A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about how much fun we had at The Pancake Run That Wasn’t.  I also promised to tell you a little bit more about how Mr. Incredible came to be.  As with many of my running stories, this story starts with, “Miles had an idea…”  I talked to Mr. Incredible (Paul) at our brunch and asked if I could introduce him to my vast audience few readers, and he agreed!  The following words are his (with some editing).  I have inserted photos that don’t necessarily correspond with the timeline.

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Mr. Incredible in 2013

As for the evolution of my sound system:  Like everything else that’s a bit over the top, how does one get started down the road to craziness?  The answer is Miles.  Who thinks about running a marathon?  Not many, until they’ve met Miles who convinces them what a good idea it is.  Who thinks about running the JFK 50-Mile Ultra?  Not many, until they’ve met Miles who convinces them what a good idea it is.  Who puts music on their bike and rides along marathoners as support?  Not many, until they’ve met Miles . . . .

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Paul in 2010

Miles approached me in 2002 and asked me to join him on the JFK 50-Miler.  He attached two old fashioned computer speakers to my handlebars with Duct Tape.  They were powered by C batteries, and I carried a backpack of extra C’s.

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Flat tire in 2010

The first 15 miles of the JFK are along the Appalachian Trail and is not bikeable.  It’s very rocky and involves switchbacks.  I would start at 6:30am from the finish line and ride 35 miles back to the 15 mile marker to meet Miles and company.  Then I would join them for the 35 miles back to the finish line.  Only Miles could convince someone to do that, but it turned out to be a huge amount of fun, and the runners were enormously appreciative.

PaulVideoRecording

How we get our great videos

Because Miles used the Marine Corps Marathon as a training run for the JFK 50-Miler, the following year he suggested I join him there too.  No bikes are allowed on the course, so it was a bit risky.  There were many times that the police tried to escort me off the course, but were convinced by the runners to let me stay, other times I had to comply.

Circa 2009, Mr. Incredible made his first appearance.  The difference was palpable.  It is so ridiculously over the top; it is totally disarming to the runners, the crowd, and to the police.  It really is like I am a character and not a person.  It dramatically enhances the fun factor for everyone, myself included.  People want a picture with me, or go out of their way to “high five” me as they run by.

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2012

I contacted the Rock and Roll Marathon organizers in early 2012 and asked them if they would like my services at Rock ‘N’ Roll USA in March.  I was hoping to be granted access to the course “legally” so that I wouldn’t get questioned by the authorities.  They responded by asking me if I’d like to do Rock ‘N’ Roll San Diego; but when they found out what it would cost to ship my 96-pound bike, they said they’d be happy to have me in DC.

Rock ‘N’ Roll USA was so happy to have me, that they asked if I would be willing to do the Philadelphia Rock ‘N’ Roll in September, and that’s when I started on their payroll.  I can’t believe I’m getting paid to do this!

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Mr. Incredible and the Trumpet Heads in “Bike Tour 2013” in Astoria Park

In addition to Rock ‘N’ Roll Philly in September, Mr. Incredible will be cheering runners on at the Marine Corps Marathon in Virginia/DC in October, and the JFK 50-Miler in Maryland in November.  Look and listen for him!

 

  • Questions:
  • Have you ever seen Mr. Incredible in one of the Rock ‘N’ Roll races?
  • Have you ever worn a costume for a job?
  • Do you bike?