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I don’ t know what compelled me to have to get shoes yesterday (August 7, 2008). I’ve been putting off buying new running shoes (and new work shoes) for months now. I know I am one to preach shoe and foot maintenance but when it comes to myself, I’d rather save the $100 bucks for a couple months than buy the shoes when I really need them. Though, I forced Tams to drive to Phidippidies yesterday to get new running shoes.
Tams and I were self-absorbed with this single mission as we walked through the double-paned doors into the air-conditioned haven of my favorite running store co-owned by an LA running legend, Craig Chambers. It appeared that Team-in-Training, those interlopers both in my favorite store and sometimes on the trails that I have come to call my own – though obviously shared by the community, were occupying valuable space as an attendee assisted us with getting shoes. It wasn’t till I saw an individual hastily pushing a vacuum around the store and solemnly urging individuals to get out of the way that I figured something was a little off. And to add to the fact, many individuals that I see on the trails regularly were gathered in the store preparing for a run. But hold on a minute, to my recollection the weekly run was held on Wednesday and not on Thursday, (I was, of course, wrong. They usually ran Thursday and Friday). We were still trying on different pairs of shoes, trying to find a pair that will become our best friend in the months to follow.
Craig’s name was passed along in lowered breaths and I remembered Pete and Steve mentioning that Craig wasn’t doing so well. I looked down at the shoe saleswoman and asked: “If I may ask, how is Craig doing?” And at this moment, things klopt fell into place. Craig passed away today and the runners were getting ready to do a memorial run in his honor. We were hastily rushed out of the store, for valid reasons, and all I could think about was the passing of this legend.
I never had the honor to run with Craig but was greatly motivated by both his stories and stories told about him. Pete, my running mentor, did many runs with Craig. Steve and Jon have nothing but good praises to pass along. The only qualms I’ve ever heard were the typical runner’s qualms. Oh, Craig would say: “Let’s take this route, it won’t add anything to the run.” And in reality, that extra route would add an extra three or four miles and sometimes uphill. I heard stories of Craig running Western States and for five years he ran back and forth to work – - – a total distance of a marathon. Dean may be a hero in many person’s eyes, but Craig had running in his blood since birth and inspired many Angelinos to become a better person by running better. I’m honored and humbled that I had the opportunity to interview and speak with Craig and deeply saddened that he is no longer with us.
All of my runs for this year will be in honor and in remembrance of this Angelino Legend.
*(Photo borrowered from http://phidippidesencino.com/. Video borrowed from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuHVNgEn65k and posted by RonKobrine.)
“Thrills”
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