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In case you missed the memo, it’s Halloween.  Which deserves an enthusiastic MOOHAHAHA.  After all, as athletes, our lives lend themselves to a certain Halloweeny-ness.  Fear and fun are the foundation of our athletic pursuits.  Indeed, both the sports we do and this freakishly fun holiday are based on the central truth that:

Adrenaline Rush + Friends + Physical Activity + Cool Outfits = Fun

To honor this truth and the imminent feting of fun and fear, we have compiled videos of relatively unknown athletes who are, simply put, scary good.  These men, women and children embrace fright to elevate their sports to dazzling heights.  Each with a freakish combination of natural talent and a strange propensity to believe in their own strength beyond reason, will mesmerize you as you watch in terror, awe and delight as they gracefully complete death-defying feats.

Get yourself a fistful of candy corn, some headphones and enjoy.

Scary Good Biking

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

We’ve previously sung the praises of Danny McAskill but couldn’t resist including him in this group of scary good athletes.  Danny takes on the craziest stunts on two wheels and does death-defying skills effortlessly.  So effortlessly, in fact, that it might not even seem that scary to you.  But, trust us, it certainly is.

Scary Good Rock Climbing

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Most pets don’t do much for one’s athletic career but this teenager’s childhood sidekick (a West African monkey) inspired her to ascend to unbelievable athletic heights…literally. Now Tori Allen is teen queen of women’s rock climbing taking the women’s gold in world competitions across disciplines. To learn more about her superhuman skill check out this Discovery Channel segment.

Just Scary Rock Climbing

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Even after the 132nd viewing, this video still puts my stomach in my chests.  Alex Honnold owns free climbing.  As you watch this incredible athlete take on one of the world’s most treacherous bouldering climbs, feel free to cling white-knuckled to your armrests.

Awesomely Old, Scary Good Gymnast

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

I don’t know what I’ll be doing when I’m 82 years old, but I would say that there’s maybe a 0.2% chance it will be trampolining for gold.  And yet, John Rigby is doing just that.

Scary Good Kayaking

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

They’re all crazy.  That’s how I feel about kayaking and that’s precisely why I chose a beautiful compilation of kayaking feats of athleticism over singling out one particular insane athlete.  Huge rocks and plunging rapids call for death but the river seems to permit these select few to pass.  Unreal.

Scary Good Ultimate

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

So, here’s a cute lil video of Beau Kittredge, Ultimate (Frisbee) god, in a recent match.  What’s notable about this particular performance is that he catches the disc midair while effortlessly leaping over another man.  I’ll say that again.  He catches the disc midair while leaping over another man.  Here is where I fall short on this feat of agility and strength.  1. Actually catching a Frisbee.  2.  Catching anything midair.  3. Leaping over other people.  And, here’s the kicker, it doesn’t seem as if Beau even noticed that he did anything extraordinary.  Just another day as superman.

Scary Good Surf Prodigy

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Most athletes cannot claim to live on their field of choice.  A baseball diamond or a soccer pitch, do not make for reasonable backyards.  However, John John Florence’s backyard has always been both play area and training ground for what he seems destined to do – take surfing to a whole new level.  Take a look at a young John John and his mother as they talk about his physical and geographical natural gifts and then see how far he’s come today with this video.  With a little more power and a few more years under his belt, he might just reach Poseidonesque stature over the waves.

Scary Good Potential

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

What’s 28 lbs, 31″ tall and as adorable as the day is long? Given Goodwin, 22 month old son to surf pro Daize Shayne Goodwin.  Blessed with both genetics and geographic locale, this tiny tot is already on a longboard, carving out so water with his phenomenally talented mom.  While the mom-assisted surf session could arguably be accomplished by any babe, the sheer joy on his spray-splashed face speaks to an innate passion for the sport that is what turns the ingredients to amazing athletic success (amazing genetics, access to the sport, incredible mentors) into mastery.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

There are tons of YouTube clips that show crazy bike tricks and awe-inspiring rides.  However, these films rarely capture the essence of riding a bike as adeptly as this, Andrea Dorfman’s Thoughts on My Bike.  The film’s narrative poem articulates that magical “wind-in-your-hair” feeling of freedom that takes years off our spirits and brings joy to our hearts.  It’s a feeling that’s not just for neighborhood kids – I’ve found more joy in bike riding as a grown up in a city than I ever did in a cul-de-sac.

Whether or not you agree with Dorfman’s view of the economic and climactic challenges that current and future generations face, you cannot argue with her assertion that a bike ride truly is therapy in motion, a place of new appreciation for the world around you and a source for inner peace.  So, before winter brings its winds and its chills

Let’s dust off our bikes, put our wheels to the ground
Let’s take to the streets; let’s make our hearts pound

dawnzy58/flickr.com

If you aren’t making the trek down to Florida for the Disney Marathon this Sunday, you can get a great view of the course with the warp-speed 180 second video of the entire 26.2 mile course featured below.  Sadly the 524 mph pace is not one that any human, animal, or magical Disney character can duplicate.  That doesn’t, however, mean that there won’t be plenty of Disney magic to be had this Sunday.

And while none of our favorite pals would be able clock a 3-minute marathon, that’s not to say that there wouldn’t be some strong finishers among the Disney cast.  In fact, as an exercise in marathon analysis (and as a Friday afternoon diversion) we have put together race day predictions for this notorious hodgepodge of lovable loons.

The Disney Leaderboard

Aladdin: (2:45) Next to the White Rabbit (who is too dodgy to compete) Aladdin is Disney’s best all-around athlete. He’s got the speed and agility to race through the craziest of market obstacles and, frankly, should forgo Sunday’s race and head straight for an Olympic training facility to start his decathlon training. With his lithe frame, natural endurance and Genie friend, Aladdin will probably be the first Disney finisher.

