Wednesday, May 6, 2009
A Tribute To Ted
Most of you know by now that Ted Swain died following the Police Marathon. Details are sketchy at this time, but it appears he died from a heart attack. Needless to say the running community is saddened by the loss of such a generous and kind man. Those of you who knew Ted understand the sorrow we collectively feel. He was kind, patient, and loved the running community with all his heart. He was a dedicated clinic instructor for years for both the half and full marathon and he set a rock solid pace (I was his "2-hour man" at the hypo clinic and we shared scooter stories). Ted read See Mike Run and often commented on the postings.
It would be appropriate to honor Ted via this blog, I think he would approve. If you'd care to participate please send me a short remembrance of Ted (there's so many) and I will post them without editing. I ask only that they be short (about one paragraph) and they have the words "I remember ..." somewhere in the first couple of sentences. Please also forward any pictures you might have of Ted and please forward this request to any of your running buddies who may wish to contribute a story... spread the word.
I will post what I have on on Friday evening so let's set a deadline of Friday at 9 PM. I hope you can make a contribution.
Thanks all. It's a good day to be alive.
Mike
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2 comments:
I first met Ted a year ago when I did a 10km clinic to get back into running after having a baby, and I continued to seek him out for the Sunday long runs in preparation for the Hypothermic Half. I remember well his indomitable good humour on those ridiculous 18km runs this winter with a wind chill in the mid minus 40s. How did he do it?! Ted was wonderful company – we swapped stories about teaching and travelling, and he offered sound running advice and inspiration. He made just finishing the race – whatever the distance -- into an excellent and worthy goal. I respected (and have seen benefits from) his view that it was not possible to run too slowly on the long runs, and appreciated his little ‘instructive’ remarks when I ran ahead of the group. Having spent so many hours running and talking with Ted, I consider him a friend, and am deeply saddened by his much too early exit.
–Cheryl Dueck
I think my heart fell out of chest when I realized who Ted Swain was. I didn't think I had ever met him during my training through the Running Room, but after recognizing him in a picture that someone sent out after learning of his passing; I did spend one evening with Ted. It was a about four years ago.. a beautiful sunny evening; he was taking the place of the usual 1/2 marathon clinic instructor that night; I had never met Ted before but we hit it off right away. I wore leggings for running and this was quite concerning to him. He couldn't believe I was not wearing shorts. It was a good part of the conversation of that evening's short run; how shorts would help me run faster, etc. It was quite funny I must say.
Ted obviously had many friends and will be missed and remembered by so many people he touched!
Miss Viv
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