Dick Beardsley, one of running's great storytellers, discusses his start in running, his 1981 London win/tie, and the 1982 Boston "Duel In the Sun". I didn't realize that he only ran one season of high school track with a two mile best of 9:58.
Dick Beardsley, one of running's great storytellers, discusses his start in running, his 1981 London win/tie, and the 1982 Boston "Duel In the Sun". I didn't realize that he only ran one season of high school track with a two mile best of 9:58.
Man his story is inspirational
Good stuff, thanks for posting!
I was one of the interviewers here....I wish I had heard his story in high school! Never considered that an “above average but not special” high schooler could get to world class like he did. He’s a fascinating, inspiring guy.
Great interview, and the legend series podcast was fantastic.
Great stuff. Dick seems as enthusiastic now as he was back then.
This was by far the most moving podcast I've ever listened to. I already knew about '82 Boston as well as the unfortunate aftermath but had never heard of Dick's humble beginnings. It is an incredible story. And the end of the interview was so moving. I won't give it away, but I hope Dick and his family know that they are in my thoughts today.
Agree that the end was moving...while it doesn’t feel right to focus on that aspect of the interview specifically as it was so personal and painful, it is impossible to ignore the power and meaning, especially today.
Fantastic interview. What an inspiring, humble guy. Thank you for sharing.
With Alphaflys on a flat course on a cool day, I think both Salazar and Beardsley were capable of running under 2:06. What an epic duel.
Spoke with him in March. Mentioned his arrangement to share the win with Norwegian Inge Sorensen at the London Marathon. He said the Norseman initiated it and and that he was totally down with it especially because of his Norwegian heritage. Asked him if that conversation ever came up with Salazar. He said no.
In this interview he said he and Inge made a deal, and Inge made a move soon after (total pro cycling tactic right there.) Also Dick says Fred Lebow was at the finish line and ripped him a new one, saying such a thing would never happen in NY. I can’t imagine Salazar cutting any deals in a race back in the day. If he did, he would have cut a deal with Henry Rono and won that 10k right before Boston 82!
Not Nomar wrote:
Spoke with him in March. Mentioned his arrangement to share the win with Norwegian Inge Sorensen at the London Marathon. He said the Norseman initiated it and and that he was totally down with it especially because of his Norwegian heritage. Asked him if that conversation ever came up with Salazar. He said no.
Had the enjoyment of meeting Dick and spending a few hours with him after the New Orleans marathon back in the 80’s.
Such a nice guy. Always a fan of his.
Great interview and such a nice guy after meeting him in Duluth.. just as nice as Salazar in person. Both class acts in my book.
If you can ever hear the full story about his accidents and addiction it is crazy. I heard him speak about it in person and it was unreal what he went through to become addicted and then overcome it.
What an excellent interview...thank you for doing this and you have a new subscriber to your Running at n Purpose Legends series of podcasts.
What's next?!?
We've got a good one in the works...don't want to jinx it since we haven't recorded it yet, but it involves a more contemporary legend of the sport. Should be up within two weeks if all goes to plan.
punkrock wrote:
What an excellent interview...thank you for doing this and you have a new subscriber to your Running at n Purpose Legends series of podcasts.
What's next?!?
Why is zoom in quotes in the title? Was it not really done on the Zoom platform or just done in a Zoom parody style?
Interviewers need to shut up and let their guests talk.
Noted!
stop talking host wrote:
Interviewers need to shut up and let their guests talk.