Very nice tribute. Prayers to his family and friends.

---

Styrrell

I didn't know him at all, but I enjoyed reading his posts. This whole thing is pretty mind-boggling.
Thoughts to his family, and his friends.
:(

---

Coaching - Future Endurance

I never knew Chris, but my deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.

---

"It's not the will to win that matters - everyone has that. It's the will to prepare to win that matters." - Paul "Bear" Bryant

My prayers go out to his family and everyone that knew him. Way, way too young. This is really sad to hear.

My thoughts and prayers are with Chris and his family.

I pray for his family. Give them some peace.

---

______________________________________________

I *heart* weak, dumb ass people...

Thank you for starting this thread, and appreciation to his wife for understanding the community. My thoughts are with Chris' friends and family, especially his wife and kids.

When my first ever ironman (in IMLP 200?) went sideways and I ended up in medical after the race, Chris took it upon himself to make sure my bike and bags were taken care of. I barely even knew him at the time, i was basically a stranger to him. That's the kind of guy he was.

---

___________________________________________________
Team Medique Powered by Silber Investments

My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

I am floored by this news and cannot seem to gather the words that could possibly describe how I feel at this moment.

We were all very fortunate to benefit from Chris' wit and banter on SlowTwitch and I know that I am far from being the only person that will miss that. I had the opportunity to meet Chris this year before Lake Placid at the "ST Gathering." Unfortunately, I did not have the chance to meet him in person and now, hearing this news, it is a missed chance that I will always regret.

Thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and two kids.

Please keep us updated as to the arrangements. I would like to make the trip to pay my respects to a really amazing person.

---

"Hold on, you run a marathon AFTER you ride your bike?!?....oh, you people are just insane"......(my Mom)

Rockin' the W in 2013!! Wattie Ink Elite Team

I didn't personally know him, but it is always difficult to grasp when a member of a community passes. Absolutely tragic.

Peace to his friends and family.

---

Chicago Cubs - 2016 WORLD SERIES Champions!!!!

"If ever the time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin." - Samuel Adams

wow. i really enjoyed talking with Chris, even if it was only on slowtwitch. he seemed like a really good guy and always made time. i saved his 2011 LP report and would read it every so often just to remind myself of how it should be done.

my sympathies for all who knew him. i imagine they know how fortunate they are.

Right now, I am too messed up about this to really post anything entirely lucid. I met Chris through this forum and we got to know each other more through various training days and races in the North East. Between Chris and I in the same room, or on the top of a mountain, the banter was never dull. While the smacktalk was endless, the energy was always even higher.

My son tells me that I get to hang out with some people who push themselves in all aspect of life. Chris Gleasson was one of them. My life is enriched by hanging out with guys of this calibre. My son thinks all these dudes are superheros and he's not 3, he's 15!!!

When we leave this world, it does not matter that we are the richest guy in the graveyard. Rather, what matters is that we enrich the lives of those around us.

Chris, in the few years, that we got to know each other, you did exactly that.

You get to know some great things about a man on three rides together to the summit of Whiteface.....here is a picture of our first ride, which somehow facebook decided to post upside down and as some who commented on my page, yes, it is only fitting that it should appear upside down, because that is what Jenny Gleason's world is today. A wife and mother whose soulmate left all too early.

I accept that we all only get one finish line in life, and this is a finish line that none of us want our peers to be at any time soon. I wish Chris was with us in the DNF group in the game of life. Sadly he is not. His soul will live on through us and those he left an impression on.

Thanks for posting this, Kevin:

Chris was a terrific athlete and a real inspiration to so many people. That picture captures the true essence of Chris the athlete. I loved reading his posts, and I'm going to miss his presence on the forum. My thoughts and prayers are with his family today. Godspeed, Chris.



Also, just so others know, Chris' Endurance Nation Team has set up a donation/collection site through Paypal for the benefit of Chris' family. If you would like to contribute, please follow the link.

---

-------------------------------------
Steve Perkins

I will post more later, but I just wanted to say what an absolute honor and privilege it has been for me to have Chris in my life for the past years, and to call him friend.

He leaves behind a wonderful family, and many many friends.

I will miss our near-daily email banter.

I will miss hanging out with him before and after races, which was always the best part (we always joked about how we should skip the annoying racing part and go right to the good stuff :-)


I will miss my friend.

---

float , hammer , and jog

His pictures and report from Syracuse last year are probably the most memorable ever posted on this site...wish I'd have had the pleasure of knowing him...and really appreciate all the comments from those who were so fortunate

---

Coach at KonaCoach Multisport

my deepest condolences to his wife and children. i hope she finds the love, support and strength she needs to make it through this very difficult time.

---

who's smarter than you're? i'm!

@Kevin, to read your words is to know Chris... you perfectly captured his spirit and energy. It's hard to think of a day in the last five years where I didn't get a text from him on something...he was always pushing me (and himself) to be the best I could possibly be, as a triathlete, a leader, and a father.

His loss is a real tragedy, but a chance for us all to reflect on a great man who made a difference in his own unique way. As Chris was a long standing member of the Endurance Nation community, we are working on a way to remember Chris and help the family. I will keep you all posted.

RIP Chris.

---

+++++++++
Patrick McCrann
Endurance Nation Camps

Very sad. My condolences to the family.

---

-

The Triathlon Squad

Like us on Facebook!!!

My condolences to his family. I met Chris at EpicMan in 2007, such a nice guy. He will be missed.

---

"You can never win or lose if you don't run the race." - Richard Butler

I had interacted with Chris through private messages, about various topics. He seemed like an extremely genuine person, very down to earth, humble, loving life,
the sport, his family...It's tragic.

This is exactly the kind of person that Chris was.

I'm fortunate to have many fond memories of Chris, but I'd like to share one in particular. Back in June, we were racing at Tupper Lake, and we passed each other out on the run course. He was about 6-7 minutes back and running strong so I knew he'd be coming in shortly behind me. I hung around in the finish chute for a few minutes, waiting to congratulate him and perhaps issue some playful smack talk. I saw him coming down the last stretch, and just before he got to the line, he gestured over to the crowd. His son came running up alongside him and they crossed the finish line hand-in-hand. It was clear where his heart was, and in that moment I couldn't have been more grateful to call such a person my friend.

His absence is going to leave a hole that most of us will probably never fill. He became one of those fixtures in my training and racing world, and I can't even begin to imagine the impact he had on those that knew him far longer than I did.

You are (and will continue to be) dearly missed, my friend.

---

"The right to party is a battle we have fought, but we'll surrender and go Amish... NOT!" -Wayne Campbell

a sad day for us all- i've read so many of his posts, always a super contributor here.

My prayers & thoughts go out to those whom knew him, he was obviously a very good friend to many, and to his wife & kids.

---

________________________________________
http://www.jennyslight.org Offer help. Get help.

Chris embodied the best of what AG racing represents to me. As others have said, he trained and raced with committment while still keeping his priorities firmly right side up. I feel priviledged to have known and been friends with Chris, and I'm definitely the better for it. My thoughts are with his family today as they struggle to come to terms with his passing. This is definitely one of those times when I feel at odds with the timing of the universe. He will be missed.

Very sad. Thoughts go out to his wife and children.

I never met Chris personally, but he had a profound impact on me nonetheless. I got to know him through Endurance Nation, then here on ST, and eventually on FB. He's the guy that always left positive messages on your FB page before a big race or after a tough day of training. His passion for his family and his sport was palpable even via the often impersonal internet. I will miss you Chris. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all of those morning his loss.

Fred

Did you intend to post the pic upside down?

Yoda, myself, Chris and ML the night before Timberman 2009. Chris is no doubt smiling because he just convinced us not to be weasley triathletes and sneak off to bed @8pm and instead to have "1 more round." He had many positive attributes, but counting to the 1 in "1 more round" was not one of them when hanging out with friends. As ML commented later: "Shame we have to suffer thru that race thing there in the middle part. I really much prefer the before and after. "

I only met Chris once in person . . . at Lake Placid 2010. He was extremely friendly and didn't hesitate to answer any question thrown his way. I always respected his opinion on this board and thought he approached every response with a thoughtful eye toward being as helpful as possible. That said, he certainly had a great wit and posted some of the funniest one-liners, but you never got the sense that he was being arrogant or critical. I'll miss his posts on Slowtwitch, but I can only imagine how difficult this time must be for his family right now. My thoughts and prayers are with them in this trying time. RIP, Chris.

---

''The enemy isn't conservatism. The enemy isn't liberalism. The enemy is bulls**t.''

—Lars-Erik Nelson

My condolences.

I competed against Chris but never met him. But, in a way, I think we all knew him because he is us. He found a way to fit something that he loved to do into his busy schedule and when he wasn't competing, he talked about it with us and we can all relate to that. It really hits home.

Chris' comments on ST got my attention because they were positive and constructive and you can never get enough of that. That's what I'll remember.

such a tragedy and so sad.
My condolences, thoughts and prayers to his family.

Met Chris at Lake Placid 2008 (the year it RAINED ALL DAY). We met up for a practice swim a day or two before the race and again post-race with Record10Carbon (Chip) to watch the final finishers that night. Super nice guy! Such a terrible tragedy! Shows this sort of thing could happen to any of us. Live every day like it's your last! Tell the people you love how you feel about them!

---

------------------
My business-eBodyboarding.com

Very sad indeed. Our thoughts are with his family.

Like many people in this forum, I read much more than I post. One of the people that I enjoyed more reading was Chris G. he surely helped me and so many others by sharing his thoughts genuinely.

What a tragedy! I wish peace in his family hearts. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Antonio

I never met Chris either, but agree that his personality really seems to come out in his LP race report. Thought it would be good to post a link to it here:

http://forum.slowtwitch.com/...g=lp%202011;#1894526

---

http://www.EpixGear.com

I never had the joy of meeting Chris - and like many only enjoyed his presence electronically. But he was an amazing human being in every aspect.

Our family will pray for his family in this very taxing time..

---

Graham Wilson
USAT Level III Elite Coach
http://www.thewilsongroup.biz

My prayers are with his wife and kids. I met Chris this June at the Lake Placid Pub. He seemed like a great guy. I wish i would have had "one" more round.

Dean

Kevin thanks again for posting this.
I only talked to Chris through ST a few times myself. He along with David helped me out with my latest accident. Wish I could have gotten to know him better. He was and is what ST and triathlon is about :0(

---

__________________________________________________
Official Polar Ambassador
http://www.google.com/...P7RiWyEVwpunlsc2JtQQ

Very upsetting news. While I was fortunate enough to meet him at American Zofingen (twice), I only wish I could have known him better. He was the kind of a guy you wanted to know. He would be racing hard and more importantly he would be having more fun on the course than anybody else. Knowing that he was a well-rounded and nice guy, Chris' time at LP this past summer was really an inspiration to me.

RIP Chris. My thoughts are with your friends and family.

Wow, what a tragedy....always that way when someone way to young passes away. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends, especially at this time of year...

I only knew him through his posts, but what a great contributor and truly one of the good guys. He is missed.

My warmest thoughts and prayers for his family, loved ones, and all who knew him.

