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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.)
The Stick
Hi Paul, I’m Lance’s girlfriend and an ultrarunner; I’ve been following your podcast on and off. Thank you for the beautiful tribute to Craig. We already miss him so much. He was the one who encouraged me to do AC 100 when we ran his “infamous” Pier to Peak fun run. I will run AC this September in memory of him. I ran Mt. Disappointment today and saw Kathy, I will make sure she sees your tribute to Craig. Thank you so much, keep up the awesome work.
Marisol
Hi Gang,
My husband and I own a fitness bootcamp. One of our campers went in to buy shoes for the very first time (Agust 9, 2008) today. She shared her experience with us. She was amazed at environment in Phidippides. She also informed me that Craig had passed away.
When I was training for my first marathon in 2000 a friend of mine told me about Craig and Phidippides. I reluctantly went in and sat down with Craig. I was deeply embarrased when I took my tennis shoes off and Craig saw I was missing (3) toe nails. He looked at me with a soft understanding grin while considering my foot and said, “We are so happy you are here. You are in the right place. We are going to take good care of you.” Words can’t express the comfort and understanding I felt at a most humiliating moment.
Craig and I went on to chat for (2) hours. I stuck to him like a sponge. He poured his running knowledge on me like a broken faucet freely pouring out the spicket. I stood there mouth agape taking mental notes.
The next time I saw Craig I brought my Mom in who had joined me on the marathon circuit. I shared my struggles with him and he gave me sound alternatives to the beginner mistakes I had made in my first race.
Since that day, I always look forward to seeing Craig when I come in. I never see my trip there as “going to buy shoes” but rather a visit with an old friend.
As Craig was getting progressively worse in the last few months, I would ever so briefly see him in the store helping people as he once helped me. I am sure that his passion kept him sane in a difficult time.
I will truly miss my dear friend, who was immensly respected and admired by more people that he could ever imagine. He never once sold me shoes, but opened me to the experience of his life.
Craig KICK ASPHALT wherever you are!
I had the pleasure of running hundreds and hundreds of miles with Craig — in fact, he taught me everything I know about distance running. You would run, he would talk, and if you paid attention, you got smarter on the run, just for listening. He knew lots about everything. Never a more humble man. I owe him lots.
I met Craig on san vicente in the mid 70s I an over weight middle age man Runners in those days were world class serious runners Over the years i ran with him ofer the hill fom his shop to a nice brearfast He encouged me to a better runner @ person I could see he @ Kathys grey hair comming down the grass His support for an old guy helped me to 60 marathons God bless Craig
Marisol, Shannon, Jan and Don – thank you for coming by the website and leaving a little message about your experiences with Craig. I hope these stories and the ones that haven’t been told may be passed on so that the memory of this fantastic man can be shared with as many people as possible.
I just found out about Craig’s passing last night.
Craig was such an inspiration to me. I met him at the store in 1990, when beginning training for my first LA Marathon. He was so helpful, so willing to help me succeed in running.
I had the priveldge of running with Craig dozens of times in the 90’s, as I would frequently join his group for what was then Tuesday night runs. Sometimes it would be just a few runners, somnetimes just us. But whichever it was, it was always a special event for me.
What a blast that was! Running and talking, it was always good.
With Craig’s help and inspiration, I did 7 LA Marathons, thru 1998, then stopped due to the arrival of my daughter. But I would still get my running shoes there, and did run with him a couple times after that. I think it’s time I started again.
Somehow, even after learning of his condition, I somehow always thought he would conquer it, that he would be there….
Craig, I will truly miss you–
Steve
Just found out today that Craig past away…
He’s a top notch man.. And will forever be remembered as one.
Thanks you for the inspiration Craig.
Damian Rinaldi