Friday, August 08, 2008

08/08/08 Craig Chambers

In Memoriam...

I don't mean to brag, but I am one of those runners who will never finish "DFL." This is not due to talent, skill, or extra training dedication on my behalf. It's simply due to fear. I'll admit it: the prospect of being listed last on a results page scares this particular over-achiever out of her mind. So after having completed 20 marathons (and avoiding "DFL"), I figured I had been at it long enough to know what I was doing. Now thanks to "Moose Math," I've learned that my piddly amount of experience actually puts my level of running knowledge somewhere between zygote and embryo.

Craig completed the 2008 Catalina Marathon course while I was sitting around and moping about my "PW" (personal worst) finish. Long after the other participants had showered, eaten, boarded the ferry, and arrived back in Los Angeles, the Moose and his crew crossed the area where the finish line had been. He was smiling, as always. The fact that I didn't finish in the top 3 was killing me, but here came Craig, who was literally dying, and he was smiling. Moose was going to finish in a position far worse than I could've imagined possible: Post-DFL !!! Yet, I proudly stood and clapped as the tears flowed freely down my face.

Thank you Craig for teaching me the significance of finishing, simply finishing, be it first or last, with a smile on your face, surrounded by friends who love you.