---

Yanti Ardie of Y Tri Multisport & Majick Juice for lasting critter defense & skin soothing
~ World Open Water Swimming Association Coach & Official
~ IRONMAN Certified Coach (Founding Member)
~ Triathlon Australia Professional Development Coach
~ 3 by the Sea: my Journey from death to ...

For everyone knew Chris, he lived life big and did everything 100%. He packed more into 40 years than most people could do in 3 lifetimes. I admired him because he was the type of person who decided to do something and the next day he would be doing it. He walked the talk in every way. He was also the type of person who loved people and would do anything for someone who he cared about, but never mentioned it (very humble). Even though he became faster and faster through his running and tri career he would be more than willing to run with other people because he "just wanted everyone to play."

Chris loved this community and made many good friends here. At night you could often see him having a beer, watching a Yankee's game, and surfing Slowtwitch.

He was a loving husband, father, son, uncle, and brother. He adored his wife and was so proud of his kids.

As his brother-in-law, he was always great to me and welcomed me into the family.

Even though it was brief, I feel lucky that my son got the opportunity to meet his awesome uncle who loved him so much.

"Uncle Chris is cool."

Love you always,

J, C, and O

Thanks for jumping in and sharing from the family side. Hope all of you are coping OK.

My condolences on your family's loss. It is tragic.

On a post back in May, in a conversation about considering having a second child, Chris said, "Even when you are not getting along with your brothers or sisters, they are still your brothers and sisters. There are no bonds as strong. I am 4 years older than my only sister. While we have had long periods where we did not get along and hardly ever see eye to eye on anything, I could not imagine not having her in my life." It was obvious that family meant so much to him.

I still remember the first Epicman Chris cam to. He followed me around, looking up to me like I was the triathlon Yoda (not because of any talent, but because I had done so many IM races). Looking back on that today it was indeed an honor to ride with Chris on that Epicman and others. Whenever Chris saw me at a race he was sure to come up to me and say hi. I just cannot believe he will not say hi to me again. This simply does not make sense to me. My deepest condolences to his wife and their two children.

---

Barry Dmitruk
2017: Florida 70.3 (done); Mont Tremblant 70.3 & Ironman

Kevin,

Thanks for posting this. Nothing can really be said or added. The few times I spoke with him (both before and after he kicked my a$$) he seemed like a great guy. I can't imagine what his wife and 2 kids are going through.

Barry

Aweful news. My deepest condolences to Chris' family.

---

Citizen of the world, former drunkard. Resident Traumatic Brain Injury advocate.

My condolences to the family. R.I.P.

---

"Honestly, triathlon is a pussified version of duathlon on that final run."- Desert Dude

Met Chris through AmerZof and other NE races.... was fortunate to get his wise sage at Epicman then IMLP..... he was never at a loss for words or comment

---

"if you chose it, it's not really pain"

Salt of the earth.

And I hardly knew him. You could just tell.

Chris pulled along side me at AmZof this year. He could have passed me w/o trying. Instead, he asked if I had a ST "handle" when I told him I, in fact ,did he pulled along side me. We proceeded to share a laugh and ease each other's suffering and then he encouraged me as he pulled away. Later, at the post race festivities, he greeted me like we were long lost friends. I'm sure glad I had an opportunity to have that beer with him. The tri community, and the world just lost an incredible human being.

My condolences to his family.
Mark

as a father, a husband and a athlete I find it hard to put my condolences into words.

my best to his family in these trying times.

God speed, Chris.

---

http://www.pbmcoaching.com
USA Triathlon Level 3 Elite Coach
USA Cycling Level 1 Elite Coach

Tragic. Condolences to his family and friends.

---

Shawn
TORRE Consulting Services, LLC
http://www.TORREcs.com

Thanks for putting this up...

As a father of three young boys and a husband to a wonderful giving wife I can not put into words my true feelings nor say anything that would make it better. Your dad and husband was quite a man you should be proud, I know he was of you.

my heart absolutely breaks for this family and the devastation they must be going through. I hope all who are feeling this loss find peace. take comfort in that others are with you in spirit.

---

http://www.hooslisa.com

Thanks for sharing, sorry for your loss

---

Follow me on Twitter @CK21TRHC
I use what I love: ISM, Blue70, Trek, FLO

An amazing human being. My condolences to everyone, the world is a good bit less awesome today.

When I was debating going to law school, he went out of his way to give me advice, to listen to my options, and to just be a caring person. Getting to share a warm cosmo with him at AmZof was a moment I will never forget. Even if that amount of alcohol would usually make moments a bit hazy for me.

Simply a great dude, in so many, impossible to describe ways.

---

------
David Roche
"The Happy Runner" book: https://www.amazon.com/...Longer/dp/1492567647
Coaching: https://swaprunning.com/

I had the fortune of enjoying a beer with Chris and some others at the LP Brew Pub after IMLP'11. It was my first IM and I could tell Chris was genuinely excited for me.

We sat in adirondack chairs outside, chatted about our races that day (he crushed it), and cheered on some final finishers by raising our glasses as they passed by. It was one of my fondest memories of a great week. Everyone was mellow, drained, and happy.

He was a great guy and will clearly be missed by so many. I'm heartbroken for his wife and kids.

Thanks for writing that tribute and giving a little background on Chris. My condolences to his family and friends.

RIP Chris.

---

---

Dan Meehan
Coach / Athlete

When I read the news from the Philly marathon, in no way did I suspect I would know one of the individuals who had passed away. I did not know Chris very well, but I did ride up Whiteface with him and a group of others. That experience and the countless ST readings and replies is enough for me to feel the tragedy of this event. I am deeply saddened, and shocked by this event. While no words can ever do something like this service, please know that his family will be in my thoughts and prayers, during this difficult time.

Jon

Ran Philly yesterday. It was a beautiful day for running and I didn't hear about either death until some time that afternoon. Much later I found out it was a fellow triathlete and runner. Chris, I never met you in person, but my thought are with you and your family. It's obvious you were a good soul and touched many lives. Godspeed.

Oh man... I really had a ton of respect for Chris. I'm so sorry to all of his close friends and family. This really tears me apart...

I will never truly understand why sometimes the best are taken from us way too soon. My heart goes out to his family. What a sad day.

---

Roar Lion Roar

Just found this...

http://www.legacy.com/...on&pid=154713119

I "knew" Chris from his extremely generous contributions towards the EN community. We should all be inspired to be as fun loving, generous, and thoughtful as Chris was to his close friends and even relative strangers here on ST or his EN team.

Terrible, just terrible news. My condolences to his family and all that knew Chris G.

Tragic news...from all us Aussie triathletes 'downunder' we offer our thoughts & prayers to Chris's wife, children, family & friends. I didn't know Chris personally & never met him but from reading these posts it's obvious he was a loving husband, family man & a great competitor.
To the Slowtwitch community, we are thinking of you during this sad time.

God Bless & 'BattleOn'

Thanks for posting this.
Obviously, Chris lead a full & fruitful life. As time passes, hopefully this will help heal the pain for his family.
RIP.

I read this post shortly after going out for my run today and as a wife and mother to 4 children my heart is really with Jenny. I can't begin to imagine the pain of her day and my heart goes out to her and her children. As I ran I thought of her and her babies and how much they will miss their daddy and my stone cold heart bled as my eyes watered. I held her close in my heart and wished her strength. I remembered my babies (who are no longer babies) when I came home I asked them to hold her children in their hearts and send them good thoughts from time to time and strength for the years to come.

---

http://harvestmoon6.blogspot.com
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katasmit

My condolences to Chris' family. Truly a sobering moment to find out a fellow athlete (of the same age no less) passes away while engaged in life.

---

--------------------------
The secret of a long life is you try not to shorten it.
-Nobody

Even though I never met Chris, I feel like I know him through this board. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

That's brutal. I never met Chris, but I do remember his handle/posts.

My thoughts and best wishes to his friends and family.

---

<If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough>
Get Fitter!
Proud member of the Smartasscrew, MONSTER CLUB
Get your FIX today?

I met Chris at IMLP 2008 and he could not have been a nicer guy. That day bonded many people together and I was proud to banter and debate a lot of things over the last few years. He will be missed.

Bob

I got word of this yesterday and it was truly shocking. My heart breaks for his family and it sucks that dude is no longer with us. I enjoyed my many interactions with him here and at EN. I also got the chance to meet him at the Syracuse 70.3. We didn't know who each other were at the time but I just saw some dude in the post-race chow line with a gaping, bloody wound on his leg (pic above) so I had to ask him about it. It wasn't until a couple days later that I realized I had met a fellow EN teammate.

---

Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

I did a search of his posts and read a few, wanting to experience him as if he were a living, breathing member of this community one more time.

I'm sorry that this happened. My condolences. R.I.P

I also never met Chris in person, only through his posts here. He was the last thought I had last night and the first one when I woke up this morning. My heart goes out to his family. So sad.

Stefan

I really admired Chris. He had everything, an amazing wife, two wonderful children, a great career, everybody liked him and he was getting to the top of the mountain in this sport while still keeping a great life balance and being there for his family. He was basically the guy I wanted to be. To see this all taken away so suddenly is sickening and tragic.

I will fondly remember three trips to AZ with him, two in KAlber's minivan (nothing better than men traveling in a minivan to a race). I will remember him driving me back from Hudson Valley CX last December after racing in the mud with KAlber, tetsuoni and Murphy's Law, when I was being an annoying drunk. Chris was a great guy to spend a day at the races with.




He raced his first USCF Race this August with me and rode very strong in the Cat 4/5s. It was great to have a team mate in the race and I was looking forward to more chances to race on the roads with him. He did a 6 mile brick run with me right after the race, in hot and humid weather, not because he needed to, but just so I wouldn't have to do it alone (I was getting ready for Savageman and he was still recovering from a breakthrough race at IMLP). After all this we went back to his house to relax and he insisted we play Wiffleball with his son Matty.

You will always be with us, I want to remember you in action. This is from a week ago Sunday.

I hope this thread gets printed, protected and passed on to Chris's children and grandchildren. It is obvious he was an amazing human being that had a great, positive impact on all that crossed his path. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends. God Speed Chris.

I consider myself very fortunate to have known Chris. He was a great AmZofer who really got what the race is all about. He was a generous host when I ventured north to race Tupper and Placid. He was a constant source of amusement here on ST. His steady improvement in triathlon was impressive but it never led to tunnel vision. His family always came first, then fun with his friends, then the race. But once the race was on, it was on. He was a relentless competitor.
Not too long ago he dropped by for a tweaking of his road bike fit and we had a great talk. As a non-practicing attorney, I found his litigation war stories fascinating.
His wife, children, sister and parents have my sincerest condolences. I'm crushed knowing I won't get to take him on in anymore smack downs. I can't begin to fathom their loss.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Shared Capital District Tri Club training nights, IMLP 2008, as well as some bunk room space pre-2009 IMLP vounteer shift with Chris. Wonderful sense of humor and an X factor of happiness. Peace and comfort to his family as they grieve.

Unfathomable. As someone with kids of a similar age, it really hits home. I, for one, hugged my kids a little tighter yesterday evening after reading of the tragic events.

I hope that his family can eventually take solace in the fact that even after his passing he is still touching people and positively impacting our thoughts and deeds.

RIP.

