For you runners: An almost,(but didn't want to bother him) encounter with a living legend yesterday

[abq e streeter]

I was in the gym locker room after working out , and thought the guy next to me looked familiar. The realized it was Henry Rono.

Edited for some background on who he is, for those that read this and aren't familiar with him.....

From wikipedia:

The peak of Rono's running career was the 1978 season. In a span of only 81 days, he broke four world records: the 10,000 meters (27:22.5), the 5,000 meters (13:08.4), the 3,000 meters steeplechase (8:05.4), and the 3,000 meters (7:32.1); an achievement unparalleled in the history of distance running. He lowered the 10,000 meter record by almost 8 seconds, the 5,000 by 4.5, the steeplechase by 2.6, and the 3,000 by a full three seconds. In the same year he also won the 5000 m and the 3000 m steeplechase gold medals at the Commonwealth Games. Among his other performances was a steeplechase / 5000 m double in one day during qualifying at the NCAA championships at the University of Oregon at Eugene's Hayward Field. He set meet records in both events, turning in an 8:18 and 13:22. The former took 6 seconds off the NCAA meet record for the steeple. When he ran the steeplechase final the next day, he won in 8:12.39, taking another six seconds off the steeplechase mark. He won 10,000 metres and 3000 metres steeplechase gold medals at the 1978 All-Africa Games

[Tobin S.]

1. Did you talk to him?

What did you say?

[abq e streeter]

2. Hi Tobin...nah, didn't want to bother him.

Which is why it was an almost encounter. But it was still pretty cool just realizing who he was. I mean, wow...4 world records broken in 81 days. That still blows me away. If I see him again there,which certainly isn't impossible, I may just ask to shake his hand or something.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

3. Shaking hands isn't "clinging"...

...I think that's what bothers most people with any level of fame. A person makes an introduction, pays their respects, and all of a sudden it's the Chris Farley Show ("Remember when you (fill in the blank)? That was AWESOME.")

For you to acknowledge this man's accomplishments and ask to shake his hand (and leave it at that) is certainly within reason, and I'd be willing to bet that you'd make his day by doing so. If he wants to have a conversation with you, he'll let you know. If not, the handshake should be good enough for both of you.

And if he doesn't want the handshake, well...you've respectfully approached him, so no harm, no foul.

If you see him again, go for it.

:toast: