Dick Beardsley and me

A few weeks back, I wrote about how inspired I was by a short story recounting the 'Duel in the Sun', the famous Boston Marathon of 1982. Well not long ago, I had read about a new book recounting that long battle between Alberto Salazar and Dick Beardsley.

Not a big seller among non-runners, it was hard to find in Vancouver. But I knew they'd be selling it at the Boston Marathon Expo.

Jen and I arrived at the Expo a few minutes after it opened Saturday morning. We wanted to get in and get out. For one, we wanted to wander Boston, not hang out at an Expo. For another, the crowds were going to get ugly in a few hours.

I picked up my race pack easily and we were able to tour the booths fairly freely. So to speak. Unlike most expos I've been to, nothing is free at Boston. At most expos, everyone is trying to shovel some new jazzy product into your hand. I usually walk away with all kinds of Tylenol, new fluid replacement mixture, running cap or socks. At Boston...nada. I think they know that everyone's coming with money. They know that everyone is prepared to spend to immortalize their Boston experience. And the organizers exploit that to the max.

And being one of those runners who came with money, I didn't really care that much. I just bought whatever I wanted. Put it on credit, then forget it!

One thing I wanted was a copy of 'Duel in the Sun'. And sure enough, I found it. At the New Balance booth, there was a tiny podium set up with a stack of books. While I was flipping through the book, I noticed 2 guys beside me getting their picture taken.

I sorta recognized the one guy. And then I realized. It's Dick Beardsley. Standing right next to me. For a moment I was stunned. This couldn't be him. There was no crowd. There was no lineup. But then, this was the perk of arriving early I guess. And oddly, I don't think many of the runners around realized who he was.

I introduced myself straight away. I was shocked by just how engaging and modest he was. I told him how inspired I was by the story of his '82 race and how much I was looking forward to my own run on Monday. "Oh wow, Kevin" he said. "That is a tough course. But I love it."

He's a wonderfully affable man. Casual and relaxed. Above all, he seems genuine. Like he really wants to connect with you. Like he feels a kinship with you, a fellow runner.

But see, Dick Beardsley and I are on different planets when it comes to running. He is still one of the 4 fastest American marathoners ever. I'm hoping to crack sub-3 some day. It's like comparing a cheetah to a sloth. Oh sure, they're both mammals.

I, however, was quite content to be one with the cheetah if only for another 2 minutes. Dick wanted to know where I qualified. When I mentioned Victoria, he beamed. "Oh that's a great course. I'm good friends with Rob Reid, the race director." We kept chatting for a little while longer. He reminded me the 25th anniversary of his and Salazar's duel was next year. He was hoping the organizers bring them both out for the race.

All the while, I'd had my camera slung over my shoulder. I'd have to get a picture before I left. As if on cue he says "Hey, should we get a picture?"

Jennifer snapped a shot of the 2 of us, me looking like I'm meeting a Beatle. I bought the book and Dick signed it. We shook hands and he wished me luck on Monday. I left beaming for the rest of the day. I can't believe I met Dick Beardsley.