Masters Weekend races and runs

Sorry to see so many people coping with sudden loss. My heart goes out to each of you.

When my father passed away, I found that my running became more important to me than ever. Keep on running.

Also, it's Valentine's Day. Give someone you love a hug or, if distant, a phone call. It'll make yo feel better.

stop and think wrote:

I don't post here anymore (my boss doesn't like this message board) but am very sorry to learn of everyone's losses. The Boulder Roadrunners are also in mourning today. It seems that Andrew Crook passed away this weekend at age 48. I don't know the circumstances but from all accounts he was in fine shape. He was an Australian runner, a little reserved, kind of tall and quiet. I remember Andrew breaking 33 minutes at the Bolder Boulder at age 41 and I think he ran 15:00-flat for the 5,000 at the World Master's Championships track meet in England one year. A tough and inexplicable loss.

That's terrible news. I raced against him at Cherry Creek and Bolder Boulder the year that he ran those remarkable times. A great master's competitor. I think he had a son or daughter that would be 10-12 now.

KP wrote:

Yeah I know I know it seems early. But I'm racing at Indoor Worlds in 4 weeks. This year will be one of those up, down, up down type of peak gigs.

......no offense, but how does a male who just ran 4:33 mile run "indoor WORLD's".....??? Is this one of those masters pseudo-world championship dealies?? I mean, 4:33 ain't bad at all for a master's, not bad at all, but a WORLD qualifying type performance? I wouldn't think so. But I guess any really elite masters would just run open races and not bother with "masters" special division championships, is that it?

AK-47 wrote:

I raced against him at Cherry Creek and Bolder Boulder the year that he ran those remarkable times.

I didn't really know him. I only met him once, after the Cherry Creek Sneak one year. We were both 40 years old, and there was a substantial cash prize ($1000) for the first master, with nothing for second. He crossed the finish line quite some time after I did, then came over to me and asked in a very urgent voice, "Are you over 40?" I said, "Yes, but I don't look like it, do I?" He replied in a voice that sounded both angry and disgusted, "Yeah, you do!" Then he stormed off. I had no idea who he was, and was actually a bit depressed that someone would be able to tell that I was so old. A little while later, I was talking to Steve Jones, who said that his "mate" was angry at me for taking $1000 from him. I thought the whole episode was kind of funny, but also a bit strange, since this guy seemed genuinely angry at me for finishing ahead of him in this race.

As I've gotten older, I think I've become somewhat less judgmental about people, and much more curious about their inner lives. So when I saw the headline on the front page of letsrun.com, I recognized the name (although I believe his last name was "Crook," not "Cook"), remembered my one encounter with him, and found myself wondering who this person was and what demons might have been tormenting him.

I also think was Andrew Crook is is real name. I hardly had the opportunity to race for money. It must have been a year later when I raced him. He kind of gave me a once over at he start line and looked at my number and name on the race bib and proceeded to finish a minute & half or two ahead. I think he won the masters by a minute or so that year, and then ran really well at Bolder. After that we might nod a recognition and that's about it--He did seem very distant, but I figured it was just a Boulder thing.

Life is precious. Hold on to it! Even if you can't run anymore.

Take care oldguy, and other masters on this thread.

Apparently his death was a suicide, he had been battling depression off and on for awhile according to the person that shared the news with me, and he had also been dealing with injury. It is a sobering thing and I feel for any friends and family of his.

You couldn't run a 4:33 mile to save yourself.

Yeah. Maybe you're right. Even at age 45. But I shouldn't be such a spoiled brat about it. Should be proud to give it my best, accept that, no matter what the clock reads. All I can ask for. Wouldn't you agree Doctor?

Gutted to hear the news about Andrew. Used to train with him in Boulder when i was there for a couple of summers. Cracking guy, will always remember his 'extra mile' at the end of the Sunday run. Best wishes to his family.

AC Muir

Your are such a f***** dick !

olderguy wrote:

Your are such a f***** dick !

ha! You're just now figuring that out?

Sarah,

Great story about meeting John! Good success to you both!