Chris Knodel (the Irish Goat to me) is a man whom I admired and respected the very first time I met him – at a Thanksgiving run when he had just done a PR (personal record) for a marathon and actually took the time to talk to me. Then when I saw him again at the Christmas races, he always appeared happy to see me and cheered me on just as if I was an elite athlete like him.

He even waited til I finished my race one day to give me the hug I said I wanted. He didn’t have to do that. He had finished a long time prior and wanted to leave but he waited to make sure I had support.

This guy is so far out of my league that I’m humbled by the fact that he even speaks to me and even more humbled that he knows my name and wants me to do well. Most people of his caliber would not even notice my existence.

So why is he an inspiration. For those reasons – he is not too good for himself. He cares about others and knows the value and power of support.

He’s also a phenomenal athlete and did something like 49 marathons in a couple of months – I don’t know the exact number but it was that many or more. And he’s fast. He pushes himself and strives to get better. And yet, he’s also able to take setbacks well and get back up and move forward without falling back down that ladder after all the steps forward. He’s a true champion to me!

I think so very highly of you Chris and thank you for your being in my life and your acknowledging me and befriending me.

I would do anything for you and I hope you know that.

Terrie