Original Gangsters Of Running (Bob Hodge)

Always good to count your blessings. – B.H.

A regular rogue’s gallery of a running era.

When did you start running and why?

I was a Frosh in high school Phys. Ed. The teacher suggested I try out for cross country when he saw my speed on the base paths in our pick-up baseball games. Of course, I had no idea what XC was but after my first race – the frosh/soph division of the CMI Invite at famed Franklin Park course – I was hooked.

Toughest opponent and why?

That is a tough one ‘cause on any given day, it is just that guy you happen to be up against and then it mostly came down to you. How well prepared I was and how badly did I want to conquer.

My own teammates on GBTC (Greater Boston Track Club) Rodgers, Meyer, Dillon, Salazar, Mahoney, Fleming, Thomas, Roche. As much as we worked together to succeed, we also were competitive with each other. But not in workouts; generally only in important races.

Most memorable run and why?

Beppu Marathon in Japan in 1982, a race I won by seven seconds. I am one of only a few Americans to win a “major” marathon in Japan, along with Shorter and Rodgers. The marathon is a big deal in Japan and it was an unforgettable experience.

Biggest disappointment and why?

1980 Olympic Boycott. In 1978, when I decided to dedicate myself to athletics for some period of time. I was thinking almost more about the 1984 Games because I thought it might take that long to develop. That all changed when I finished third at Boston in 1979 in my second marathon and ran 16 minutes faster than my personal best. I ran 2:12:30 and was ranked 7th in the country by the Bible of the Sport (Track & Field News) and after that I wanted to do everything I possibly could to make that ’80 Team.

I was in Florida winter/spring ’79, when I first heard about the boycott and that really burst my naive bubble. I did not run the Trials because I did not want to be complicit.

What would you do differently if you could do it again? Why?

Well, I made plenty of mistakes and generally learned from them, so then I was growing in athletics. Even though we had a great coach in Bill Squires, we still were mostly individuals on our own. We raced a lot, which generally fit well into my training, was fun and I came home with a check or a blender or something like that.

Sometimes you need to say, whoa! and step back, be more analytical, but I was flying by the seat of my pants. I was whimsical and, if something felt right, I did it. But I can’t really say I would change anything. I was blessed.

Running is so different today when Galen Rupp runs maybe six races a year and spends the rest of the time in the lab with Alberto. It may have garnered him Olympic medals but would it hurt to compete in some races across America? Not barnstorming like his coach did or Bill Rodgers, but enough to let America see its best athletes in action on the road race carnival circuit.

I think it would help a helluva a lot if Galen took a shot at Falmouth and Peachtree and Bay-To-Breakers and Beach-To-Beacon or wherever.

Racing weight was about 125, height about 5’7″.

Favorite philosopher? Quote?

Uncle Walt Whitman.

Do poets count? [Poets always count. – ed.]

“Though much is taken, much abides; and though

We are not now that strength which in old days

Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;

One equal temper of heroic hearts,

Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will

To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.” – Tennyson

Uncle Walt

“I tramp the perpetual journey

My signs are a rain-proof coat, good shoes, and a staff cut from the woods,

No friend of mine takes his ease in my chair,

I have no chair, no philosophy,

I lead no man to a dinner-table, library, exchange,

But each man and each woman of you I lead upon a knoll,

My left hand hooking you round the waist,

My right hand pointing to landscapes of continents and the public road.

Not I, not any one else can travel that road for you,

You must travel it for yourself.” – Whitman

Special song of the era?

So many….. “Tuff Enuff.” Fabulous Thunderbirds.

Favorite comedian?

Bill Murray. “Whatever you do, always give 100%. Unless you’re donating blood.”

Hodge? Oh, yeah, definitely Ghost Buster material.

What was your ‘best stretch of running’? And so why do you think you hit that level at that time?

1978-1988 all had their ups and downs. I ran my marathon PR 2:10:59 in the spring of 1980, then I had the most serious injury of my career in the fall of ’80.

I hung in and had very good years in ’82, when I won Beppu and finished 5th at Fukuoka in 2:11:52. I also ran well on the track, finishing 5th at Nationals in 28:44 for the 10K and competing in the USA vs. USSR Meet. In ’84, I ran 28:24, placing 5th at Penn Relays.

I was running very well in ’84, preparing for the Marathon Trial, end of May, but I may have peaked too soon. Or the allergies I was having problems with at the time led to more fatigue. I finished 17th at the Trial in 2:18. Very disappointing. In ’87, I made my first World Cross team and in ’88, I finished 7th in the marathon trial.

Consistency was the key to everything. Definitely could have benefited from good, accessible, physical therapy and health care for treatment and recovery from injuries and illnesses.

Looks like a club run to me. Go, GBTC!

What was your edge?

Generally just believing in myself. Not getting down in the dumps too much over a bad performance or too high over a good one.

Most mileage in a week? Why did you do that?

146. I think just to find my red line. Average for me was about 100 a week.

Personal Bests

TypeDistanceTimeFlagsSiteDateActions
RD5 km14:27n/a USA25 Jun 1989
RD10 km29:00Purchase NY/USA23 Sep 1978
RD15 km44:19Minneapolis MN/USA16 Sep 1978
RD10 mi48:02Washington DC/USA30 Mar 1980
RD20 km1:00:44Holliston MA/USA04 Mar 1979
RDHalf Mara1:04:06New Bedford MA/USA20 Mar 1988
RD25 km1:21:35Gloucester MA/USA02 Sep 1991
RD30 km1:35:59Ome JPN17 Feb 1980
RDMarathon2:10:59Eugene OR/USA07 Sep 1980
OT3 km8:13.9Dedham MA/USA25 Jun 1988
OT5 km14:02.4Dedham MA/USA11 Jun 1988
OT10 km28:24.6Philadelphia PA/USA26 Apr 1984
IT5 km14:06.41Dartmouth NH/USA10 Jan 1987

https://tonireavis.com/2015/12/31/forty-years-ago-on-new-years-day/

Hodgie wearing said leather coat at Bill Rodgers Day celebration at Faneuil Hall 1979.
Hodgie (standing left) wearing said leather coat at Bill Rodgers Day celebration at Faneuil Hall 1979. Boston Marathon race director Will Cloney hands Bill a commemoration as GBTC teammate Randy Thomas looks on.  Boston Mayor Kevin White sits clapping on far right.

Performances

Date FinishTimeFlagsTypeDistanceSiteRacePrize moneyActions
27 May 200625?32:36XC6.9 kmPrinceton MA/USAWachusett Mountain
30 Sep 200091:01:03RD10 miHarvard MA/USAApple Harvest
15 Nov 19981327:31XC7.935 kmBoston MA/USAUSATF New England Crosscountry Masters Champs
25 Oct 19988527:40XC8 kmBoston MA/USABoston Mayor’s Cup Crosscountry
20 Jun 1998121:09:54aRD12.3 kmPinkham Notch NH/USAMt Washington Road Race
24 May 1998727:01XC6.9 kmPrinceton MA/USAWachusett Mountain
21 Jun 1997221:14:08aRD12.23 kmPinkham Notch NH/USAMt Washington Road Race
15 Jun 1996141:10:17aRD12.23 kmPinkham Notch NH/USAMt Washington Road Race$150
07 Sep 199211:26:04RD25 kmGloucester MA/USAAround Cape Ann
24 May 199212:22:11RDMarathonBurlington VT/USAVermont City
14 Dec 199112:22:46RDMarathonHuntsville AL/USARocket City$1,500
30 Nov 19917331:15XC10 kmBoston MA/USAUS Crosscountry Championships
10 Nov 1991324:14RD5 min/a MA/USAAlamo Alumni Run
02 Sep 199121:21:35RD25 kmGloucester MA/USAAround Cape Ann
15 Jun 199131:05:32aRD12.23 kmPinkham Notch NH/USAMt Washington Road Race
06 Oct 19901214:51RD5 kmNashville TN/USAMusic City Championship
11 Aug 19902330:48RD10 kmAsbury Park NJ/USAAsbury Park Classic
16 Jun 1990101:07:35aRD12.23 kmPinkham Notch NH/USAMt Washington Hill Climb
12 Nov 1989122:16:51RDMarathonColumbus OH/USAColumbus$800
15 Oct 1989330:26RD10 kmWorcester MA/USAWorcester
24 Sep 1989346:08RD15 kmWilton NH/USAWilton Road Race$250
26 Aug 1989629:46RD10 kmExeter NH/USABlue Cross/Blue Shield Kiwanis Charity Classic
20 Aug 19892533:56aRD11.265 kmFalmouth MA/USAFalmouth Road Race
29 Jul 19892234:13RD11.27 kmDavenport IA/USABix
25 Jun 1989314:27RD5 kmn/a USANEAC Road Championships
24 Jun 198921:03:01aRD12.23 kmPinkham Notch NH/USAMt Washington Road Race$300
25 Jun 198878:13.9OT3 kmDedham MA/USAMetrowest Twilight Meeting
17 Jun 19881414:28.15OT5 kmTampa FL/USATAC Mobil Championships
11 Jun 19881914:02.4OT5 kmDedham MA/USANEAC All-Comers
28 May 198881:04:45RD20 kmWheeling WV/USAElby’s Distance Classic$400
24 Apr 198872:16:56RDMarathonJersey City NJ/USAUS Men’s Olympic Trials$6,000
09 Apr 1988744:59RL15 kmNew York NY/USAAsics Cup America’s Ekiden- Leg 5$3,600
20 Mar 198881:04:06RDHalf MaraNew Bedford MA/USANew Bedford$450
06 Dec 198782:21:25aRDMarathonSacramento CA/USACalifornia International$250
26 Nov 1987123:50RD5 miBoston MA/USAJordan Marsh$1,000
04 Oct 1987323:21RD5 miLowell MA/USAJim Witt 5 Star
27 Sep 1987146:07RD15 kmWilton NH/USAWilton$1,000
26 Jun 1987928:56.95OT10 kmSan Jose CA/USAUSA Mobil Outdoor Championships
20 Jun 198711:01:14aRD12.23 kmPinkham Notch NH/USAMt Washington$350
25 May 19872430:52RD10 kmBoulder CO/USABolder Boulder$244
24 Apr 1987328:29.8OT10 kmPhiladelphia PA/USAPenn Relays- Olympic Development
29 Mar 19873432:47XC9.5 kmSan Vittore Olona ITACinque Mulini
22 Mar 198719840:13XC12 kmWarsaw POLIAAF World Crosscountry Championships
14 Feb 1987637:37XC12 kmDallas TX/USAUS Crosscountry Trials$1,000
10 Jan 1987214:06.41IT5 kmDartmouth NH/USADartmouth Relays
09 Nov 19861824:13RD5 miSalem NH/USAScreen Road Race
12 Oct 198692:15:56RDMarathonSaint Paul MN/USATwin Cities$2,200
14 Sep 1986201:04:59RDHalf MaraPhiladelphia PA/USAPhiladelphia Distance Run
