Arthur Lydiard has died

just wanted to say thanks to 'arty'. he will be missed for sure. but let us remember that we should CELEBRATE his life, and not be too sad. ;-) he was the man!!!

-infa-

Now only if he ran more short intervals, he may have lived til he was 100 just like if Atkins ate more carbs.

Yeah you're right on the money farun although I'm very sad about the news we should be celebrating the great man's life! If it wasn't for his methods there is no way someone with mediocre (sp?) talent like myself would succeed.

Thanks Arthur, may you rest in piece.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have met this man in the last few weeks of his life. I will never forget the things he told me in his brief stay in Boulder. I never learned so much in a 30 minute conversation over coffee than I did with him. Who was I to be worthy of 30 minutes of his time? But he gladly talked with me, anyways.

http://www.boulderrunning.com/news/news.php?&id=47

Also, his Boulder event

http://www.runningusa.org/media/wire2004/Wire2004-95.html#story1

If it weren't for Arthur Lydiard, my ass probably wouldn't be out on the road for 90-120 minutes of each and every day. Lydiard is dead; long live Lydiard.

Isn't it ironic that he died on a Sunday? Everyone woke up to do their long run, and found out the inventor of the Sunday long run is dead.

In New Zealand, he died just as they were getting done with their Waiataura's.

He died Saturday, the fact was posted late last night here, and you heard about it today, Sunday.

From a youth who focused on the 400m dash in local competitions, to a converted distance runner in high school, I undoubtedly can credit Arthur Lydiard with being a great contributor in my realizing the joy of running, and how truly better one could become by simply and essentially, running........more.

A sad day for his family and friends and loyal followers, I'm sure, but some consolation can be found in the fact that the impact he had on the world will never fade. Moreover, maybe even some joy can be found in that fact that he died while on tour doing, arguably, his life's most influential work.

I was fortunate to see Coach Lydiard at U of MD last month.

I spite of the ravages of four strokes and two bum knees, he still had a great sense of humor and tremendous dignity.

After the lecture and questions, we were all huddled around the coach as he showed us the right way to lace our shoes.

Can someone describe how Lydiard tells you to tie your shoes? I'm thinking of doing that from now on.

Arthur's teachings made me the runner I am today. When I met him as a high school frosh, I had run in the 20s for 5k, 5:20s for the mile and 11:30s for 2 miles. After 4 years of following his program (2.5 serious) I was able to go 15:30, 4:20 and 9:20. My high school coach was a close personal freind of Arthur's and I honestly believe had I gone to any other high school in Michigan, I wouldn't have ever turned in to anything. I was fortunate to meet him again this past year and got to have a one on one conversation.

In the words of Bob Costas talking about the late Mickey Mantle: "I just hope god has a place for him where he can run again."

He was a great coach and a great man and will be missed.

RIP

Just heard of the passing of A.L. Take heart, legends never die!

It was a real pleasure to see the man before he passed. I will tell my children about him someday.

Have you never seen this site?http://www.fitnesssports.com/lyd_clinic_guide/lydpg28.html

MooTheCow wrote:

Can someone describe how Lydiard tells you to tie your shoes? I'm thinking of doing that from now on.

I remember reading his book as a high school junior then going out and putting in the miles. His methods gave me the PR's and still after 26 years of running I use his ideas to format my training. IMHO, this is the greatest distance running coach who has ever lived. His methods will never die. Now, get out and run!!

51:30

My respects to Arthur's friends, family and followers.

I wore all black for my 20-miler this morning, just by coincidence....and now I'm really glad I did.

RIP Coach Lydiard, you inspired and helped us all.

All of us at York HS were privelaged to be in his presence earlier in the year. Our coach, Joe Newton looked up to this man immensely. I think of Mr. Newton being the best coach ive ever seen, but to know that even he looks up to Mr. Lydiard just shows what a huge impact he had on so many people.

RIP and thank you