but not forgotten
but not forgotten
As a 16 year old I planned to make the 6 hour drive to go see him speak at a shoe store. I was also planning on racing the Footlocker regional in the same trip. The week before Footlocker regionals I found out that I wouldn't be running because I had a stress facture so I decided not to make the drive just to see him speak. He died 2 weeks later. Still regret not making the drive.
Probably the biggest running inspiration to me personally.
Run in peace, bruh
I was talking with him in about 2004, for ages (50mins-1hr20). I can't remember everything that we discussed, but it was a meeting I will cherish for ever. He was struggling at this stage. But still emphasized the need for miles, miles and more miles.
What about running surface? Does he emphasize softer surfaces over harder ones? And what were his opinions on the cushioning in running shoes?
He was always a hard surfaces guy, but did admit the East Africans trained on undulating soft surfaces. He always thought shoes needed to be straighter and flexible.
His emphasis on doing part of the training on hills (or stairs for flatlanders) is still far ahead of many coaches today.