Trading places
Watch a clip of Alan Webb’s reaction to the 1,500 >
OSAKA, Japan — Much was expected of WCSN.com reporter Dave Ungrady in the media race at the IAAF World Outdoor Track and Field Championships, mostly in his own mind. He entered the 800-meter race as a clear also-ran with a respectable history in the event. But he finished a disappointing eighth in his heat of nine runners in an embarrassing time of 2:37.75, nearly 40 seconds slower than his personal best from college.
To his surprise, Alan Webb, covering the event for ACT.com (Athletes Covering Themedia) stood alone in the media mixed zone, waiting for a clearly disgusted Ungrady to walk through.
Ungrady walked slowly, not sure if he wanted to stop to discuss his embarrassing effort.
“Dave, can we talk?” Webb said politely.
Ungrady, consumed in a disgusted daze, obliged.
“Much different tactics than when you ran in college some 30 years ago. Did the race go as you wanted it to the first turn?”
“Yeah, I felt good through the first turn. Then my legs got tight. I almost walked off the track. I don’t know what to say. I just got beat.”
“It looked like you tried to get it out of first gear, and you just couldn’t.”
“Yes, I think I need to replace my transmission. Felt like I got stuck in neutral. It just wasn’t there. I was dead.”
Ungrady stared down at the ground, his confounded daze more pronounced. He contemplated walking away but did not, in part because his legs were starting to cramp.
“What do you take away from this?”
“Nothing. Absolutely nothing.” A pause. “Alan, just curious. What are you doing here?”
“After last night, I’m thinking of changing my profession.”
“It’s only one race. Keep your head up. You’re young. Why get so down?”
“Don’t change the subject. I’m asking the questions, here. So, how does this set you up for the media race at the worlds in Berlin in 2009?”
“I’m a bit concerned I might not get a credential after this effort. I want to do better than this.”
“What’s the worst thing about the race?”
“Accepting the fact I’m no longer in my 20s.”
“Do you remember how many stupid things you did in your 20s?”
“You did your research. But what’s your point?”
“That was a time for learning things. You’ve gained wisdom. Wow, this talk has been revealing. You need to have more fun with it. You’re almost 50, for God’s sake. I don’t want to be like you. I’m going to learn to enjoy my running more. This makes me feel much better about Beijing in 2008.”
“I feel better about Beijing, too.”
“Really? Why?”
“I heard there’s no media race there.”