---

http://rogersroadrash.blogspot.com/

Sorry to hear of the loss. My condolences and sympathy to his family.

Fantastic idea.

Never met Chris but his posts were always entertaining and insightful. It always hits home when you hear of someone who dies when doing what they love trying to live a healthy lifestyle. Reminds you that you never know how much time you have left...

God bless Chris and his family, everyone else stay safe out there.

Kevin,

Thanks for posting this up and sharing.

I have been a bit out of the ST loop over the past few days.

My condolences to Chris's family and friends.

I did not know Chris at all but he was one of the regular long-time posters on here and contributed a lot to the forum. As you said, he had "strong opinions", as I seem to recall from past threads, but he backed that up with good sense and thoughtful discussion. Those are the most valuable people on this forum, and they are the most missed when they are gone.

RIP

---

---

Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog

Like many people here I was shocked to hear the news of Chris' passing yesterday. I will never forget how I received the news. I was finishing up a project on my house...grouting the tile on our porch...covered in filth... when our phone rang...3 times. It was my wife's aunt, who works for Dr. Gleason (Chris' dad). My wife answered and gave me the news. As I was sitting there in shock, my thoughts went immediately to Jenny and the kids. I must have sat there for half an hour in disbelief before calling Kevin. This occurred somewhere around 7pm (I don't really know for sure). Unfortunately, by the time I got off the phone and gathered myself the grout had dried on my tile and my wife and I ended up scrubbing it off until almost 1 o'clock in the morning...talking quite a lot about Chris in the process. Chris, I have no doubt, would see a lot of humor in that part. He had the last laugh on me. Chris was just asking me last week when I would be finished with this project so we could break in my nice new 4 season porch properly. As parents, I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking there isn't much time in the day to actually have a conversation with my wife. In a bitter twist of irony, Chris's death gave my wife and I several hours to talk in relative peace and quiet.

I only had the opportunity to know Chris for the last 2 years of his life but, in that time, we developed a friendship that I will never forget. I spent the last 2 years training with, and against Chris on a weekly basis. I say "against" in the best possible way. We both wanted each other to do well...but I knew if I didn't work hard on a daily basis he would be an even tougher adversary on race day. Chris usually came out on top...with notable exceptions like this one:





I was somehow declared the winner...even though I accidentally cut the run course and DQ'd myself to the RD. Making it even more memorable is the time on my plaque was wrong when I received it. I begrudgingly acknowledged that Chris was the true winner by giving him my plaque at his 40th birthday party last year.


Going into IMLP this year I thought he had a shot at qualifying for Kona given how strong he had become on the bike and run, but he would never admit that was his goal. The best I could get out of him was that he'd probably go if, by some miracle, he qualified. One of my fondest memories of Chris is from Epicman this year. After a long two days of training we met up with some people for a few drinks. On our way back to the hotel Chris started running downhill in flip flops yelling "come on...we're endurance athlete's!!!"...it was a site to behold. I was pulling hard for him from home on the day of IMLP, and he ended up very close to qualifying for Kona. His race was impressive to say the least...but not shocking given how hard he was working. Our bike workouts this past spring/summer inevitably turned into hammer fests with each of us trying our best to not appear weak.


Chris was never at a loss for words. Our masters swim workouts amounted to wall conversations broken up by 3000 yards of hard repeats. It honestly would not surprise me if he was still trying to hold a conversation with me while he was actually swimming. Our Thursday night swim/bar brick was one of the things I looked forward to on a weekly basis. I will attempt to keep that tradition alive, but it will not be the same without him. There was rarely a quiet minute with Chris on our bike rides. Our conversations were all over the place but inevitably we would talk about our families a lot... as middle aged men are bound to do. We would talk about how we were both unwilling to sacrifice our family responsibilities for AG glory. He was very well grounded and had his priorities straight...family was always first (as it should be).


Chris made training fun, he introduced me to new friends, he kept me accountable, he pushed me, challenged my beliefs and he helped bring out the best of me. We live around the corner from each other and our kids are roughly the same age. You read about things like this happening from time to time but never think it will be somebody you know...let alone somebody that's your friend. I have spent the vast majority of my life as an athlete, constantly pushing myself and trying to live a healthy lifestyle. Something like this shakes your foundation and causes you to really take a hard look in the mirror.


I know how awful this is for everybody who knows Chris...but on thanksgiving (even the canuckistanians) please take a moment and be thankful for having known Chris. I wish he was still with us...but I am thankful for having known him....and I will always be, his friend.

Keith Alber

Pictured below...left to right: me (KAlber), Matt Mallet (tri_yoda), Mike Bakker (Murphy'sLaw), G. Chris Gleason (ChrisG), and John McGovern (tetsuoni)

I was shocked to hear this news this morning. I had the pleasure of meeting Chris at Lake Placid this year in person. It was great to talk with him, soak up his tri knowledge on the EN boards and here but as has been mentioned the tremendous life balance that he had.

I too was at the Lake Placid Brew pub having a few beers and great conversation after Chris' great race. He will be missed.

My condolences to his family and thanks to his brother-in-law for taking the time to post his thoughts at such a difficult time.

Gordon

Donations for Chris's Family


http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/saratogian/obituary.aspx?n=christopher-gleason&pid=154713119


As per Chris's obituary page (it's sickening to say that), donations can be made for a college fund for this 2 children. Here is the quote:

Donations in Chris' name can be made to a scholarship fund for his children to: The G. Christopher Gleason Education Fund, c/o Gordon C. Emerick.
Arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Route 9, Clifton Park, NY 12065; (518) 371-5454.

Please, please think about donating. If we want to organize a mass Slowtwitch Donation, I would be more than happy to organize it.

Chris and I go way back to the early days of high school, partying in the 'pits' and at the river with the rest of the Shen kids. Walked the stage with him for graduation at SPAC where we shook his mom's hand as she was giving away the diploma's (PTA President?). We had 1 or 2 beers that day as you can imagine.

Onto college where I went to Plattsburgh State and Chris to St Michaels in Vermont and we visited each other a couple of times across Lake Champlain. Chris was always the guy who could party late, tell a good story (mostly true), make you laugh till your cheeks hurt then get up and ace the 9:00am test with one eye open, just a naturally smart kid.

We next hooked up in Hoboken where he was going to law school and I was starting a career with a company in downtown Manhattan. I remember moving down there and he already had this huge group of friends b/c of his infectious personality. Where ever we went we would run into people he knew and the people wanted to be around him. He brought a lot of fun into my life during these years and was always very generous.

Fast forward 10 years when he becomes very active with the triathlons which as a sports-oriented guy got my interest. I did a short tri in Arizona and was hooked and he became my mentor. I would ask the stupid newbie questions and he was always there with an answer, most times with that sly Gleason wit (i.e. ride that bike like u just stole it) We did Syracuse together in 2010 which was my first HIM. That was the race where he ate in on the bike on like mile 2 over the railroad tracks but refused to go to the Medical tent for treatment with the US Marine who picked him up off the ground and finished the bike and run with a mangled cut on his knee that looked like hamburger (his words). I remember the drive home where he said there was no way he was gonna look like a p8ssy in front of a combat Marine who probably dodged bullets for a living protecting our sorry civilian asses. At Medi-call i think he got about 20 stitches. Yes he biked 54 miles and ran 13+ on a knee with a cut that required that many stitches, he was kinda proud of it in a way and i knew right there and then that i had the right tri mentor for life.

Yesterday was the worst day of my life. I couldnt find his race times on the Philly website and he wasnt returning texts. I finally called his phone and Jenny answered and told me what happened, i ran to the bathroom and almost threw up while i cried for the first time in 20 years. I am far from the lets 'celebrate his life' mode yet. I am walking around in a fog feeling like i just lost a brother, the pain really stings my head and heart. As i type this tears form in my eyes...he was such a good friend, mentor, husband, father, son, brother, skier, triathlete, guitarist, lawyer...simply put he was very good at everything he did. If i ever have a son i hope he is half as good as Chris Gleason in the game of life.

When the time is right, and with Jennys permission, i would like to discuss how we create a new race - the G. Christopher Gleason Memorial.

-Justin Linnan
justinlinnan@yahoo.com

 
When the time is right, and with Jennys permission, i would like to discuss how we create a new race - the G. Christopher Gleason Memorial.


And I would be willing to bet all the money in the world that it would sell out in under 5 minutes. In fact, you can count me in NOW.

---

"Hold on, you run a marathon AFTER you ride your bike?!?....oh, you people are just insane"......(my Mom)

Rockin' the W in 2013!! Wattie Ink Elite Team

I did not know Chris G at all, but I read his posts here. He was an ST Luminary. My heart goes out to his friends who must live without the blessing of his companionship.

Rest In Peace Chris G.

---

**All of these words finding themselves together were greatly astonished and delighted for assuredly, they had never met before**

I knew Chris through his postings online, but to say the truth, i didn't know him at the level that so many here did.

A few years ago i lost a cousin in all to similar of a situation, He passed on from a freak cardiac arrhythmia. All too similar of a situation, great guy, loved by all, amazing husband & father to two young children, also a tri guy. The similarities of this are awakening so many emotions around that. I can only hope that this community and those closest to the Gleason's are able to keep the spirit of Chris present in the lives of Jenny & his children. Hopefully someday, this will all make sense to them and that they are able to stay connected to who their soulmate & father was.

I met Chris back in 2006 at the Lake George Tri.

I had my IMLP finisher's cap on and he came up and introduced himself and his sister Cara.

He mentioned he had just signed up for his first IM and was going on and on with questions ....almost like a kid . We hit it off instantly that day which was made even sweeter by him and his sister winning a set of Zipp 404's at the post race raffle beating me out by 1 number....technically it was Chris' grandma that owned those Zipps as it was her who gave them the money to buy a bunch of tickets.

It became a running joke for a few yrs between us.

I mentioned that he ought to check out Slowtwitch and as you all the know the rest is history.

As others have mentioned Chris was a giver. His smack talk was integral to his syntax in encouraging camaraderie , fellowship and his ferocious pursuit of pushing one's limits. He was the real deal, he really cared and I am so deeply saddened by the loss of a dear friend.

To Jenn, Matthew, Ashley, Cara and the rest of the Gleason clan my heart and prayers are with you during what I can only imagine is a period of immense sorrow and pain.

At the Lake Placid Brewery circa 2007? ChrisG and me far right top row. Good times !

With Chip(rec10), Parkito, and Dev.

---

_______________________________________________________

Seeing him in deep torment, I said. " You can have my last GU , but its been down my pants for most of the run". - John Hirsch

Take care of your body, its by far the coolest thing you're going to ever own.- Can't remember who told me this, but I love it.

Deeply saddened to hear this extremely unfortunate news. My thoughts are with his family and ST friends.

God Bless Chris and his family. I pray for them all during this time. All i want to do is give my own kids an extra kiss tonight.

Thinking of Chris' family, friends and slowtwitchers from over hear in Aus. Thoughts are with you guys.

Certainly when the time is right, his family would appreciate reading this thread. On our message board in Aus we've had similar circumstances and the family really appreciated the thread in memory of their loved one.

Take care folks

RIP Chris G.

I only knew Chris from forum interactions on EN, but he was a very thoughtful guy and committed athlete. Very sorry to hear about the loss.

