: Well, most of the big stuff is over for the day. Just trying to wait it out for USA Basketball. I might fall asleep first though.
• 7:30 pm: Yep, fell asleep. Disappointed in myself. Missed the whole, "Carmelo Anthony has to do nothing but score" team's demolition of the fighting Ibekwe's. Puts a damper on my viewing performance today.
• 8:00 pm: Primetime! The intros NBC does with Bulger's Dream and the aerial of the host country/city always get me emotional. One of the few things NBC does right are their intros.

• 8:05 pm: Am I the only one who gets pumped for Bob? Bring it the noise, Bob!
• 8:10 pm: With no diving to keep our interest, NBC starts us out with some rowing. I appreciate that NBC is gonna give rowing some PT exposure, and if it means they somehow sneak Kayla Harrison on this broadcast, it will be even better.
• 8:21 pm: Anthony Ervin finishes third in his 50 free heat after a fluff piece that was actually pretty interesting. Winning the gold in 2000 and then essentially retiring before coming back to win in 2012 would be pretty incredible. 
• 8:35 pm: I am enjoying the hell out of how ESPN has to deal with the Olympics. Unable to show actual highlights, their @Sportscenter Twitter feed has to tell its followers not to request Olympics highlights as a apart of the top ten. 
• 10:30 pm: Al and Elfi claiming that Mustafina, "gave up" on beam has pushed me to turn the primetime broadcast off. I just can't support that garbage. The world feed has really been a blessing in disguise in terms of commentary.
• 10:35 pm: Well after starting at 5:20 this morning, my day of watching is finally over. The USA had a successful day and there was great drama. I can't ask for much more than that. Thank you for the coverage, NBC. It might be awful in spots, but at least I watch see everything. See you tomorrow Olympics, I will now go play some Call of Duty. Sorry, Dad.