They started the lone wheelchair racer (John) about 5 minutes ahead of
the congested pack of Half Marathoners. He merited an escort for a few
reasons. He races low to the ground, hard to see. He mostly keeps his
head down. He was the first racer on the course and the police were only
at major intersections. The race wound through neighborhoods and cars
emerged from side streets. So they asked me, very obviously visible, to
accompany him.
The picture was taken at the point when the two lead runners had made up
that 5 minute head start, almost exactly 6.5 miles into the race. They
were amazing.
I tried to stay about 50-100 yards ahead of the wheelchair, in order to
stop emergers, or alert the cops. On the uphills, John slowed some. But
on the downside of those hills, he flew, catching me. On the flats,
which was most of the course, he pushed a steady 12-13 mph, making me
work. When the picture was taken, we were in a park behind a High School
with no cross traffic, so I hung right with John. At the end of 13.1
miles, I could feel my legs asking for a break. Can you imaging how his
arms must have felt? Very impressive young man.
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--
Memphis Mud - Student of GrandMaster 2T
Mantra: Avoid Hitting Tailbone...Avoid Hitting Tailbone...
"do not think, just ride"...muniracer
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