I never met Chris g but having read his race reports and postings here and on endurancenation he made me want to meet him. He managed to do it all right - family, career and triathlon and was truly an inspiration. This is a terrible loss and my heart goes out to his family and close friends. So so sad.

---

-----------------------------------------------
www.true-motion.com Triathlete Casual Wear since 2007
(Twitter/FB)

I have had the privilege to occasionally train and race with Chris for the past couple years as he and his family live just down the road from me. My heart goes out for his family. He was truly a class act and someone I always enjoyed talking to. Chris, you will be sorely missed my friend.

I'm trying to remember all the great things about him. Who is going to step up the smacktalk in memory of Chris. He would not want all of us sitting around feeling sorry, rather, he'd expect someone to tell ML that he's going to get bitch slapped at AZ. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone like Chris on the upward trajectory who could pick up the baton from him and take ML out....then again, no one will pick the Baton up from him!


Fnishing Tupper Lake with one of his kids....take 20 minutes off to get his finish time....complete transformation from fat guy to skinny guy done! How appropriate that at the Tupper Lake finish, the title sponsor is Lake Placid Pub and Brewery!!!

82791-170-033

I got the rearview as he blew by (after flatting) at the Tupper Lake Half IM. Awesome day for Chris as he went on to a half IM PB

Heading down by the "Cascade Screamers" towards Keene at this years "almost Kona 10:11" IMLP no wetsuit race, one we know he was very proud of:

Crowning Achievement on a multiple year journey. Definitely a happier finishing line day than this past weekend! (photo Asi photography)

Wearing the finisher medal at IMLP. I just wish he did not get the "life finisher" medal this weekend. By the way, congrats to Patrick and Rich for the work they did to get Chris to this 10:11 day. Awesome work boys! (photo Asi photography)

So awesome and sad at the same time.

I met Chris through Endurance Nation and became as close as you can to someone you've never actually shaken hands with (or given a hug- which is how I would have greeted him the first time we met face to face). I've never posted in the Slowtwitch Forums before (although I admit to stalking), but I wanted to say Thank You to everyone here for this wonderful tribute and for sharing the stories and pictures. We all will miss Chris a great deal.

I'm at a loss... my prayers and thoughts for Chris, his family and friends.

We have a tradition in my family that at dinner every night each person says their high and low for the day. I did not say Chirs's death as the low as they would not understand the long explanation. However, my 11 year old son said he had a bad low and he was obviously afraid to tell me. I was afraid he did something at school and got into real trouble. After getting himself under control and trying not to cry he went on to tell me he had broken a glass of mine while trying to do a magic trick.

I was not upset at all. I actually thought of Chris and his family and their tragedy and view of that this was nothing. I mean really NOTHING. I hugged Jake and told him the glass meant nothing to me and he means the world to me. "It's no big deal!" Talk about putting things in perspective.

BTW: To a lot of other regular posters on ST that I have never met, thanks for being here.

---

http://www.EpixGear.com

As resonated by everyone before me, Chris was truly a good man. I had the pleasure of knowing him since 2007. Each year I could count on seeing him at various races and he always made his way over to come chat with me and always asked first how I was doing and how training and racing were going. His passion for the sport and for the people in it was always evident. I was there the day he finished Syracuse 70.3 after a bike crash and ran it in for a PR even with a badly banged up leg. He was so proud (as he should have been). I can't say enough how sorry I am for his loss and how my heart goes out to his family.

Bryan Parker

Thanks for finding this pic, Dev! This was the day that I alluded to earlier in the thread. I was standing there in the chute watching him bring it home, and about 20 yards out, Matt ran out of the crowd to "tow" Chris to the line. You could see that it was a moment of tremendous pride for both of them. He had an awesome race that day, and I can't think of a better finish. I hope that Jenny and the kids can look back on moments like this with fondness, and the knowledge that his endeavours were never truly individual - it was always a team effort.

---

"The right to party is a battle we have fought, but we'll surrender and go Amish... NOT!" -Wayne Campbell

I heard about Chris's death on the local news, as I live about 20 minutes south of him. I'm sure our paths have crossed at various races around the region, as my husband and I are both involved with the local tri club and numerous races. Such a sad tragedy and my heart goes out to his wife and children. :(

Your post brought tears to my eyes. I spent the evening wrestling with my kids and letting them know just how important they are to me. Thanks Chris G. for being a great Dad and reminding us all what is important through this maze called life.

I am gutted. Condolences to the friends and family of Chris G.

Been a while since I had a tear in my eye, but this news and this thread took care of that.

Chris and his family will be in our prayers, particularly through the holiday season.

Wow. I didn't really know him, but these always hit close to home. Chris and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.

---

---

Fraser Bicycle | First Endurance

Check out my blog here | Twitter:@tmalis3

Crap, I'm sitting at my desk with tears in my eyes. Makes me want to hug my kids and not let go.

My condolances. Only chatted on the forum. .......................loss for words

A couple of years ago, my sister lost her husband in a similar manner. It is a truly devastating event. I wish to express my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Chris G.

I also want to pass my sincere wish that those who are most affected by his loss find the strength to rebuild and carry on. Use his desire to achieve as motivation in your life.

---

What I do: http://app.strava.com/athletes/345699

I just heard the news from Patrick McCrann. Chris was a super guy, period. His spirit and enthusiasm will certainly be missed. The community and world has lost a good man. My prayers and heart go out to his family during this time.

He will be missed.

Nicholas Gernt

---

_________________________
I got nothing.

Chris on his final climb at Lake Placid 2011. He snagged a Kona spot, worked damn hard for it. Guys like Chris do not come around very often. I hope his children understand how great a man he was, many of us were proud to have known him.

Nicholas Gernt

---

_________________________
I got nothing.

"Don't take recreational athletics too seriously,” Chris said to me after I told him I hadn’t had a single beer for 37 weeks before IMLP08. At the time I didn’t know much about Chris, nor did I understand what he meant. I think I know what he means now!

American Zofingen 2011


IMLP09 – Chris, Chris, Dave


Pre Whiteface Mtn. 2010


Pre Whiteface Mtn. 2010

"Great race, great report - well done. Have to admit though that I'm kind of shocked to discover you have a last name."
-Me in a post to Chris G after IMLP. I seriously didn't know his last name until the picture of the rolldown slots showing his name just a couple below the cutline. He seemed a little larger than life and so "Chris G" (here and on EN) seemed perfect.

"Nice report. I would not worry about shaving your legs. It would be easier to cut 10 minutes out of your transitions or maybe even swim occasionally."
-Chris G in a post to me after IMC

And that, in a nutshell, was the Chris I (virtually) knew. Kind, funny, quick (and sharp) witted, insightful and eager to share his opinion. The annoying thing wasn't how quick he was with his strong opinions - it was how frequently they turned out to actually be right.

Never met the guy, but always thought I would get to buy him a beer someday - sad that I won't get the chance now.

I don't know him well enough to be sure, but I get the feeling that if he had to choose how he had to go, this would probably be one of the ways - just not the time. I certainly got the feeling that he lived most of his days to the fullest.

Thoughts with his friends and family.

Paul, you said it best. Still numb from the news. I just can't get my mind around it. I've known Chris' name for years but really just met him this past Sept at the Lake George tri fest. Just simply an engaging guy with a quick smile. Although extremely competitive, he wanted you to do your best, too. We all should always keep him in mind when we attend and compete in our races.
Ted Wilson

I too met Chris through the EN forums and over the past year he has given incredible advice and help to someone he had never met. I was fortunate enough to meet Chris this year at IMLP when he encouraged me to keep moving forward when he passed me on the run. What a sad day. May his family take comfort in knowing what a great man he was. RIP.

I remember also seeing him last year in Syracuse...first by noticing the gruesome bloody leg and then realizing it was Chris whose leg I was staring at. He told me the whole story and was really proud of 1) finishing and 2) having a PR day.

I always looked forward to seeing him in Lake Placid and talking about stuff at the Brew Pub.

Ironic that I saw the story in the paper about the runners at the Philly marathon and thought of the affected families.

Gonna miss his smile and passion.

I only knew Chris through ST, but he seemed like a great guy ... here is an article about him from today's Philly Daily News:

http://www.philly.com/...html?cmpid=124488429

---

_______________________________________________

You never have the wind with you - either it is against you or you're having a good day. ~Daniel Behrman

wow. that's a great article. His wife sounds like she's awesome, too. Our thoughts and prayers to her and their children.

Guys, I realize we're all still in mourning as a man we all aspire to be like has left us. Please keep posting pictures and stories from many of his finest hours. I have some more that I will pull up through the day. Chris can keep inspiring us even having left us. Tell his stories so that each of us is reminded to live life to the fullest daily. Each day is precious, and if anyone Chris reminded us to push our limits on all fronts. Some times, it seemed that I'd get a daily dosage of smacktalk from Chris forcing me to raise my game. No doubt, many lifted their game the same way.

As I said earlier in this thread, the only thing we leave in this world when we pass on is the impact on those we leave behind. Chris, you WON on that front.

Thanks for this pic, Dev. Of all the ones on this thread, my favorite is the one of him crossing the line at Tupper with Matty. But this one you posted is pretty damn awesome. Look how happy he is. He knew he nailed it and he was so proud. After this was taken he turned right around and started looking for all of his buddies still out there, including me. He was four years my junior but he always treated me like i was his kid brother. He caught me on my way past the Mobil toward the Mirror Lake out-and-back and he knew i was hurtin. Couple miles to go to the finish but in my head it was 20. Then i hear this voice: "Bring it home, Kev! Bring it home!" And there he is in that blaze red EN jersey hanging over the fence to get my attention. "I'm waiting for you!" he yelled. "Enjoy it!"

Here we are at the other end of that Whiteface ride. First time that Chris and I did the summit on our road bikes. We raced down Whiteface like we were kids street racing, complete disregard for the possibility of death....high fives at the top and bottom...and then in a completely benign marathon, he leaves us!

"All I can think of is that God thought he was awesome, too, and he needed him. That's the only way I can explain this."

To use her words, that is awesome.

That was his specialty. He enjoyed watching others succeed just as much as he enjoyed experiencing it himself. Back at IMLP '10, I was redlining in the same vicinity heading up Main St. Chris spotted me and came out onto the street. He knew where I was, mentally, but he also knew that I had enough in the tank to get it done, physically. He ran up the street, telling me that I was killing it and encouraged me to stay strong and run it all the way in. He helped me clear the final hurdle that day, and was genuinely pumped with the end result of my race.

His name became synonymous with many of my annual adventures. I keep thinking that we'll arrive in LP next spring and head down to the pub, where Chris will have pints of beer and hours of conversation waiting for us out on the deck. I keep thinking that we'll share another white-knuckle ride down Whiteface, or that we'll cross paths with him out on some race course where he will invariably yell something that's simultaneously witty and inspirational. I'm sad to think that these things won't happen again - but glad that I grew to anticipate them.

---

"The right to party is a battle we have fought, but we'll surrender and go Amish... NOT!" -Wayne Campbell

...his spirit will be there next time you have a white knuckle descent down a mountain, saying something along the lines of "Quit braking you wimp....brakes will only make you slower getting to the finish line..."

