A Passion for Running

one last link (I think!) for my sidebar menu. This post is very much in draft form right now. I will complete it shortly.
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Running Heroes

1. Ed Whitlock: Ed Whitlock is over 75 years old and running 3 hour marathons. This just astounds me. He is #1 on my list of running heroes because he is the perfect example of what sustained fitness can do for us into our later years. The other reason I am inspired by Ed is because he runs 2 to 3 hours a day. No, that was not a typo. The guy is the perfect example of what running lots of miles can do for you. