In 1986 she ran in the Shamrock 8K race in Va Beach. She set the world record in that race. The following year, she came back, but was injured unbeknownst to me. It was a huge race at the time 5000+ runners. She gave a nice talk to everyone prior to the race and signed autographs. Appearance fee I'm sure.

So I ran it every year. But in '87 I'm coming in to the finish which ran you down 19th St and turned you into the Va Beach Convention Center. So as I turn into the parking lot towards the entrance to the center, I hear this huge roar from the crowd. They had all these bleachers set up for fans/family. And an MC narrating as people finished.
So I'm thinking, this is pretty nice that all these folks are cheering us on. But the roar gets louder and louder. And I can make out the announcer screaming to get the crowd fired up.
So I finally look over my shoulder, and there's the world record holder right next to me.
Well, with a 100 yards to finish, I had to make sure I finished just ahead of her.
My claim to fame. I kept the newspaper listing of all finishers, proving I busted her chops.

Thank God there wasn't any video showing her limping into the convention center as I fought her off.