Good point Dev. I keep reading these posts and thinking, I have nothing profound to add, because I only met Chris at two AmZof "after parties". I certainly don't have a breadth of stories to tell and I feel like I don't want to diminish those stories of long term friendships and training sessions and yeah, After-training sessions :)

But I do have some pics, so I will share those and then maybe I can come up with some words. I am honestly having a really hard time concentrating on my work the last couple of days. His death just seems so incomprehensible to me. We have had two people in our cycling club die in separate incidents, due to being struck from behind by vehicles. But this is so different, and harder to process.....

As sad day to be sure. We will all be at a loss for his absence. It is somewhat comforting to know he has lived a life fuller than most, even with this early exit.

This is one of my fave pics of Chris, here with Dave Roche at American Zofingen May 2010. I had met Dave (and Tetsuoni and TriBriGuy) at Du Worlds in North Carolina in Sept2009 and got sucked into the whirling vortex that is the lemmingness of AmZof. Tetsuoni's beet beer had yet to be invented and all the other available brews held no appeal to me so I brought my own pre-mix cosmos with highly refined plastic dollar store martini glasses for the "after party". (the only reason there is a Long Course Race is to provide entertainment to the Short Course and Medium Course racers while they re-fuel post-race) In my pre-race terror (have you seen that bike course????), I neglected to ice the cosmos so I had a hard time getting the ST boyz to partake with me. Dave and Chris joined in though :)

As I only know Chris as an athlete, he was always the "before, during and after" Party at training and events.

From the sound of things, he carried this through all aspects of life! I was recently telling my son that the social interactions that we learn through partying are important through the course of life. Sounds like Chis honed those skills well in youth and leveraged them nicely into adult life, even with a bunch of skinny, boring, Type A athletes, who are generally incapable of talking about anything other than splits and bike gear...

I didn't know Chris-
but just read through all of your thoughts. I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes.

I didn't know Chris, but I always enjoyed his posts and race reports-from those it's pretty easy to find out what kind of racer he was. From all of your tributes and stories it's pretty easy to find out what kind of person he was. It's apparent that he did both as wide-open as possible, and touched a lot of lives along the way.
As a husband and father of 2 young children this situation absolutely breaks my heart, and like many of you I'm holding onto my family a little tighter these days.
To his family and friends, I'm sorry for your incredible loss and you are all in our prayers. Here's hoping that the memories stay vivid forever.

Craig Pollard

I am pretty new to the tri scene and to ST and obviously did not know Chris. Our only interaction was last week when I asked ST what I should get for Christmas -- he advised me that you always feel better with Zipps (Heds are fine for training he said, but they are not Zipps!). It is amazing that a grown man can be sitting at work reading about someone he didn't know with tears in his eyes - but that is exactly what is happening right now. The stories and pictures are amazing...especially the article up above. He truly sounds like a great person and I know he will be missed greatly by those who knew him (and those who didn't it seems). Just reading all of this makes me want to be a better person, a better father, a better husband, a better friend...I am sure if we had met, we would be friends - not necessarily because I would be worthy of his friendship, but because it seems that was the kind of person that he was. My deepest thoughts and prayers are with his family.

I ran Philly this weekend too, but I was so rushed getting home, and so busy at work, I only found out about Chris’ death at 5AM today, when I was just checking up on the Endurance Nation site. I’ve been teary-eyed all day.

I’ve known Chris for only a few years, but sappy as it might be, he was my hero. He was like the starting quarterback who was nice to the dorky kid (me), for no other reason than he was just decent to everyone, no matter what. To me, he was like an older brother; I felt he was looking out for me, and only wanted the best for me. He was always telling me that I was much faster than I used to be.

We initially met on the Endurance Nation forums, but I got to know him much better at our local tri club workouts, Tuesdays in the summertime. He was the first to stop to help fix a flat. He always slowed down to talk to me on the run for a minute or so, before he ramped up his speed again. I was always included for post-workout drinks at Lakeview. Not something the fat, slow kid is used to. I saw him frequently at races, he helped me in T1 IMLP 2009, he was always encouraging.

He was snarky, funny, but never mean. He was the light; people were drawn to him like moths. Notice how in pictures, he is usually in the middle.

I’ve never heard him brag about what he’s done, just how awesome these other guys are (ML, Kevin, Dev, etc.). He talked up Epicman, and I showed up for the Thursday Whiteface climb because he said it was something I had to do once. Yeah, that was me picking up the rear in June. I think I did it more for him than for me.

He always made me feel as if I were one of his best friends, even though I know I wasn’t. I bet a lot of people here feel the same.

I remember talking to him in transition at IMLP 2011, about 6:00AM. He was torn. He really didn’t want to swim without the wetsuit. He didn’t think he had a shot at Kona, but he “didn’t want to take it off the table.” He didn’t want those Slowtwitch boys to give him crap if he beat them with a wetsuit when they were going for a Kona slot sans wetsuit. I wanted him to go for Kona, and get to Kona, for him, but also for me. We want our sports heroes to win the big one for us, not them.

To me he will always be the man in the arena.

I will miss my friend.

My condolences to Jennyfer, the kids, and the rest of his family.

All I really know about Chris I learned in 15 minutes this past July.

I drove 11 hours up to New York for IMLP, under-prepared and with a lot of personal stuff on my mind. Thursday at the Slowtwitch Lake Placid Brewery meet-up, I found myself having one of those awkward occasions where I just don't feel social at all. After a brief "hello" and introductions all around I seated myself at the end of the bar. Up against the wall and keeping to myself I must have looked as uncomfortable as I felt. It seemed like an eternity passed while I tried to come up with a plausible excuse for making an early exit. First pint was gone before I could come up with anything reasonable so I ordered another, immediately wishing I hadn't, as I was really dying to get out of there. Shortly after the second beer arrived Chris separated himself from the group, pulled up a stool and started firing off questions, engaging me in a 15 minute one-on-one conversation. It was an act of human kindness that appeared as effortless for Chris as it was deliberate. We were joined by a few more eventually, and though I never did really come around socially, the evening certainly ended better than it began. I can't tell you anything about our conversation that night as I don't remember a single thing that was said. There was one thing that was not said, however, as it would have been admitting my weakness that night. "Thanks, Chris...thanks."

Thanks docmartin.....this part of your post struck me:

I remember talking to him in transition at IMLP 2011, about 6:00AM. He was torn. He really didn’t want to swim without the wetsuit. He didn’t think he had a shot at Kona, but he “didn’t want to take it off the table.” He didn’t want those Slowtwitch boys to give him crap if he beat them with a wetsuit when they were going for a Kona slot sans wetsuit. I wanted him to go for Kona, and get to Kona, for him, but also for me. We want our sports heroes to win the big one for us, not them.

Like you, I wanted our guy to go to Kona THIS year. Sadly, there will be no next year. Its definitely hard to move on from that. And worse yet, I missed THIS year's Whiteface climb, because our car got picked for a "random search" as we drove over the border to LP.....oh well. I had 3 good climbs with him to that summit

I've met Chris a couple times at races and drank some beers with him post-race. Seemed to be a very solid guy with a great spirit. I always got the same sense from his posts here on ST. I was numb when I heard his name on my car radio driving home last evening--never expecting to have known the person. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

I was fortunate to meet Chris G at IMLP last year (2011). He presented himself in person much the same way he did on ST... all-around great, down-to-Earth guy. He always seemed in his element. We got into a deep-seeded conversation about the appropriate number of PowerTaps to have built in to your hubs (results undecided) and the number of beers required before a race to a personal best (He and Murphy's Law beat it into our heads the infamous, "3 for a PB"). He sent me his files on IM Syracuse even though he was clear that he would not relive that race.

I can't help but be saddened. On one level, I was sincerely looking forward to racing him in the future and putting forth a race in which I might actually content against him. On another level, his family and the community at large has lost something special.

---

---

---

Take a short break from ST and read my blog:
http://tri-banter.blogspot.com/

This one is also from AmZof 2010, post-race, in the pavilion. This was the first time I had met Chris, Matt (TriYoda) and Keith (KAlber), and I was blown away by the absolute camaraderie that they had. I had been following the pre-AmZof smacktalk for two months on ST, leading up to the race, but in person it was something else. I had a hard time keeping up with all the zingers being thrown back and forth. I felt like I was in the audience watching a comedy show!
LtoR - Dave Roche, Chris, Matt, Keith, me (Cathy)

This is from AmZof 2011. LtoR, I think..... John M (Tetsuoni), Chris G, me, Mike (Murphys Law), kdw?, Parkito, Matt (TriYoda) and ?

I love the smile on Chris's face in this one.

Another AmZof 2011 post-race shot. Parkito, Chris, me, and Keith Alber in the background. The smile and glow emanating from Chris.... that was just him.

I have probably told this story too many times already, but the twice that I have driven to this race, I have gotten a speeding ticket. Both times I swear it was entrapment because of my Ontario license plate - once on a downhill in the Catskill Mountains, and this year, 8 minutes across the border from Niagara Falls. Both times, no sympathy from the NY State Troopers. Both years, post-race, I plead with Chris, YOU'RE A LAWYER, TELL ME HOW TO GET OUT OF THIS!? Both times, he asks me very detailed questions about where I was, how fast I was going, what did I say to the state trooper, etc, etc? I answer all his questions, thinking Woo-hoo, he knows how I can get out of this. Both times, after I earnestly answer all his questions, he bursts out laughing and says, You're screwed, just pay the damn fine! And I'm not THAT kind of lawyer anyway :D

Knew him from EN...and met him on a free EN clinic for IMLP couple years ago...very nice man, and very real...I am so sorry for this tragedy. We never connected up at IM syracuse because my dad doesn't text and I didnt have a cell at the time, we were supposed to meet up at speghetti warehouse prior to race. He always had something very credible to add to training tips and life, I am so sorry for his family, this is a great loss. As a father of 3, I can only hope his children have the best of the best for the rest of their lives. He was a very nice man....Tragic

---

The Rat Snake:
A Tribute Race at Gilbert Lake State Park, Laurens, NY May 16 2015
Follow the Rat Snake on Twitter

I just realized that the AmZof 2011 motto, which was printed on the race shirts, and which is my signature line...... is pretty appropriate these days :/

That, right there, is a classic Chris G response.

---

"The right to party is a battle we have fought, but we'll surrender and go Amish... NOT!" -Wayne Campbell

Does anyone have any more information about his race at Philly?

I was cheering runners on at Mile 24 -- I was the only spectator out there in fact at the Mile 24 marker -- and saw a runner on the ground, cramping and went over and helped and gave him the Gatorade I was carrying for my wife and offered shot blocks which he declinedand sat with him for a minute or two and repeatedly offered to call the medics. The runner insisted he was fine, (the runner was super fit looking and rather young), drank the 32 oz of Gatorade and five or so minutes later shuffled on down the road. As I see Chris's pictures,I am highly certain it was him. But if he was on time to break 3:00 as according to the Race Results splits (2:10 at 30k) then it couldn't have been. I saw this runner at Mile 24 at around 4:00 hours.

Sorry, I am just haunted by maybe not having done enough here ....

