Ron Daws' "Self Made Olympian" is one of my favorite books. I practiced the up and downhills many times and trimmed every ounce off my shoes.
I was always wondering what happened to Ron, whether it was something physical, or rather something personal that is better not divulged.
Steve Hoag, if you get a chance it would be great to hear some of those Buddy stories, and of the times you were training with Ron Daws.
I received a copy of "A Cold Clear Day" from Buddy around the same time. I happened to be involved with Twin Cities Marathon in 1992 and received a call from someone asking whether we would be interested in having Buddy speak during the weekend events. It turns out that I was able to make the arrangements for Buddy and his wife, Glenda,to travel to Minneapolis as guests of the marathon. He was looking forward to seeing Ron Daws and, when Ron died, I called Buddy to let him know. In addition to receiving a copy of his book, "Buddy" also gave me an autographed Sports Illustrated magazine with a Kenny Moore review of "A Cold Clear Day" and also a 1991 Running News with a nice multi-page story written by Hal Higdon.
This thread about Buddy reminded me that I had those magazines so I spent a few hours trying to figure out where I stored them. Along with the magazines (which I did find), I also saved a Christmas card in 1996 from Buddy and Glenda - sadly Buddy died just a few months later. When Buddy traveled to Minnesota for the Minnesota "Hall of Fame" induction, he postponed a chemotherapy treatment for a week so he would feel well enough to make the trip. He told me the cancer was treatable but not curable. Very sad memories.
J.R., Ron would have been proud of you for trimming your shoes! we always said Ron had to do something to a pair of shoes, "just on principle". He was a very excellent cobbler, though, MAKING all of our racing flats.
Ron died suddenly on July 29(?),1992 from a massive heart attack. His wife, Mary Hanson, called paramedics right away (1-2:00 A.M.), but Ron never recovered. Autopsy later showed alot of arterial blockage (90 % in one, for example) The strange thing is that Ron ran for 3+ hours two days before his attack on trails, feeling great.
Someone suggested that I write a book about Ron's running stories, but doubt if I will. Some things are just better left somewhat private. Anyway, I hate writing! If you are ever in Minneapolis, we could go for a (slow) run; I would be glad to tell you a few Daws/Edelen stories.At least the tamer ones!
Daws and Edelen were two of the greats; I was very priviliged to have known them.
Bump for Buddy and Ron!
I have been away for a couple of days and missed the memories posted here...
These stories are just so nice to hear, I hate to let the thread go....maybe it will help some of the younger runners on the forum learn about our long distance runners of the past who paved the path for us all.
Nice that some of you here knew Buddy and Ron and can conjure up those memories, wish they were here to join in.
Time to re-read Ron's book, as soon as I finish Gerry's book...
Steve H., write the book, we'd love it!
Steve(NM)
You are right. It was Kon Ichikawa's fim. Not Bud Greenspan's.
Orville, with all the great historic tidbits you scatter here, you need never apologize.