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

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!