I was with Chris during his last minutes. We (myself and other bystanders in the medical field) got to him within seconds after he collapsed about 1/4 from the finish line. This was right before the 3 hour pacing runner went by. I just want his wife, parents, friends, and other family to know that we did everything we possibly could to try to save him. My heart hurts for his loved ones. By reading this forum, I probably am only getting a glimpse of how amazing he really was. I am signed up to do my first Ironman in NYC August 11, 2012 and will do it in memory of him. With deepest sympathy, Lauren Seavy. (Springfield, NJ)

Please let me know if it's not appropriate.

Words alone cannot express how sorry I am for the loss of one of life's true greats.

Thank you Lauren.
I'll see you at IMNYC. I was thinking of doing a tribute to Chris as well, but not sure how to yet. Myabe a few rounds of beer 2 days before the race as it was his custom to do so. He said it was the best way to keep you from thinking you could wake up the day before the race and train to hard. The hang over should do the best thing for you and keep you in bed. Wisdom in beer.

THIS ^^

My thoughts are with his family and friends.

-----------------------------------------

---

"It's too dangerous and expensive to ride with d*ckheads" -tridork

You'll be able to find me at the LP Pub & Brewery on Thursday before IMLP 2012 and every year after that...and I know that I'll have company.


I have never done LP without a wetsuit, though next year, I think that will have to change. If I wear one, I'm sure that I'll hear Chris' voice in my head calling me a p*ssy.

---

"Hold on, you run a marathon AFTER you ride your bike?!?....oh, you people are just insane"......(my Mom)

Rockin' the W in 2013!! Wattie Ink Elite Team

There is a video interview w/ Jenny and the kids that was done by the local CBS affiliate.

http://www.cbs6albany.com/...72001/wrgb-localnews

Their strength in this incredibly difficult time is just remarkable.

Many thanks to the lady above who posted about trying to help Chris.
I know a lot of us will take some solace in knowing that everything that could be done for him, was.

Also - as athletes we can all appreciate this, even if the non-athletes who might hear about it would think it crazy, but - Chris was on pace to break 3 hours.
I know that was a huge goal of his for this race, along with qualifying for Boston, which he certainly would have.
He must have dropped the hammer at some point during the last 12k, as he was just off sub-3 time thru the half and 30k marks.

An amazing competitor.

---

float , hammer , and jog

That was gut-wrenching to watch. I am full-on sobbing here. Jenny's inner strength in that interview is absolutely breathtaking.

That was very moving.
I only knew Chris through his posts her on ST.
As a 43 year old husband and father of 2, his story hits very close to home.
My heart breaks for his wife and kids.
Their strength in that interview is incredible.
Love and prayers to them and the rest of his family and friends.
It seems we lost one of the really good ones.
John

That video rips me apart. I hope you're doing OK Mike.

It's a testament to Chris G that I have never met him, yet I seem to be missing him so much.

I can't wait for AmZof. I'm going to hug the shit out of all of you.

To throw down the hammer in the final 12K of a marathon is special. And you're right that most non-runners won't "get it." They won't see the beauty in that effort. They won't know the feeling of forcing heavy legs to turn over a little quicker just when the race is getting exponentially harder. The focus needed to keep ones self moving quicker when almost everyone else around him is starting to go backwards. To feel the urgency to take back a few more seconds with each passing mile marker.

It's nice to know that he was able to enjoy, even for just a few minutes, the satisfaction of passing the 3 hour pacing group, enjoy the satisfaction of knowing he had 2:59:xx in the bag. To know that he accomplished what he set out to do. But to your point, the competitor in him wasn't going to be satisfied with that and knew the race wasn't over until he crossed the finish line. He was going to fight for every second.

God speed. My thoughts to his beautiful family.

Lauren - thank you so much for posting this. I am Jenny's brother in law, and although right now might not be the time, I am sure at some point she would want to reach out to you, as you are one of the last people to see Chris alive, just so she can have another level of closure knowing he was in good hands during his final push to the finish line. Thank you for doing what you could, I know you did what you could and speaking for Jenny, she's most grateful for everyone who tried to revive Chris. Good luck next year in NYC, Chris will be watching you, so don't slack......!

I too was spectating in Philly on Sunday. I was probably about half a mile or so from the finish, and saw medics working on a male runner at some point- while he was conscious when taken away, my first thought after I heard a marathoner had died was that I hoped that man hadn't later died, selfishly not wanting to have seen a person right before he died. Well, that man wasn't Chris, though looking back, I do remember seeing a guy in an EN top that was running around 3 hr pace- I remember he looked strong the 2 or 3 times I saw him.

I never personally met Chris, but know at least one person that was friends with him. But his face does look familiar- besides Sunday, I'm sure I saw him in the Brew Pub during one of my trips there during IMLP over the years. In a year full of death, this one just hurts. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

I've seen Chris's posts but never met him, but my deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. When I told my wife of the story surrounding this tragedy last night she was turned to tears. I cannot imagine, GODSPEED.

---

http://www.motiv-8.blogspot.com

Thanks Lauren for sharing and giving us those details about what he was trying to achieve in his final steps and breaths. Knowing that he was in front of the 3 hour pace bunny provides some level of closure for some us us. At least it puts some perspective around what was going on in both his body and his mind. I've been in training and racing redlining it with Chris. We had a memorable dash into the finish at 2009 Timberman, so the charge to the line was nothing new for him and something he had done countless times before this, so probably there was nothing to fear (unlike for myself whose family does have a long history of heart disease and strokes on both sides). Nevertheless it leaves me (and I am sure others), wondering what was that much different this time. We'll never know and probably don't need to, because it is not going to bring him back.

Mike, thanks for posting that video of Jenny and the kids. Wow, I'm speechless after sitting through that.

Dev

I met Chris at Epicman in LP. His passion for triathlon was evident. He was full of energy and his fun loving personality added to everyone's enjoyment for this training event. It's a shame that I am only getting to know him better through these tributes. My condolences to all who feel his passing. May you find peace in your mourning.

Exactly..... especially since it's known from the pace mats that he was off of that pace earlier in the race and he made up the time. Thx Lauren and thx Dev.

Louis, the worst part was that we missed the Whiteface climb with Chris on account of the US Customs and Immigration deciding to do a "random search" on a car with the two of us in there!!! Oh well....at least you got to ride in the East German 100K TTT simulation train with Chris G, Kalber, ML and Yves Fortin putting down the hammer. Fun times for sure.....my quads are throbbing just thinking about trying to sit in that train!

Dev

I have no stories to share about Chris, but after reading through this thread myself and pointing my wife here, you can add 4 more lives (us + 2 daughters) whose life will be affected by the way Chris lived his. One can only wish to have people talk so highly of them and it definitely seems as if he truly deserves the accolades.

Wow, what tremendous strength and poise during such a gut-wrenching time. Thanks for posting this.

---

"You can never win or lose if you don't run the race." - Richard Butler

Thanks for posting the video of the interview with Chris's family. This is further evidence of what an amazing person he was, in that he could have such an incredibly strong wife and children. A very inspirational reminder to be thankful for every day and every loved one that we have. R.I.P. Chris.

---

-----------------------------------------------------------
"No more hurting people - Peace"

Thank you so much for this amazing tribute to Chris. I am his sister, Cara. Please know that you are building the most beautiful gift for the children who lost him way too soon. My brother was a vortex. Energy swirled around him. It is so fitting that his spirit keeps inspiring us to act and speak. I love reading your stories. All I can think to say is that they are all just so true... he was so many things & you are capturing him perfectly. Some of you have written that he was your hero or that he felt like a brother to you. I know how lucky I was to have the real deal - this hero as my big brother.
Although I mostly lurk, I have always felt I had vicarious membership in your community through Chris. I am grateful that he (and many of you) included me in the fun.

Chris and I were very different people. Running and triathlons were a way for us to connect. Our best talks happened on the shoulders of the endless miles of roads through the Adirondacks.

I am not sure how it all began, but this seems to be an important story: When I finished the New York City Marathon back in 2003, Chris came up to me and in perfect Chris fashion said "it would have been easier to run the Marathon with you than spectate all day." Jenny – the rock star was 8 months pregnant with Ashley at the time – but she was not complaining. I could not let that comment go. There was no getting out of it; he had to run a marathon. The next year we ran the Chicago Marathon with his best childhood friend, Mike Curtis. Chris insisted that we hold hands & raise them in the air as the three of us crossed the finish line together in 4:08. Mike tells me he has that picture - I cannot wait to see it again.

Chris started doing triathlons a year or so later. He got faster and stronger – and found a new family with all of you. I tagged along, slower and less intense than he, but still hanging on and enjoying the ride. Just like many of you, he encouraged and inspired me. I have great memories of early morning car rides to races... the right music, cup of coffee, anxious babbling. There would always be something I needed (duck tape, pump, water bottle) and he would always have extra. When I would pass by him during a race (on a dreaded out and back - he hated them) he was always talking to whoever was around him – and looking out for me – cheering me on.
I could go on forever. There is too much to miss, too much to say. I cannot wrap my head around this loss. Being here at his house this week has only reminded me of what an amazing life he built for himself. Chris, Jenny and the kids were such a tight team. They had so many great adventures, traditions and memories (and too many more unfulfilled dreams). His life ended too soon but he really lived every day that he had. Chris soaked up his life and wrung it out. Not a day wasted. Yes, he worked hard and played hard but he did not stop there. He loved hard too. The real blessing is that despite all that intensity, he always found a way to stay connected to the people he loved.

I will miss him forever. We all will. Thank you again for honoring him with such passion and enthusiasm. It is perfect.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from Ironman LP 2008.
Chris, Jenny and the kids the night before the race.


Me and Chris doing our finest wonder-twin impersonation before the prerace dinner.

So well written.

I can't even imagine your pain...

Sorry for your loss Cara. I didn't know your brother as well as some others around here but in a short time he made an incredible impression on me.

I first met your brother a few summers ago at a restaurant in Lake Placid for lunch. He was waiting to ride to the top of Whiteface during a training weekend with a group of friends and stopped in to chat with some mutual friends we had. He was excited to be in Lake Placid (as always) and I couldn't help chuckle to myself as Chris proceeded to talk at me (in a friendly way). He'd make a few statements and then look you in the eyes with that interested expression, intense eyes and with a small smile at the corners of his mouth and if no one replied he went on telling his stories. You didn't even care if they were true. I don't remember what they were but he had us all laughing to the point that people were spitting up their food. He left early from the lunch and all the energy left with him. "Who was that?" I said. "Gleason!" was the chorus. It was obvious from the get-go why people flocked to him.

After that I mostly got Chris-updates through my better half (known as Kitboo in EN circles) on EN and Facebook. He took an interest in our off-road exploits and dubbed it the "Cool Shit Tour" and promised to join us next year in a few off-road adventures. He peppered us with questions about what type of mountain bike he would need. He bartered for AmZo..."I'll race Wilmington/Whiteface if you race AmZo." Neither race will be the same now. I'll be raising a mug to the sky afterwards though.

Still not knowing him too well I ran into him again in Lake Placid. I was coming off a mountain biking trailhead and saw a large train of cyclists heading into town working hard up the hill and thought nothing of it until Chris yelled my name, waved and asked how it was going. I returned the question and he pointed to his crew and shrugged his shoulders...he was working hard and loving it but still had time to say hi to a mere acquaintance. A simple gesture that meant a lot to me even before he passed.