Goofy: (2:50) He might be gangly but should goofy get those long gams moving in the same direction, he has the potential to paw his way to a more-than-respectable finish.

Rafiki: (3:00) With the wisdom of any mandrill-baboon hybrid, Rafiki knows his way around a 26.2 mile course. The fact that the run starts before the sun rises doesn’t phase him, he barely uses his eyes anyway. With his propensity to help talented people and that wonderful walking stick for a prop, Rafiki will make a perfect pacer for the 3:00 group.

Belle: (3:15) Clearly Belle will have read all the books and course maps and be best prepared to run a smart marathon. Whether or not the running shoes her father cooked up in his invention studio makes her fly like the wind or fall flat on her face remains to be seen. However, if she can pull it all together, look for a yellow blur that will leave Gaston’s “five-dozen egg” chugging butt in the dust.

Mary Poppins: (3:40)  This graceful dame will undoubtedly run a flawless race; what with all the proper accoutrement she’ll have brought to prepare for race day it can hardly be avoided.  With gear on and carpet bag neatly checked, she’ll be sure to have a perfect Marathon Sunday and hit the Boston Marathon qualifying time for practically perfect 30-something runners right on the nose.

Nemo: (4:20) Without the East Australian Current, this young one has to rely on his own strength and determination. Good thing he has that in spades. A surprisingly fast finish for this underdog.

Sleeping Beauty: (4:25) Given her propensity to sleep, one might think that she might not even make it to the starting line. However, she spent the majority of her youth frolicking through the woods, which means she must have built up some endurance over the years.

Prince Charming: (4:45) He’s got the genes and, knowing him, has the conditioning, too. However, this talented gent is notorious for showing up late in the game. He’ll probably cross the finish line much later than you might expect.

Donald Duck: (4:50) Compression socks have nothing on the sheer efficiency and cooling benefits of pants-free attire. (Ever wonder how streakers seem so incredibly fast?) With no shorts to hold him back, this webbed-footed wonder will more than make up from his ample tush and stubby legs.  Anyone who has been chased by a goose will understand the speed a fowl foe can get when motivated to really move.

Pinocchio: (5:05)  Initially carved from piece of pine, Pinocchio was created in 1883. One might think that his age will act as a major inhibitor to his success in this year’s road race. However, many pines are known to surpass an age of 1,000 years, so if you do the math, Pinocchio is still approximately 10 years old. However, even at his “young” age, he will have to be careful not to trip on his own strings.  No need for a ChampionChip on this young fellow, if he cuts the course, we’ll know.

Wall-E: (5:20) Pretty new to the Disney scene of characters, Wall-E has some big shoes to fill…and he doesn’t even have the feet to do it. Wall-E’s major advantage is his ability to keep rolling in the most adverse conditions. Come rain, shine, or planet-wide environmental meltdown, he’ll roll along.

Tigger: (5:25) While you might think a tiger would have a distinct advantage in a foot race, this cat is not going to break any marathon records. While he certainly has the energy and endurance, he does not have the technique.  Even if he can manage to stay focused (an unlikely scenario) his tail-bouncing style will cost him dearly in terms of pace.

Hercules: (5:30) Zeus’ boy will probably run the race like the classic overbuilt, under-prepared jock.  Look for a sprint at the start and a grueling 15+ miles of progressively slower splits.

Mickey: (5:50) Neither age nor the constant waving is on his side in this endurance race. But worry not, the Disney icon isn’t in it for a PR. As the consummate host, Mickey just wants to make sure everyone is enjoying the race and having a good time. Look for him to walk for stretches shaking hands and smiling with fans as he trots along the 26.2 mile course through the home that mickey built.

Minnie: (6:10) This 82 year old lady is sure to make her sweetheart proud. Don’t be fooled by her sweet demeanor and cute polka-dot dress, this mouse is fit and ready to scamper her way to the Masters’ podium.  We only wonder how she will manage all 26.2 in those heels!

Dumbo: (6:25) He can fly. He can fly. He can fly. However, he’s got to cross the timing mats to keep the race official. Therefore, Dumbo will have to rely on his ordinary feet instead of his extraordinary ears. This lovable lumbering giant will probably play caboose at this year’s race…which is a good thing since those timing mats are sure to break once he passes over.

*filippo*/flickr.com

The Weather Channel is reporting that 50 million people are in the path of one heckuva winter storm.  Indeed, there is a Nor’easter a brewin’ and residents of states from New Jersey to Massachusetts are soon to find themselves under a heavy blanket of snow.

With bountiful snows come bountiful opportunities to burn calories while having a blast.  For those of us not accustomed to living in a veritable winter wonderland, seeing the huge piles of fluffy white snow can make even shoveling seem appealing.

That being said shoveling is probably the least fun way to be active this weekend.  Sledding, snow angels, and snowman building are among the wonderful array of snowstorm activities that one can undertake.

However, if you really want to do a snow day justice, get together your friends and family, build some forts, and start an old school snowball fight.  Between the dashing, ducking,  and chucking you are sure to get a ton of much needed holiday exercise and have a great time doing it.  Plus, whether your 9 or 79, nothing beats a well-placed snowball for a winter giggle.

As serious suppliers of expert advice on all things active, we are posting a video that shows off the finest snowball fighting technique south of the Arctic Circle.  With a little guidance, you might just be able to wing one like Uncle Mike.

May you find happy exhaustion among the snowflakes this weekend!