Rod Dixon one of the world's most versatile runners.

The Cult strikes again!

If Dixon isn't the world's most versatile distance runner, I'd think the other candidate is Dick Quax. Bill Baillie might get the bronze.

Last I knew, Dixon was living next door to Kitty from "That 70s Show." His favorite beer from his Pennsylvania days was Yuengling which was mine as well. Nice interview.

And he still looks like he's 34, could kick my butt running up a hill while carrying a keg, and would probably be willing to try. And a helluva nice guy. Damn, life's unfair sometimes.

This wasn't covered in the article, but what was Rod Dixon's training like? I'm sure it changed a bit as he moved up in distance over his career, but as we find out constantly on these boards being a follower of Lydiard's training methods can entail many different things.

I didn't mean to click "post message" before I typed anything...

I was just going to say that he seems like a really nice guy and he does look a lot younger than he is. Great article Wetcoast.

Thanks,

After a few emails - corrections:

'Centre' should be spelt 'Center', as media is done in American. 'Centre' is the Canadian/British spelling.

Alberto Salazar did not actually participate in that 1983 NYC Marathon.

800: 1:43

1500: 3:30

Mile: 3:46

5k: 13:11

10k debut:27:34

12k:National Cross Champ

I think those times makes for one of the most versatile runners ever in my opinion. Nothing against Dixon, however.

This would be Webb? Aouita has 143? 3.29, 27.26 and 12.58

so Webb still has ways to go.

As opposed to Geb who has ran 3.30 1500 and a 2.04 marathon. As well as 7.25, 12.40, 26.30 3k,5k,10k. Despite not being a great xc runner Im sure he would have still easily walked the US National XC Champs.

And also, at least Rod Dixon isnt an excessive running freak who's every waking second revolves around being faster. Maybe if Webb took a chill pill and relaxed a bit he may win a medal at future championships. At the moment he is a far too highly strung individual, a great talent no doubt but needs to learn to enjoy his running more.

but Geb is a doper?

It'e be nice to hear something from Alison Roe as well.

Beyond his performances, two things have stuck in my mind from Dixon's days:

1) an article in RW where he gave advice on how to run hills;

2) when he wore a head-cam at a New York marathon, forget which year, but it was pretty wild at the time...

He was a Saucony guy if i am not mistaken.

Well the jury is still out on that one but if he is dirty then im gonna say Aouita is dirtier than a pig rolling around in muck. Despite my bashing of Webb I would be 99% certain he's clean as opposed to 50% Geb and 10% Aouita

bengel wrote:

but Geb is a doper?

agree, but Aouita was running in the pre Epo era. What did he use?

Im not exactly sure what he used but there sure were a number of Eastern Bloc athletes performing well around those times (including mid-distance runners) as well as many tour cyclist busted for doping so surely there were PED available that aided distance performances. Could have been your basic blood doping but one things for sure: where theres a will theres a way

“All I want to do is drink beer and train like an animal.” Rod Dixon[quote]Em What? wrote:

You have to go with Haile being the greatest of all time and most versatile. He has the second fast indoor 1500 time ever. Now holds the world record in the marathon and has had almost every world record in between. What more does the guy have to prove?

Grete Waitz did alright.

Could add Greg Meyer to the mix (sub 4/2:09, solid steeple).

HRE wrote:

The Cult strikes again!

If Dixon isn't the world's most versatile distance runner, I'd think the other candidate is Dick Quax. Bill Baillie might get the bronze.

Last I knew, Dixon was living next door to Kitty from "That 70s Show." His favorite beer from his Pennsylvania days was Yuengling which was mine as well. Nice interview.

You want to talk versatile. How about Rod Dixon running the 1978 Commonwealth Games 5,000 in borrowed ill-fitting high jump shoes because his own were, Oh, I don't know....STOLEN....in the worst case of track & field SABOTAGE ever.

Seems strangely coincidental 2 years after the 1976 African Olympic boycott.

Em What? wrote:

Im not exactly sure what he used but there sure were a number of Eastern Bloc athletes performing well around those times (including mid-distance runners) as well as many tour cyclist busted for doping so surely there were PED available that aided distance performances. Could have been your basic blood doping but one things for sure: where theres a will theres a way

Remember Olaf Beyer in the '78 Euro 800? A nobody with a 1:47pr, then zipped past Coe/Ovett to cross the line in 1:43, was immediatly covered in a blanket and hustled away. Was never heard of again. Hmmmmm.

or Cierpinski for that matter.

tigranya wrote:

800: 1:43

1500: 3:30

Mile: 3:46

5k: 13:11

10k debut:27:34

12k:National Cross Champ

I love how people on here like to make up times for other people. Let's check pela's lists at

800: No Dixon despite the list going down to 1:45.99

1500: 3:33.89 PR

Mile: 3:53.62 PR

5000: 13:17.27 PR

10000: No Dixon despite the list going down to 27:59.98

Marathon (before someone claims he ran a 2:05): 2:08:59 PR