When your legs get tired, think of Gene...

From Coach Lisa Spink - 

I had the privileged of meeting Gene Dykes recently - humble unassuming and FREAK!! (in best possible way).

Gene's PB marathon is 2.54 - no typo that is 2.54, oh and he is 70 years old! When I got chatting to him as we shared some trail time (yeah he does trails as well) the story only gets more impressive. Firstly I sheepishly started the conversation with  - "Congratulations Gene, 2.54 is amazing!" - he replied "and change?" Ha ha ha the seconds matter to Gene.

Then I asked "So Gene what is your life time best Marathon time?", thinking I was going to make a complete idiot of myself by not know an Olympic Champion or World Record holder from yester- year... He looked at me puzzled... "That is my best, 2.54...and change"... My brain was doing a back flip  - this guy just did his life time best of 2.54...and change at 70! He went on to tell me he got a coach 5 years ago and has improved every year since.... WOW - now that is consistency and defying the ageist ideology of the modern world..

GRIT, growth mindset, persistence wow this guy has it all.. We run along chatting for a bit... Then he says "I'm getting a bit hot", that was fair, it was in the 30's and semi exposed, he adds - "It was snowing back home"... Crikey, mental note, never whinge about conditions again.. Gene goes on to say "I might just back off a bit, my legs are a bit tired".. There was a pause then he said " I've done a 100miler and few other little Ultra's in last 6 weeks that might be why" Holy wow do you think? But then again, Gene has also completed the Triple Crown, that is 3 x 200 milers (truth be known one is actually 240 miles) in 3 months. Regardless I take another mental note, never whinge about tired legs again!
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Gene went on to get an amazing finish and be an absolute inspiration to all that had the privilege to meet and share time with him that weekend. I really hope he continuous to do PB's and gets the official record at the Boston Marathon. Either way, cudos to you Mr Gene Dykes and thanks for the trail time!

Watch this 3min clip to listen to Gene talk about his running  - WOW