Good Ed Whitlock story in NYT today

Hey Ed,

Great job in Toronto last year! While your training regimen may not seem too scientific, it does produce results.

Most coaches would be wise to adopt some of your training prinicples in those athletes who just cannot seem to peak using the 'traditional speed, repeats and quality approach'

I'm not sure who said it, but there is an elite runner quote:

"The more miles I ran, the more talented everyone said I became"

I'll not soon forget enjoying your company at the Toronto at the TOC 5 miler along the waterfront in June of 2001 (I was working hard to stay with you, not the other way around as you said!)

Keep up the great work, you're an inspiration to many!

Bart Guthrie

Go Ed go! I'm 42yo and I find all the stories about you inspiring. Best of luck in Rotterdam.

Regards

James Chow

Oops, sorry, I'm not paying attention to the dates. Ed already ran the Rotterdam marathon and accomplished his goal. Good luck in September, then.

a bump. MORE Ed Whitlock and Orville Atkins!!!!!

We can learn things.

Since this thread ended, Ed and I were able to get together once again. Again, it was at The Cambridge Classic Mile which was held on June 11 this year. The first thing Ed said was that he had been ill and so he was not racing that day. We had a good long chat and also watched Laban Rotich win the car for breaking four minutes on the old style dirt track. The pace setters took Laban through 800 in just under four minutes but from then on he was on his own. Ed and I turned to each other and both shook our heads "no" but we were wrong. After a 3 flat 1200 Rotich ran a 58.9 to finish in 3:58.9 and get his prize. I enjoyed the race and the long chat with Ed. I look forward to seeing him again next year at The Cambridge Classic Mile.

Obviously the 800 was just under two minutes. I guess senility is getting me. Ed is still young and spry and runs like it too.

Orville said I had been ill. Sounds a bit serious for what it was, just a head cold, which did hang around for a couple of weeks. I have been OK since and running quite well although not quite at the same level as I was at this time last year.

That is good news Ed. May yourself and Orville mentor us well into the new millenium.

Sorry Ed. I did not mean to give the impression that you were on your death bed. You sure were not. What races have you run since we met in June?

Thursday I leave for Helsinki. It will be a great trip! There are a number of US runners from our era going to be there including Ted Corbitt, Long John Kelly and John Pagliano.

Wow. I just stumbled upon this thread, where Ed Speaks!

Thank you for your time, Sir. You are a huge inspiration to me. I am a young Master, looking forward to lifelong running. You are showing me the way. Fantastic.

Best 5k 19:06, 10k 39:43, also a 4 miler in 23:56.

Thanks Ed. Congratulations! Those are fine times. Some day the youngsters on this board will realize just how good they are.

Orville

I'm 43, and shaking my head at what Ed did at my age. I'm sure that I'll continue to shake my head at Ed's accomplishments as the decades pass.

'someday'? How about NOW Orville??

I will never run that fast again. I keep getting hurt. I am now back to jog walking. This Canadian/American does not have the genes or patience of Ed Whitlock. I am all run out.

Um, I think Yank meant WHY NOT RIGHT NOW vice SOMEDAY.

I'm impressed. Now.

Was the 4 miler certified?

Yes. I did not interpret that message correctly. Each year I age I respect Ed's times even more.

Orville, just a mention that I am still looking forward to meeting you in Helsinki, too. We (Jane and I) are staying in the least expensive hotel choice, which is where Tom Jordan is our "tour guide". Feel free to call there, or leave a message with him as to how to contact you. Looks like a great park nearby for a run, plus we will be looking for a gym, so we can do some cycling and weights.

Or perhaps dinner? Wouldn't it be great to get Corbitt to join us?!!!