You've heard me say over and over again, how it is the experiences along the way that make running so enjoyable. From the group dynamics to race day adventures, we have plenty of incentive to keep lacing up our shoes especially in this kind of weather. We all have good days and bad days and hopefully they even themselves out in the end. Tomorrow I won't remember how my body felt, but I will remember for a very long time how excited I was to run with an Olympic champion - to actually run alongside of Bill Rodgers and carry on a conversation with him, is something I won't forget. To hear his stories - his struggles and his accomplishments are inspiring, to say the least. Talking to him afterwards at the Springfield Running Center - where he was so kind as to sign my Chicago Marathon jacket, was the icing on the cake.
We talked about how cool it is that running is one of the very few sports in which elite and amateur athletes alike all occupy the same course in which to realize our goals. That he took time to talk to us as fellow runners (regardless of our abilities) shows that he is just not about promoting his book. He is genuinely interested in encouraging runners and he says when people ask him, "Why should I run?", he says "Well, why shouldn't you?"
I appreciate the efforts of the SRRC and others in bringing Bill Rodgers to Springfield, Illinois. If you are interested in learning how he sees the world while running - check out his blog entries on his site at http://www.billrodgers.com/brrc/.
"Being a runner means you are now "free" to win and lose and live life to it's fullest." Bill Rodgers
Run steady,
Mary
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5 comments:
Mary, I love your blog! (sniff!)
I remember when he came and ran beside you. He was so nice to "just talk" and run. You're smile was SO big! :) He is so personable and just a really NICE guy!
I loved how he took the time to individually talk to each and one of us at SRC. It was worth the hour wait! Thank you to Jim Dalhquist and Bob Thompson for serving us drinks and food while we waited! What service! :)
(Bob, where was your apron?)
Thanks Spfld Running Center for having him there and for selling the books. Does anyone know if we can get copies of the pictures taken with him?
How true, how true... "Why shouldn't we run?"
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On a personal side note, thank you also to Dave and Carl for getting me through my run. (Missed ya Steve Jones and Tim Mullady!)Next week is the big one. Kim and I will need yas~~~ hope you'll join us again!!! :)
The power of the group, Emily, the power of the group!!!!!
And Bob - no apron? I figured one came with that cute sweatshirt of yours!
Great post Mary, I hope you made it to the baby shower on time!
And I don't care how bad my ankle behaved, it was worth it. What an awesome experience to have Bill Rodgers run with the Half Wits. He said that he really liked the name of the group.
Anne - Thanks a bunch!
I was late to the baby shower, had the wrong time for my tax appointment and had to reschedule, and fell asleep on the couch and missed my daughter's indoor soccer game - I guess I met myself coming and going on Saturday - but like you I think it was all worth it!
Rest that ankle - you've got a race in the sunshine next week - and that's really cool. Can't wait to hear how you do!
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