Two Things I learned from Deena Kastor

Olympic medalist and multiple-recorder holder Deena Kastor.

As if Vermont City Marathon weren't already one of my favorite weekends of the year, this year's race weekend went over the top due in thanks to a plum gig I scored: escort-chauffeur-gopher-personal-umbrella-handler to the one and only Deena Kastor. THE Deena Kastor.

(Let the internets fill you in, if you aren't squealing/swooning.)

This was a very easy job because she is a very easy person: low maintenance, self-possessed, energetic and radiating happiness. She shared her gift bag of hand-made chocolates with me, refused to let me do much for her (except for one exciting moment when I reunited her with her misplaced phone - thrilling!), and was generally a joy to be around.

I got to see her in action greeting runners, signing autographs, giving talks, answering questions, and also chatting up people incognito. Here are two observations I'll remember from my day with Deena:

1. She believes in something called histo-chemistry
In everyday parlance, this is the power of positive thinking. In Deena's world, this is conveyed in a story with lots of expressive energy, rapid-fire exposition and total conviction that the physical act of smiling triggers a response in your body that truly transforms misery into joy, and turns around your physical performance on a run. This is especially useful, Deena says, when you're struggling, flailing, not performing - force yourself to smile, even if you don't believe it, and it will make you feel better. I've never felt more convinced by the advice to fake it till you make it.

2. She is genuinely intellectually curious
Lord, but I do love to be around smart people, and Deena is smart. She is authentically interested in learning, expanding her horizons, exposing herself to new places and people and ideas. Many times during the few hours I spent with her, I heard her say a variation of, 'I've got to remember to look that up,' 'I want to Google that,' 'I want to learn more about that.' It's a good way to live, being curious about the world around you.

I wrote after meeting Meb that he's the real deal, and in many ways, Deena Kastor is his twin: her age puts her among the Masters, her accomplishments put her among the best American distance runners ever, and personal integrity is a relief and inspiration to people who've admired her running talent.

Learn more about Deena Kastor here.