Archive For The “Running Free” Category
“This was unequivocally the greatest marathon performance of all time. And that makes me queasy. In fact, I’m outraged.” – Amby Burfoot 2:09:56! First got the news from Bill Rodgers. Yeah, that guy, the one with the 2:09:27 personal record. Set at Boston, which is not eligible for World Record consideration. Billy was likely the…
I used to think that it didn’t make any difference how far you ran if you had a good, strong musculoskeletal system and no underlying cardiovascular problems. – Kenneth H. Cooper That right there in that photograph is an important group of distance running pioneers. Respect must be paid. And there is always an accompanying…
Back in the day, when running was young, some of these “little” races could get competitive. The headline read LYONS TAKES BENOIT’S RACE. Brunswick, Maine. July 12, 1980. – The Maine Track Club had a five-mile race to honor Joan Benoit, but Patti Lyons-Catalano had something else on her mind – winning. Her 26:25 was…
Ingrid is talkin’ pain as she passes 25M in 2:19:49. We watch Kristiansen and we get the feeling – we are given the feeling by so much of the coverage – that she has somehow failed. Toni Reavis asks, “Is there defeat in victory?” Ingrid is victorious in 2:27:08.
On the other side of uncomfortable situations is growth. – Dawn Staley, AFLAC ad SHE RUNS NYC 09:26:24. Thursday night. Live stream: ESPN+, Fubo, YouTube, X. I don’t watch whatever those are. Did see some marketing info. Could this be the event that sparks the future? The world’s fastest women blaze a trail through the world’s greatest…
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…
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…