Ryan Hall, the 2008 Olympian was in Tampa Florida for the Gasparilla Festival this weekend
Gasparilla is a Runners Dream!!
15k / 5k on Saturday
15k / 5k on Saturday
1/2 Marathon & Marathon on Sunday
Prize $
Huge Expo
Tons and Tons of People
It's a Festival & Totally Cool !!
It's a Festival & Totally Cool !!
You can even be crazy and do the Triple Crown 15k / 5k / 1/2 or the 15k / 5k / Marathon! WOW!!
As for my race, I didn't want to start off too fast and have the Olympian feel bad. Actually, it was funny because there were a few guys that took off in front of Ryan but on the out and back he was what seemed like an easy 1/2 mile to mile ahead of the pack. (His photo is in this post - no one else around him).
He was flying!! Such a genuine great guy! I was standing next to him during his pre-race prayer, it was a special moment to be standing right there, hearing him and witnessing the very things I've read about him - wow, its hard to put into words.
Originally I had a long run on my schedule so I was planning the 15k with an hour after - but after running a good 15k I was jogging and ran into friends doing the 5k, so I hopped into that race as well (little harder to go out the 2nd time) - luckily it wasn't fast.
It did give me time to realize the achievements of all these runners, whether its winning your age-group, breaking 30 minutes or just finishing - its inspiring. It reminds me on a great quote by Basketball Coach Bobby Knight, "Failure, to me, is not having the desire to try. Having the desire to try is in its own way success" The middle of the pack runners push themselves just as hard in their own way, as those who are winning their categories. Congrats to all - it was a special day !!
Heather...how fun! I hope you are well.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post-race report, Heather. When Scott got off the phone with you on Saturday he said that you told him about some guy who was pulling off 4 to 5 min/miles in the 15k, but he couldn't remember his name. We were all like 'holy smokes'... only later did I find out it was Ryan Hall. Made complete sense at that point. :o) That's awesome that you were able to spend a bit of time with him. He does seem like a super guy. Congrats to you as well on your awesome effort! Can you make me run like that??
ReplyDeleteIt was good seeing you yesterday at the Tour and thanks for the road rash tips last night. Every scar has a story, right?
I knew you were smart - but when you quote Bobby Knight, coach of the famed iU basketball (my alma mater)... it takes it to a whole new level. You look like you were clicking off miles pretty quick too!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! It'd be GREAT to share that with him!!
ReplyDeleteVery cool. Agreed, while we can all wish for faster speed/quicker times, the joy is in the experience.
ReplyDeleteI need your help, I am trying to get in touch with vinnie monseau. Our fathers grew up on the same streat and i wrestled at a HS close to his. I am gong to St Croix next year to complete my first 70.3 and I noticed he has been a regular there. My email is orlerr@pilottravelcenters.com
ReplyDeleteMy name is Bob Orler and I went to Jefferson Union Hs.
Great post Heather - Ryan is great!
ReplyDelete