It was pretty crowded at first, with a lively group at the end. I ignored them, and just talked to SD. Then I looked up and saw the shirt:
Well, you know me, I couldn't wait to start up a conversation. As soon as it was decently possible I asked, "Why are you wearing a GU shirt?". They were a sponsor at a race. What kind of race? A triathlon. The man is a seven-time Ironman. Whoa!
His name is Dan Perkins and he was touring the area with his wife, Joy. You can tell just by his picture that he's fast. How fast? He was third in his age group (45-49--yes, I asked!) for the 2006 Honu 70.3.
We talked about the Wisconsin Ironman (he hasn't done that one yet) and the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon (not his distance). He lives in California and when I mentioned that Lifetime Fitness is a sponsor of TeamUSA Minnesota, he said he wished there was a LTF in California. Me, too.
Of course, I pumped him for information. Even though he was wearing a GU shirt, he prefers Hammer gel. I liked Power Gel until they changed their formula, so now I have a bunch of GU. I'll take a look at Hammer when I'm ready to replenish my stock.
And I asked for bike advice, since I plan to buy a road bike when I move to California. He knows the area I'm moving to. One of his bikes is a Felt, and he suggested that I look at them. I actually had already, but the one I liked didn't have a "granny gear," which I want to climb the monster hills I'll be dealing with in my new hometown.
Dan's wife, Joy, was fun to talk to and she mentioned how lucky we are to have spouses support our racing endeavors. She's more my running speed. She talked about how triathlon's are like "the other woman:" they give her time, they give her money, they're sad when they can't be with her...
Dan's day job is a minister (I didn't know that till I saw his blog; good thing I didn't swear!), and he and his family are moving to San Jose, after about 14 years near Palm Springs. We talked about moving and adjusting to a new area. They're both really nice people and I'm sure they'll have no trouble making new friends.
8 comments:
Dori - is that you in the picture? I don't think I've seen a picture of you except at a distance.
Sounds like a good guy and a good conversation. I love the way you just walk up and get them started. That is a skill Eric has as well - I have to work at it.
No, I wish I looked like that! That's a picture of Joy, Dan's wife. But thanks for the compliment. :-)
That is just too cool! I always strike up conversations with people about their running t-shirts, especially if I'm no where near a run, like the grocery store... ;) I guess you never know who you'll meet unless you ask!
Well it seems if we ever get in the same room together we are bound to meet! We have the same knack to get people talking about things they are passionate about. Of course sometimes the shirt does not go with the person. What's with those people? I'm dedicated to the theory of "Don't wear if if you didn't run it."
WOW! That's TWO people that you have rubbed elbows with. How cool!
Awesome post. A friend of mine here in Houston ran into Bill Rodgers and got to spend time with him and visit during a marathon down in Florida.
This is the first time I've visited your blog and I enjoyed your posts. If you get a chance, please visit my running web site, Faithful Soles. I have a categorized and searchable Running Blog Database on there and would appreciate it if you would link your blog to it.
Dori,
Sorry,it's taken a while for me to get here. I'm a little slow on the uptake since I've been traveling back and forth to San Jose. It was really nice to meet you and SD at Andrew Murray. Thanks for all the kind things you said about Joy and me. But likewise it's always nice to run into another athlete who shares the passion of running and racing. I am getting such a late start to my season this year due to the move and have been hard pressed to be motivated to train with all the changes in our lives but simply meeting you and reading your blog reminds me of the value of getting out there for the fellowship of fitness. Thanks again, I hope you have a great year and one which brings surprising PR's.
Blessings, Dan
You meet the most interesting people - and even make connections with them - because you are a very interesting person! I love reading your blog, Dorine!
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