Another time I ended up with a big group for dinner at the Brown Dog in Placid. Chris showed up and the energy instantly increased in the room. A heated conversation ensued on how to best help birds survive: which bird houses; what type of seed; when to feed. Chris was silent for a bit listening to the debate and that slightly amused looked emerged on that face of his (you guys know the one). "I don't know. Birds are pretty self-reliant, what with their nest-building and food-gathering and all. I think they'll be all set." We still laugh over that one. The great bird debate was over and many a Malbec and Cabernet were shared with him that night.

We have been impersonating Chris around the house for a few years now. You know, you'll make a point and then say "That was a bad call," or "not a bad call at all," afterwards or, "You swam a 1:45?! Why?!" We tear-up now amidst a smile.

There is one other story to share but not sure if this is the place. It is no more than PG-rated though. Those that raced in a certain Albany-area cyclocross race in the fall of 2010 will remember his relegation (he thought he was getting called-up when the race director announced his name) and the reason why. Maybe another time. I do have some video of him racing up a hill that day as Kitboo, The Boyles and I heckle him a little bit. When I find it I'll post it. Chris did make a point before that weekend to setup a dinner with him and Jenny the night before the race and sent several emails to us making sure he brought our favorite beverages to the race. And yes, Jenny, I'm eating more salads!

Our thoughts go out to the entire family.

Chris, my friend, you finally got called up. We all miss you in the back of the pack here though.

As I tear-up now I can hear Chris, "Don't be such a puss. Go have a beer...you'll be fine."

I didn't know him, but I wish I did. RIP brother.

If you could, please give his wife and kids a huge hug...for all of us.

Bob

I did not know Chris or any of his friends but feel I do somewhat now. Wow, all I can say is what an accomplished guy - professionally, in friendship, sports and more importantly - Family. Many great memories and experiences for sure! I wish everyone the best in these trying times.

I thought a lot about Chris this morning. It was a beautiful, 45 degree morning and I had committed to a ride with three other guys. Didn't want to go. Almost bagged it, and I could just hear Chris calling me a wuss and telling me it was too beautiful not to ride. Sucked it up and had a terrific ride. Here's to you, Chris. RIP.

---

-------------------------------------
Steve Perkins

Guys, race photos from the Philly marathon (courtesy Island Photo). Chris on his last run giving it on sub 3 hour pace.

I ran the Cardiac Classic in Schenectady this morning with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes – this was my first ever 5K race 15ish years ago and I ran it because of and with the Gleason family. I can’t imagine another way to start off Thanksgiving morning every year thanks to you all.

Chris helped me out last year when I was training for my first HIM by letting me borrow his road bike to do a long training ride when I was in CP visiting. When I returned the bike we stood in his garage for quite a while and he couldn’t have been happier to discuss racing and answer the numerous first timer questions I had about racing that distance. I recall thinking how excited he seemed for me that I was racing my first half.

Jenny, Cara, rest of Gleason family – I am so very sad for your tragic and untimely loss. Cara and Chris both have inspired me to push the limits of what I thought I was capable of. This past Sunday I raced IMAZ, my first full, and I’d like to dedicate my own personal victory of finishing strong and leaving it all out on the course to Chris’s memory. RIP Chris.

Dana

It sucks to think he was gone in however many minutes after this picture was taken. :-(

---

Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

Wow :0(

---

__________________________________________________
Official Polar Ambassador
http://www.google.com/...P7RiWyEVwpunlsc2JtQQ

Like Steve Larsen, who left too early, it truly does suck. However, just make sure that he lives with you. Everytime you push through the last 400m of a race, Chris is doing it with you.

This is within the last 2 miles to go... hope they can find the cause.

Dev, I know you are heading down to the funeral. Chris seems to be wearing the garmin 310xt and maybe a heart monitor... Might find information by uploading the file regarding how his race went... Any anormal heart beats drift over the race and that final mile? I know this is not an easy but could give some answers to questions from the family and friends.

Thank you so much for sharing these stories Cara. For those of us who knew him briefly, or not at all in person, it is heartwarming to learn more about Chris.

Please know that as the funeral approaches, tomorrow, that you have the strength and love of this entire community surrounding your family.

Many virtual hugs coming your way.

Cathy

I'll say it...... he's wearing the 2010 AmZof race shirt.... that makes me smile :)

Yes, it would have to be, because he is in the traffic lane closest to the river, and he has the wall of foliage behind him, so you can narrow down that he was heading towards the finish in this picture, and he was somewhere along Boathouse Row.

AmZof 2011 Start Line Medium Course. This is the crazy Formula 1 format (I still don't know why it's called that!).
Run 5 miles, Bike 29 miles, Run 5 miles, Bike 29 miles, Run 5 miles.

I ran out to the start line to take pics of the guys and got great big hugs from all of them, although they had only met me once before. What a great bunch of friends you are to each other. I know it won't be the same for you without Chris.

Murphys Law (Mike), Chris, TriYoda (Matt) and #203 hidden is KAlber (Keith). Not sure if guy with his arm up is an STer or not.

Me too.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

PS - I have to agree w/ you CeeCee, it also made me smile to see Chris rocking the AmZof race shirt @ Philly.
Represent!

---

float , hammer , and jog

That is some heavy stuff and I will carry that with me. I can tell you that his sudden and tragic death is being talked about in running forums all over the world.

Just returned from the funeral home and cops were out directing traffic. Took me 2 hours to get through the line and I arrived 5 minutes after it started! (line out the door was already 50 yards long)

Wonderful photo montages on DVD and scrap books lined the halls....letters from his kids...a beautiful family mourning their son, husband, brother and Dad. When someone figures out the silver lining to all of this......please post it online.

Until then, remain inspired and like a previous poster, carry Chris with you on your journey. (He'll no doubt be cheering you on and hand you up a cold one when you get to cross over!)

(As for the old timers there tonite grousing about having to stand in line for 2 hours.......I have to think Chris may chuckle and throw a HTFU your way. Just sayin')

I recall his posts on ST. Sorry to hear of this.
RIP Chris G.


G.

---

http://www.TriathlonShots.com
Full event coverage of triathlon/ironman in photos.

Thanks Eric, for sharing this story of the visitation, with those of us not able to be there. I would agree with you on the greeting he'll give us on arrival in Heaven....... Chris has probably already started a Rhinebeck Brewing Company, Heaven's Branch Plant location with Saint Peter ;-)

"I'll say it...... he's wearing the 2010 AmZof race shirt.... that makes me smile :)"



Agreed.

I did not know him but the eulogy from his friends on this thread make me believe that I missed meeting and knowing a wonderful person. Condolences to his family and friends. God speed Chris Gleason!

Wow, what an emotionally draining last 24 hours or so.

Our crew got to the funeral home a little before 5 or so, and the line was over 100m out the door. There were so many cars parked in overflow parking alongside the road, it was surreal. It took us well over an hour just to get in the door, and another hour to reach Chris' family. We made the most of that time, sharing stories, looking at the slideshow on the flatscreen and paging thru photo albums, reading the cards Ash and Matty made for him.... and then it was time.

On top of the casket were 2 framed pictures - one of Chris running strong at Philly, and the other was his and Jenny's wedding photo.

Cara and Jenny were both so incredibly strong. They are my heroes.
We were supposed to be there for them, and yet they were comforting and consoling me.


Later, we regrouped at Antipastos for drinks and dinner, and again, lots more stories, lots of laughs, and a few tears. Then over to Keith's house for more of the same.
And then, finally, to bed.

5:30am came far too quickly (I think I maybe got 2hrs of sleep; just too many thoughts racing thru my mind all night), and Kevin and I got up and out by 5:45, ran by braille along a dark wooded path over to Keith's house, where we met up w/ Keith and his wife, and Dev and Jean, and then ran together to Clifton Commons to meet the rest of the run group. Jenny and Cara were both there, naturally, and after a few group photos, we all headed out together into the brightening sky of a beautiful day.
Somehow "5k" turned into 5.5m (plus the 1.8m approach), but math has never been our collective strong point. Magically, a 12pack of Guinness and 2 big boxes o' DD Joe and several dozen donuts appeared, and we availed ourselves of the bounty.


The church was quite full, and we all sat somberly thru the service. At the end, Chris' lifelong friend Mike gave a wonderful eulogy, which was quite eloquent and moving, and often funny - one of great lines was "...and then Chris achieved the greatest victory of his career - managing to convince Jenny to marry him" : )

Ashley came forward and read the Irish Blessing, which was equal parts wonderful and heartbreaking.


We all ended up at Chris' friend's house, for some amazing hospitality and companionship, and again, the stories were flying, on all topics Chris.
It was an amazing day, sunny and relatively warm for late November. We all agreed that Chris made sure of that, since he certainly wouldn't wanted any rain to risk having us wuss out and bag the run or the party.

---

float , hammer , and jog

I know there were a few camera's used to take photo's at the beginning of the run. Could the owner of one of them please post a picture here? I tried taking a rough head count just before we left...i think there were approximately 25-30 friends and family in attendance for the ChrisG tribute run. Whoever came up with the idea, it was the perfect way to start a very tough day. I'm sure everybody who participated will never forget it.

Watching Ashley deliver the Irish blessing at the end was indeed heartbreaking to watch. I honestly think she was the strongest person in the church at that moment and she delivered it flawlessly. Chris would have been so proud.

X2 on everything. It was a crazy emotionally draining 24 hours, but in a way I tried to see the ups rather than the obvious down. Chris brought us together in life and even when he left us. The morning's run was a mix of crying, smacktalk and laughs. Jenny and Cara participating in all of it. Mike, you're right, they were there consoling a bunch of sobbing middle age guys, who were losing more than staying composed (which is a good thing).

Finally, on the drive home after Tupper the site of Chris' half IM PB race this year, the undefeated lawyer Chris Gleason had the final say. As I was pulled over by a state trooper driving 70 mph on a 55 mph road, no doubt Chris was telling the cop...."give these guys a break, they are doing no one any harm and came to keep my family and buddies company"...."Sir, drive safely, the speed limit is 55...have a nice day".

Thanks a million to the Alber family, for making us a part of your family this weekend. We are forever indebted.

Thanks for sharing Mike. Been thinking about everyone today as I'm sure it was a tough day.

I'll be thinking about Chris next weekend at the HITS HIM, gunning for a big PR!

Fred

Thanks for sharing Mike, Keith and Dev. The morning run was a great idea. I'm sure it was a bonding experience and cathartic at the same time. Glad you made it home safely Dev, after your 24 hour roundtrip Epicman Driving Adventure from Ottawa.

Very cool, guys....

OK, on behalf of ChrisG, who is going to make Murphy's Law cry at AmZof and Savageman. Even Dave Scott could not make ML cry at Savageman!

AmZof F-1 will be the ultimate smack down in memory of Chris. I'm gunning for ML. Whoever wins, I'm certain they'll be doing it for Chris.
And, although only 1 will win, we'll ALL hoist big honkin' steins in his memory.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

and plastic martini glasses :D

What about naming it "The G. Chris Gleason Formula 1 Duathlon at American Zofingen".

