Mark Covert takes a day off from running, the First one since 1968!!!!!

All runners should be as lucky as him.

Great story.

akdsc wrote:

All runners should be as lucky as him.

Great story.

Something he said, 'Not something I have to do but something I GET to do.."

Yes, good fortune including avoiding really high fevers, serious illnesses, leg fractures & the incidence of major surgery & the recovery time after those.

Anyhow there is wear & tear and this to me is sad that it's probably this which is going to end Mark's 45 yr. old running streak.

My late running acquaintance, 'Gunner' Shaw would have been interested in how Mark Covert's career panned out.

He placed 7th in the 72 Olympic trials which as we know, Shorter won and former division 1 Cross Country champion.

We all bow to you sir!!! Heal up and start another one!!

In my high school running days in the early 70's he was known by our high school team as 'Mad Dog' Covert.

I started running twice a day, and the teamalso called me 'Mad Dog'. I bore that sobriquet with pride as it gave me a modest connection to the real 'Mad Dog'.

An interview with his Alma Mater. About 8 and a half minutes in he talks about being the first Nike athlete.

http://vimeo.com/41922553

Congratulations to Mark on both the streak and voluntarily ending it. The article said that Mark in 7th place in the 72 trials marathon was the first runner in Nikes. I was 5th and wore Nikes as well.

1972

1 Kenny Moore OR 2:15:57.8

1 Frank Shorter CO 2:15:57.8

3 Jack Bacheler CO 2:20:29.2

4 Jeff Galloway CO 2:20:29.2

5 Greg Brock CA 2:22:29.6

6 Don Kardong CA 2:22:41.8

7 Mark Covert CA 2:23:34.8

8 Tom Hoffman WI 2:23:44.9

9 Norm Higgins CT 2:24:07.8

10 Skip Houk NV 2:24:40.8

Greg, how did that race go for you? It looks like Moore and Shorter were the class of the field? Did you have reasonable expectations of Top 5, or even making the team? Did you go out slow and pick off runners, or did you go out with the heavy hitters and tail off? How did you choose Nike (or did Nike choose you)? What do you remember about that day?

I hope his foot injury heals up and he can start running again.

I'm pleased Mark is getting the coverage he deserves, in the final days of "The Streak". I was fortunate enough to train and race with him. He never ever shied away from work and put in tons of miles - however probably #3 or 4 on our team and assuredly #2. It was the days of experimentation with very extensive mileage. We had pretty decent achievements with those workouts/efforts.

Interestingly, the guy who is @ #2 in the US (for streaks) is a guy Mark went to Jr. College with. Small world. Mark has been 'hurting' for a number of years with escalating foot probs. If you ever saw his feet you'd understand. Age has caught up.

He was almost always energetic and enthusiastic about running - infectious would be a good word. In true Covert character he has a plan 'B' to continue in his fitness training. Never one to stand by the sidelines. Its prob killed him a bit being a coach, although I'm sure his love for the sport is palpable.

Great job, Mark - I'm starting my streak today, for the xxxxx time. I'll spare the great and memorable stories of your on and off the track/course/roads.

He has not taken the day off yet as Tuesday is 45 years and the last day for now. We are meeting at Antelope Valley College where he coaches for the final run of the streak and many are expected to be there. For now Mark is now cycling to keep training going and will have foot surgery in the near future.

Jon Sutherland is the other runner with the near 45 year streak.

Also, Mark was the first to cross a finish line in Nike Waffle sole shoes.

I remember reading about Mad Dog back in the day, and have been in awe of his streak for the past many years. VERY impressive, and sorry it had to end. Kudos for his dedication all these years.

Who?

Hi Lorenzo, There is an interesting story about my race, however this is Mark's thread. If you are interested find my email at the santa cruz track club website and I'll pass it on. Greg

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video of Mark's streak and his earlier running days begins at 8:04.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYmgZSJlDDs

Dedicated Runner wrote:

video of Mark's streak and his earlier running days begins at 8:04.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYmgZSJlDDs

Thnanks D.R. for sharing this.

What was great was the support Mark got from his family.

He was probably a great coach as well, still is.

Hopefully his surgery will go well.

Quitter.

;)

But seriously, 45 years. Wow! And I'm not even being sarcastic.