22 March 2008
Greg Meyer
Posted by Steve Kelly under: Steve Kelly .
As Road Warriors we had the amazing privilege of spending an hour and a half with Greg Meyer at Gazelle on Thursday. He is an incredible ambassador for all things running. Although I felt a little like a guy who’s been in a hot air balloon talking to a fighter pilot, he was most gracious and informative. His stories had us in fits of laughter too and the time went by much too quickly.
I asked, like most of us there, about my aches and pains. He not only was able to pinpoint their source, but offer solution and a “been there” anecdote. What I took away from it primarily were the similarities we all have as runners. No, I’ve never won the Boston Marathon. I probably won’t win the River Bank Run seven times either. But, I am training with the specific purpose of reaching a running goal. Along the way I’ve had some ups and downs. Its the ups and downs that solidify our common experience as runners. Being blessed to take part in the race is the cherry on top. The cherry is a subjective goal. Greg Meyer’s must weigh down a wall with trophies, medals and record books. I want to say I’ve run the River Bank run. We both do it one stride at a time. Cool.
At the end something happened that will stay with me and will, for me, define who Greg is. One of our Road Warriors, Shelly was asking about some heal pain she’s had on and off. Knowing the problem well Greg explained how taping the area a certain way could help both while running and walking around. He said he’d show her how to do it if he could find some tape. I dashed off to the bathroom during the interlude. As I was coming back I saw Greg buying the tape at the counter. He then proceeded to tape Shelly’s foot with great care and give her the tape.
I know the tape probably wasn’t that expensive and I’m sure that’s not the first time he helped another runner tape something either. It’s just that that one selfless act, like a stride, when added up over his amazing career of running and instructing others exemplifies how he most certainly deserves the accolades he has received. Thanks again Greg and 5th 3rd for the opprotunity to be a Road Warrior.
Happy Easter everyone!
2 Comments so far...
Shelly Says:
24 March 2008 at 8:12 am.
Want to hear a good blonde story? I presumed he had borrowed the tape from up at the counter–so when I went to return it, Chris-from-Gazelle’s told me it was already paid for. Duh! So MANY thanks to Greg for showing me how to tape my foot up, and for giving me the extra tape. And my apologies to poor Coach Mike for having to endure sitting next to someone with NO SHOE ON HER FOOT. 
By the way, Steve–keep up the great training–you have been doing an awesome job this season! –shelly
Bob Says:
24 March 2008 at 4:57 pm.
Steve, I like the analogy of the hot air balloon and the fighter jet. I wish I could have attended. Other obligations interfered. Sounds like you all learned a lot. Keep up the great training.