Cool video of '64 5000

I would like to see the book as well. Any info on where to get ahold of it. Norpath was 4th in the '68 1500. Interesting time gaps in that race. First of all, there were 3 rounds. Ryan had the fastest semi-final in 3:51.2. Wow! Talk about everyone saving it. Jichcho led in 56.0, Norpath 2nd, a stride back. Keino took over (1:55.3), 10 meter lead, & Ryun way back. 1. Keino 3:34.9 (OR), 2. Ryun 3:37.8, 3. Tummler(WG) 3:39.0 (was he a Van Aaken pupil?) 4. Norpath 3:42.5, 5. Whetton, GB 3:43.8, 6. Boxberger, Fr 3:46.6, 12. Liquori 4:18.2. Another interesting fact: Keino fought a gall bladder attack a few weeks leading up to the Olympics & Ryun fought mono at the same time.

why cant espn classic show some old school running. I know its the not the most popular, but Jim Ryun, Billy Mills, Shorter, i mean these guys were huge during their day generally and known by everyone

no idea if the book is still in print, but if you google "Van Aaken Method" you'll get some links to sites that sell it, and cheap.

I found it collecting dust on the sports shelf at one of the public libraries in greater Boston. The last time someone had taken it out was 1987. Some very interesting stuff in there, many parts that will leave you shaking your head. In addition to favoring mega, mega mileage at such a crawling slow pace that each day's training would take 2-4 hours, he also advocated eating no more than 1500 calories a day. Not an equation that squares out in my mind, but whatever. Norpoth was quite the bonebag, as you can see from the video clip.

If you do get your hands on the book, check out his hypothetical "ideal schedule" for a runner in training, where there are 5 or so separate runs interspersed throughout the day, with about 5 hours of sleep (did I mention Van Aaken didn't think more than six per night was really necessary?). It's so out of whack, it's hard to believe he's talking about the same sport we're familiar with.

Needless to say, his long-term influence has been strongest in the ulttrarunning community. Having read his book, I have no trouble understanding how Wejo improved so much by slowing down the pace on his easy runs and jacking up the mileage. It's no coincidence the one went with the other (slow pace, higher mileage). I do have trouble understanding guys whose egos won't let them take it easy, so every run has to be at least 6 minute pace (an arbitrary number if ever there was one), so they get fried and can't increase their mileage w/o falling apart.

Anyone know who the announcers were on this clip? Good call of the race.

I happened to be fortunate to be able to be coached by Bob Schul for several years while in college, before he went back to Wright State. I have a copy of that entire 1964 race and it is indeed a great race. Bob often pointed out that he no only ran that last 300 very fast, but it was on cinder and had rained just before. He also believes that the rain helped him a great deal because he has asthma.