Every aspect of Chris' life was formula 1.....we could ask Jenny and Cara what they think ...assuming Tetsuoni has not already sold marketing rights for the current name to Timex/Rolex/Tag Heuer....

Dev

Another thought would be to have a perpetual trophy in his honor where the winner's name is engraved each year, so people would be competing in the F1 for the Gleason Trophy. Obviously, it would have to be some sort of appropriate drinking vessel. During the year it could be displayed prominently in tetsuoni's store or some appropriate venue.

x2

---

"if you chose it, it's not really pain"

I have to say that I have been coming back to this tribute thread each day since I heard the news. I didn't know Chris except through his posts on ST, but the stories here have not only brought me to tears at times, but have prompted a smile or two, as well. Chris obviously had a knack for surrounding himself with an incredible group of people. I can't imagine the impact this loss is having on his family and all of his friends...as many of you are. It must feel devastating and surreal at the same time.

But...what a wonderful way to celebrate the friendship and connections he made with others. I can only imagine that this kind of remembrance will be cherished by those close to him - these stories of the positive impact Chris had on various individuals whether it was inspiration that came from a post on ST or EN, or whether it was a kick-in-the-butt, a little smack-talk, a competition between friends, or whether it was what seems to be, his natural way of taking people under his wing and helping them find the courage to achieve their goals.

My guess is he'll be forever sitting on your shoulder, pushing you to do your best.
To all those who knew Chris, thank you for sharing him with the rest of us.

Indeed, Chris has been known to hoist those on occasion, not that we'll ever be handing those out as prizes.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

I'm glad I got my spot in the '12 F1 locked up. It's going to be a special one.

It is my intention to rename the F1 in honor of Chris, in perpetuity, if that is in keeping with the wishes of his wife.
The F1 has become our most popular distance and format. Much like how incredibly popular Chris has always been here on ST, and beyond.
I know directly from Chris how much he enjoyed the race, both on the course and at the after party. I take no small pride that he chose to wear our shirt for the Philly marathon. Sadly, it proved to be his final race. His racing days may be over, but his memory will live on.
And, don't think for a moment that he won't be heckling us from above.
Speaking of which, we'd sure like to have you toe the line in 2012, Dev.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

John,

After experiencing the gawd awfulness of the F1 last year, I swore off of it. But, given the recent events, please change my entry to The GCG F1 Challenge (or whatever it will be called). I may not win, but I am supremely motivated to crush as many dreams as possible. No matter what, it will be a beautiful day!!! BTW... I told my good friend Chris Wilhelm (the guy that broke his chain on the bike and decided to do 3 more run loops after hitching a ride back to transition last year) that he had to change his entry as well. If he hasn't already contacted you...change it anyway. It will be my gift to him...which could end our 20 year friendship ;)

Keith

P.S. I suggest some of the others entered in the canadian women's event step up as well. Honestly, don't worry about the third run. It's really not that bad...you'll be walking half of it!

Exactly.
Tommy Keegan, AmZof's generous beer sponsor since year 1, created the Keegan Cup several years ago for the local St. Paddy's day 2 miler.
To win it, you must finish the race, then run to where they're serving the beer. First to down his/her beer wins the cup for a year, which is kept at the brewery with the holder's name on it. The cup holder is entitled to a daily free pint for a year. Of course, to receive the free pint, it must be drunk from the cup.
The cup is basically an old bowling trophy with the little plastic dude replaced by a pint glass. This will be our model.
Slainte!

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Tetsuoni. Yes, I plan to be there in 2012 for the G. Chris Gleason F1 at AZ. If I can't race by then, I'll come down and volunteer. I'm hoping that my motor control issues in my left leg have cleared up by then and I can actually run on things other than roads and treadmills without rolling my ankle and I can keep control over my left leg when biking. Fingers crossed that all of this clears up. By the way, do I qualify for the Canadian womens division or do I need to step up into the main event? Let me see if I can drum up some other characters from this end. Maybe if I can get Rick Hellard out, then we'll get a massive crew like for Savageman :-)

If only we could add a non-wetsuit swim to the F-1. That'd start to approach a fitting tribute to Chris.
That'd give you a better shot at the GCG cup as well ;-)
It'd sure sink (pun intended) Murphy's chances.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Don't you have an endless pool you can plunk down....better yet, replace the middle run with a swim....

Dev, the last thing I want to do is hijack this thread.
Chris's racing was so much more than AmZof, and his life was so much more than racing.
Having said that, it will be great to have you at AmZof in whatever capacity works best for you, be it designated heckler, Canadian woman, appletini server or a real F-1 stud, like Chris.
I can say that after my year off from racing, Chris has completely inspired me to grab 2012 (and beyond) by the throat.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

So this thread, and Chris' spirit have me just about ready to pull the trigger on AmZof. I am sure I will be doing something between a crawl and hobble by the third run - with Chris looking down laughing the whole time.

He'll be laughing with you, never at you.
Then he'll buy you a pint.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Glad I entered my namesake race last August because I have a feeling the 250 total spots are going to be sold out very soon.

At the time, I entered just so I could lock down my spot but I really doubted I would be there since it is on our Victoria Day weekend....... but I have explained to Rocket Man about the posse of ST men who will need a couple of Canadian Womens to serve them courage in a plastic glass once they cross the F-1 finish line and he gave me the long-weekend pass. So Kathy & Cathy will be there to toast to Chris and catch the undertrained masses as they try to do what Chris did last year.....1st place in his AG and the biggest size stein prize.

(I will bring down a case of plastic martini glasses, don't you worry about that Tetsuoni)

Tetsuoni, not only did he wear the shirt on race day, but as the gun went off, he smiled and said to me "bet I'm the only one wearing an AmZof shirt here today!" and regaled me with stories of doing a 9 minute mile... on the bike!

To say there wasn't a dry eye when Ashley read that prayer is the understatement of the millenium. I'm still teary-eyed from it.

Keith, Kevin, Mike, Matt, Dev, and Jean, you guys made a tough time better with so many great stories of Chris. Let's keep them flowing here!

Mike

---

M
-----
'tri or tri not, there is no du' - yoda

After receiving permission from Chris's wife, Jennyfer, and sister, Cara, the American Zofingen F-1 middle distance is now, and forevermore, shall be known as the "G. Chris Gleason Memorial Duathlon". Both Jennyfer and Cara, serious athletes in their own right, have expressed their intent to compete in Chris's place, and honor, next May 20th.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

This is awesome news. Can you put up a sign with 400m to go saying, "you are running this quarter mile for Chris"

Yes, we can. That's an excellent idea. In fact, if we have enough volunteers, we'll add a prime, timing each finisher's final 400 meters. Fastest sprint to the finish wins the prize.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

This is awesome.... outstanding!!

---

"if you chose it, it's not really pain"

That's outstanding news John. I was honestly wondering if Jenny and/or Cara would be willing to partake in the event. It is going to be a memorable day, to say the least.

I just realized that this is the Canadian Long weekend and my son and I will be racing the local sprint tri on Saturday. This means I need to finish that event, get the family home, drive 6.5 hours to New Platz and get my act together for the Chris G event. It's almost like Chris has a conspiracy plan to make sure that every second of my life is filled to "Formula 1 Capacity", which is like he lived anyway. Its not quite the Harriman+Chris G F1 stupidity challenge, but stupid enough that I might just have shuffle through the entire Chris G F1 and save myself for the 400m sprint "event within the event".

I'm going to work on the various studs/posers/hangers on to try to make this trek. At least the 6 hours of racing matches the 6 hours one way drive.

It sounded as though both Jenny and Cara would entertain the idea of participating (but I certainly don't want to put words in anyone's mouth). Whether they choose to or not is merely a formality. I have no doubt that they are both strong enough to crush it.

What a fitting tribute. Big thanks to JM for putting this together.

---

"The right to party is a battle we have fought, but we'll surrender and go Amish... NOT!" -Wayne Campbell

I've read this thread every day and as a middle-aged, amateur athlete with several young kids have had many conflicting thoughts. But one thing no one could question: Chris had a great family and supremely loyal friends. Any of us would be proud to say the same. You guys are going to share a lot of wonderful memories and shed some tears at Am Zof this year. A lot of us will be thinking about you. Phil

At least you won't be on the dreaded tapered list.
Plan on a homestay with us.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

This is fantastic news all around.

A fellow Slowtwitcher, who is a woodworker, has contacted me about creating the trophy. I find that most fitting.

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

Here is Chris's final post on ST: "Now that I think about it a little bit I really like the idea of having white collar folks pay me $150 an hour for bad ass real world "titanium fit metabolic training sessions" [the name is a work in progress] which is like cross fit but way more cutting edge and involves doing things like destroying cement walls with sledge hammers, jackhammering stuff, carrying bags of cement up ladders, digging ditches, carrying scrap metal, unloading heavy stuff off trucks etc. while at the same time making money of the whole deal from the general contractor for having that stuff done. Even though I am sure the panzy office worker types will not be able to do the job nearly as quickly as illegal day workers, the fact that they are paying me hourly to do it makes it a slower the better type senario. To give the "athletes" a more badass grit type feel I can have them wear work boots and hard hats as well. No need to have a gym, those are for wussies and regardless there are usually active construction sites convenient to most downtown office jobs, right? I mean really, why be "gym fit" or crossfit or even "boot camp fit" when you could be illegal alien day laborer fit? "

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

That would be AWESOME. Truly a fitting tribute
You can see the Pavillion from ~400m out, and it's a surprisingly tough false flat across a rolling meadow.

PS - I love Chris' last ST post.
His humor and insight about how we should all "never take recreational athletics too seriously" were on full display there.

---

float , hammer , and jog

You guys are making me want to come out from Colorado and do this race.

---

-------------------------------------
Steve Perkins

That would be AWESOME. Truly a fitting tribute
You can see the Pavillion from ~400m out, and it's a surprisingly tough false flat across a rolling meadow.[/quote]
____________________________________________________________________________________

Don't forget the slippery wet stairs in the last 3 metres of the race.

Also don't forget the required posing at the finish line.

Oh wait, that's just you...... the rest of us just need to cross & drop :)

That is awesome. I'm glad I got my spot in the race. It will be a special event.

"Also don't forget the required posing at the finish line.

Oh wait, that's just you......"

Not true...I've been ending all of my runs with the "double limp-wristed ML salute" lately so I'll be ready for May...

Fitting John. A very nice tribute.

AmZof is the only race on my 2012 calendar. Even with that, motivation was lacking. No longer.
I won't win, but I'll do my best in honor of Chris. Then, I'll tip a pint to him while thinking of his endearing smile.

May he rest in peace.

... And I will walk up to you and hand you a beer in your (distant) 3rd place mug, while drinking my 2nd Mothers Milk out of my own Big Honkin Stein

---

float , hammer , and jog

Further to the G. Chris Gleason trophy, DougRob has generously offered to create it for us.
I can think of nothing more fitting than a fellow STer supplying the trophy.
Here's DougRob's idea for the trophy:
"I have an idea for the trophy. It would include a Tankard at the top to drink from, wooden columns to make it ridiculously elaborate,
an area to put the name of each years winner, AND a place on the front for a laser engraved picture of Chris from the Philly Marathon. "
Spot on, DougRob! Thanks!!!

---

2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason