Author Archive
In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is. – Benjamin Brewester. When did you start running and why?In the winter of my 8th grade year, we moved from Moscow, Idaho to the Seattle area. I had always played baseball in the spring and summer, so I attended tryouts in…
Now and then we had a hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates. – Mark Twain Not A Runt, Just Different. You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way. – Dr. Seuss His boat was small and…
Many, many Americans – and even some of your immigrants – come up to me on the street with tears streaming across their cheeks and down their chins and ask – very strongly – ‘Sir, should we really NOT believe what we see and hear with our own eyes and ears?’ Intimates chewing the fat…
This book is dedicated to every person who has ever pursued a difficult goal and followed that quest to its conclusion. – Jay Birmingham, Raleigh, North Carolina 2024 Chapter One: BILL SZYMCZAK At this distance, details are lost: all I can see is a terrible crush of bodies. The panicked mob pushes, everyone mindless…
“Some of you will win gold medals; others will be humbled. Regardless of what you achieve, return home with your belief in self intact. The fact you are in this room tonight means you have everything it takes to live a life of honor and achievement.” – Calvin Benlehr Chapter 32 CELEBRATION Beckwith rented…
You said I was weak. You said I couldn’t do it. Thank you. You gave me everything I needed to prove you wrong. – Steve Prefontaine As a matter of introduction, I can simply say, these exceptional people all inspired me personally and for those who offered friendship, I am honored. – JDW. The Original…
“Coach?””Yes, Diana?””Thank you for everything.” Chapter 31 SECRETARIAT Diana Bailey ran with the courage that owning a berth on the Olympic team allows. The Trials schedule mirrored the Olympic format as closely as possible. A 10,000/5,000 double was difficult for men – and nearly impossible for women. A woman aspiring to race both…
Tour de France bicycle riders have an unspoken tradition. If the race leader falls, slips a chain, or has a flat, the field slows until he either catches back up or retires. No such tradition exists in track. A fall is simply an opportunity for others. Chapter 30 JEREMY’S RACE Harold Bond pulled away…
“Be calm as I and my family are. We are not hurt and remember that if anything happens to me, there will be others to take my place” – Dr. M.L. King Jr., that same year, after his own home was bombed. Home of Another Bus Boycott Supporter Bombed On the night of August 25,…