05 Sep 1986628:53.87OT10 kmBrussels BELIvo vanDamme Memorial Meeting
17 Aug 19861633:32aRD11.265 kmFalmouth MA/USAPuma Falmouth Road Race$450
21 Apr 198662:14:50aRDMarathonBoston MA/USABoston$8,500
06 Apr 19861548:15RD10 miWashington DC/USANike Cherry Blossom
16 Mar 198661:04:46RDHalf MaraNew Bedford MA/USANew Bedford
01 Feb 198632:15:57RDMarathonAuckland NZLWang New Zealand
30 Nov 19852732:14XC10 kmRaleigh NC/USATAC Crosscountry Championships
06 Oct 1985838:18RD12.87 kmBoston MA/USAFreedom Trail
14 Jul 198531:03:15RD20 kmAmes IA/USAMidnight Madness
22 Jun 198511:01:32aRD12.2 kmGorham NH/USAMount Washington Road Race
25 May 1985101:03:40RD20 kmWheeling WV/USAElby’s Distance Race
25 Apr 1985529:01.9OT10 kmPhiladelphia PA/USAPenn Relays
01 Dec 1984129:50RD10 kmSan Diego CA/USAAmerican Trails
04 Nov 198452:27:03RDMarathonNewport RI/USAOcean State
07 Oct 1984423:01RD5 miSalem NH/USASalem Screen Printers
30 Sep 1984537:52RD12.87 kmBoston MA/USAFreedom Trail
03 Sep 198451:01:19RD20 kmNew Haven CT/USANew Haven Road Race
26 Aug 19842734:06aRD11.265 kmFalmouth MA/USAFalmouth Road Race
19 Aug 1984523:06RD5 miAgawam MA/USARiverside Twilight
08 Jun 1984DNFDNFOT10 kmSan Jose CA/USATAC Championships
26 May 1984172:18:10aRDMarathonBuffalo NY/USAUS Olympic Trials
13 May 1984448:36RD10 miWorcester MA/USACharlie’s Surplus
26 Apr 1984528:24.6OT10 kmPhiladelphia PA/USAPenn Relays- Open
17 Mar 1984828:53.7OT10 kmEugene OR/USAOregon Invitational
26 Feb 1984148:57RD10 miAmherst MA/USARRCA Championships
19 Feb 19841736:48XC12 kmEast Rutherford NJ/USAUS Crosscountry Trials
15 Jan 1984222:17:33RDMarathonHouston TX/USAHouston
26 Nov 19835531:01XC10 kmState College PA/USATAC Crosscountry Championships
20 Nov 1983323:52RD5 miFitchburg MA/USASlattery’s Turkey Trot
12 Nov 198311:08:41RDHalf MaraLowell MA/USALowell Elks
06 Nov 1983929:56aRD10 kmBoston MA/USAPurity Supreme Heartbreak Hill
16 Oct 1983402:25:27RDMarathonChicago IL/USAAmerica’s
18 Sep 1983430:59RD10 kmWarwick RI/USAWarwick
05 Sep 198341:01:44RD20 kmNew Haven CT/USANew Haven
21 Aug 19831033:12aRD11.265 kmFalmouth MA/USAFalmouth Road Race
07 Aug 1983523:11RD5 miAgawam MA/USARiverside Park Twilight
23 Jul 1983436:04RD12 kmItasca IL/USACrain’s Challenge
18 Apr 1983952:21:01aRDMarathonBoston MA/USABoston
27 Feb 198381:34:58xRD30 kmNagoya JPNChunichi Speed
05 Dec 198252:11:53RDMarathonFukuoka JPNFukuoka
28 Nov 1982929:26XC10 kmEast Brunswick NJ/USATAC Crosscountry Championships
13 Nov 198211:08:16RDHalf MaraLowell MA/USALowell Elks
31 Oct 1982329:05RD10 kmBangor ME/USABenjamin’s
09 Oct 1982945:31RD15 kmEl Paso TX/USACrimestoppers
06 Sep 198271:00:27xRD20 kmNew Haven CT/USANew Haven Road Race
15 Aug 1982933:13aRD11.265 kmFalmouth MA/USAFalmouth Road Race
08 Aug 1982222:47RD5 miAgawam MA/USARiverside Twilight
20 Jun 1982528:44.3OT10 kmKnoxville TN/USATAC Championships
23 May 1982446:01RD15 kmFayetteville NY/USADynamis
09 May 1982249:33RD10 miWorcester MA/USACharlie’s Surplus
02 May 1982549:53RD10 miLawrence MA/USAEagle Tribune
04 Apr 1982329:30RD10 kmBoston MA/USABoston Milk Run
14 Mar 1982548:23RD10 miCherry Hill NJ/USANike New Jersey
07 Feb 198212:15:43RDMarathonBeppu JPNBeppu-Oita
25 Oct 1981242:15:33.1a xRDMarathonNew York NY/USANew York City
