The Legend Of John Pendergrass

             Once in a while, a legend is born.  While others plod through life, trying to make sense of why they can’t run any faster, legends are achieving greatness in whatever they try.  Take for instance, John Pendergrass, Ophthalmologist, Air Medal Recipient, sub-3 hour marathoner, and budding triathlete.

            I decided a few weeks ago to learn from the master, and have since emulated my mentor in every way possible.  I can’t afford a new Mercedes Benz sedan, but I do park my old pickup the way he does, by straddling two parking spaces so no one opens their door on mine.  I bought a yellow Walkman and am trying to get him to tell me what frequency he listens to while running.  I suspect it’s something like CNNfN, but I can’t be sure.  I now dry my hair under the electric hand dryer at the Wellness Center after showering, and I confess that I applied for one of those special license plates like his even though I have never been a member of the armed forces.  I probably will never qualify for the Boston Marathon, but by gosh, every now and then I get to run around Turtle Creek Mall with him.

            How many people can say that they flew 54 combat missions over hostile territory in Viet Nam, ran a 2:40-something marathon, and is a doctor who in certain moods will actually run with a lawyer?  As for me, I don’t know any others.  Now you can see why I feel the way I do.

            I have adopted the Pendergrass training program in recent weeks and have seen great improvement in my running.  Many of my friends have sought to find the “magic pill” that has vaulted my recent efforts to a higher level.  I confess that it is really very simple, and it is what makes legends legendary. 

To quote John, “You just gotta run more miles, man… Seriously…”.

There are other Pine Belt Pacers that I admire for one reason or another.  Take Elmer for instance.  Here’s a guy who knows how to party, yet can convince a woman of Ann’s caliber to stay with him for who knows how many years.  Then there’s our president Keith Barrett, who runs through the pain, although I’m sure his threshold is much lower than mine.  Although I respect those guys, they can’t hold a candle to J.P.

Today, I went to the Wellness Center to swim some laps, knowing that John would be doing the same.  (I have a friend who works in his office who let’s me know when he is leaving so that I can be there at the same time every day…).  I am happy to report that I am more like him every day, as evidenced by what happened.  As I passed a guy painting a wall, I commented, “You guys sure are sprucing it up around here.”

I jumped in the pool and loosened up.  Just before I began swimming, I heard John coming by the same guy;

“You guys are doing some sprucing up around here, seriously…” John said.

 I encourage all Pine Belt Pacers to try this new method.  It will definitely improve your running.  As for me, I’m going to continue to try to be like John…

Seriously…

Tony Mozingo