QUITTER!

the happy family 

lance armstrong is being accused of having used the performance-enhancing drug EPO in 1999, when he won his first of seven consecutive tour de france titles. EPO stands for erythropoietin, a hormone produced by the kidneys to stimulate the production of erythrocytes, aka red blood cells. for this reason, individuals who suffer from kidney disease may develop a serious anemia because they cannot produce homeostatic amounts of EPO. EPO also shortens the time for red blood cell maturation. therefore, an athlete who "doped" his blood with EPO would produce more red blood cells, increase his oxygen-carrying capacity, and experience a prolonged boost in stamina.

supposedly, back in 1999 EPO was undetectable but both its benefits and risks were well known. a marked increase in EPO results in more red blood cells, ultimately thickening the blood and heightening one's risk for stroke or other vessel-obstructing events (although, ironically, EPO has been found to help stroke patients recover neurologic function). also, in settings of extended exercise--like, i don't know, maybe riding a bicycle for thousands of miles--the body demands extraordinary amounts of water, some of which is eventually shifted out of the bloodstream and into the tissues for use. this thickens the blood even more.

in mr armstrong's case, he allegedly had taken EPO to help his recovery from cancer, although that was prior to his first tour victory. still, i can't say believe his unequivocal denials of doping, and i think he chose the right time to retire. but, regardless of truth behind the drug accusations leveled against him, as the daily show pointed out after lance's most recent tour de france win, he is a quitter.

and the above photo is my adoring family. notice how remarkably the genes from my parents segregated to produce me and my sister.