Hat Run 50K: In Loving Memory of Robert Harris
He knew I could do it before I did. Back in those days, I was trying to do 40 races by the time I turned 40. It was his idea that the 40th race would be a marathon. I thought he was nuts. But, I did it. He was so proud of me! He even asked for my sneakers when I finished the race. “You are something special Base. You know how to turn the power up to 10! I just want some of the magic you’ve created to rub off on me” I handed them over. Fast forward a few months, I remember sitting next to him. We were bickering about where to go to lunch the next day. He wanted Red Robin. I wanted Banchetti's. Going out to lunch for teachers is a big deal. It doesn’t happen often. Clear as day, I can remember him walking out the door saying, “It doesn’t matter where we eat. All that matters is who is sitting across from you at the table”. Those were the last words he ever said to me. His name was Robert Harris and we never made it to lunch. Robert died that ni