My Track Record

Former marathon world record holder Steve Jones was the guest speaker at tonight's pre-race banquet. He spoke briefly and then fielded several questions, including one about his diet during his peak racing years, which he described as working-class "meat and potatoes" fare.

After the dinner, we had a conversation during which, in passing, I lamented my lack of sprinting speed.

A while later, just before we parted ways, the marathon legend offered a final unsolicited tip: "Don't eat anything green." Then, with a wink, he added, "That's why you're so slow."