Every Mile A Memory: April 2018

MEETING MEB!!!

A few weeks ago, I had the chance of a lifetime. I got to venture out to Cleveland, TN to meet my running Hero. The reason I started running marathons in the first place was because of this man. He does so much for the sport. MEB! Anyone who follows running at all knows of this man. How could you not.

This race was set to be simply a shakedown for the next mornings Spring Feature, Knoxville Half Marathon. I could go run, but just don't go full tilt.

I got there and it was extremely chilly. But, after everything, I decided to not wear long sleeves and just go with my normal singlet. I wouldn't get to wear this on Sunday for the Knoxville race as I was pacing that race, but I was able to wear it today.

I had paid VIP price to get to meet Meb, and then get a photo with him. Sadly, at the time of this writing , I don't have the professional photo on me to share, but The selfie I like better.

When we lined up for the race, I just wanted to run off feel. I never intended to run straight through. But in the end that is what happend. I sat off into my cadence and knew I was gonna be able to go. My HR was staying LOW and I was at a good stride.

About a 3rd of the way through I met this older gentelmen on the road. I knew my purpose for this run was to bring him home. As we talked, he was older, he started telling me how this was his first race in 30 + years. He ran in H.S. and college. Used to be able to do 4 - 6 min miles consistently. Now he's out here with the rest of us. Guy was as humble as could be.

Mile 1 and 2 came and went pretty quickly. I was resting comftorably in z2 and then just like that it was over. Man, I got a rush of adrenline as this was simply a shakedown and I had managed to hold the average pace I would need for Knoxville on Sunday.

Going back to meeting meb for just a moment, I am still in awe to this day. Guy is a freaking Olympic Silver Medalist, A boston and Chicago Marathon winner, and is so humble. I loved meeting him.