10 Oct 1981157:10xRD20 kmThe Woodlands TX/USATAC Championships
07 Sep 198141:00:39xRD20 kmNew Haven CT/USANew Haven
16 Aug 19811833:51aRD11.265 kmFalmouth MA/USAFalmouth Road Race
21 Jun 1981DNFDNFOT10 kmSacramento CA/USATAC/Mobil Championships
03 May 1981536:36RD12.35 kmSpokane WA/USALilac Bloomsday
14 Mar 1981945:25RD15 kmJacksonville FL/USARiver Run
05 Oct 1980437:54RD12.875 kmBoston MA/USAFreedom Trail
07 Sep 198022:10:59RDMarathonEugene OR/USANike-OTC
23 Aug 198011:02:35RD20 kmConcord NH/USATAC Championships
17 Aug 1980432:39aRD11.265 kmFalmouth MA/USAFalmouth Road Race
20 Jul 198081:11:10RDHalf MaraOrleans MA/USANatural Light Orleans
15 Jun 198011:04:29aRD12.875 kmGorham NH/USAMount Washington
08 Jun 1980134:40RD11.265 kmLitchfield CT/USALitchfield Hills
18 May 1980336:29aRD12 kmSan Francisco CA/USABay to Breakers
21 Apr 1980DNFDNFaRDMarathonBoston MA/USABoston
30 Mar 1980648:02RD10 miWashington DC/USACherry Blossom
15 Mar 1980144:54RD15 kmJacksonville FL/USARiver Run
17 Feb 1980111:35:59RD30 kmOme JPNOme-Hochi
01 Jan 1980344:00.2OT15 kmPalo Alto CA/USARunner’s World Invitational
24 Nov 1979330:52XC10 kmRaleigh NC/USAAAU Championships
29 Sep 19791529:37RD10 kmPurchase NY/USADiet Pepsi
16 Sep 1979637:51RD12.875 kmBoston MA/USAHood Freedom Trail Run
01 Sep 1979129:11RD10 kmKingfield ME/USAKingfield
07 Jul 19791=24:31RD5 miNorth Falmouth MA/USANorth Falmouth
17 Jun 197911:02:08aRD12.23 kmPinkham Notch NH/USAMount Washington Road Race
10 Jun 1979235:42RD11.265 kmLitchfield CT/USALitchfield
20 May 1979136:50RD12 kmSan Francisco CA/USABay to Breakers
16 Apr 197932:12:31aRDMarathonBoston MA/USABoston
01 Apr 197941:02:54RD20 kmAtlanta GA/USANike US Club Road Racing Championships
04 Mar 197921:00:44RD20 kmHolliston MA/USAAAU Championships
25 Nov 19781430:25XC10 kmSeattle WA/USAAAU Men’s Crosscountry Championships
01 Oct 1978538:21RD12.875 kmBoston MA/USALabatt’s Freedom Trail
23 Sep 1978429:00RD10 kmPurchase NY/USARun America Run
16 Sep 1978344:19RD15 kmMinneapolis MN/USANike Challenge
20 Aug 1978833:12aRD11.265 kmFalmouth MA/USAFalmouth Road Race
13 Aug 1978237:16RD12.4 kmChelmsford MA/USAChelmsford
05 Aug 1978230:39RD10 kmDuxbury MA/USAGurnet Classic Beach Run
04 Jul 19781230:11aRD10 kmAtlanta GA/USAPeachtree
18 Jun 197811:04:13aRD12.2 kmGorham NH/USAMount Washington Road Race
19 Jun 197711:04:44aRD12.2 kmGorham NH/USAMount Washington
18 Apr 1977462:28:45aRDMarathonBoston MA/USABoston
15 Aug 1976734:32aRD11.265 kmFalmouth MA/USAFalmouth Road Race
19 Jun 197611:05:31aRD11.2 kmGorham NH/USAMount Washington
28 Mar 197671:34:03a xRD30 kmAlbany NY/USABankathon
26 Oct 197561:02:56RD20 kmWest Roxbury MA/USANational AAU Championships
17 Aug 1975535:51aRD11.265 kmFalmouth MA/USAFalmouth Road Race
16 Jun 1974141:15:42RD12.2 kmPinkham Notch NH/USAMount Washington
22 Nov 1973623:17RD7.64 kmManchester CT/USAManchester Road Race
1 comments on “Original Gangsters Of Running (Bob Hodge)
  1. JDW says:

    Word from another OGOR. “Bob has to be the most Underrated high level American marathoner;maybe that’s because he’s a Quiet dude;unless he has a few of Barb’s Beers!” – Bill Rodgers

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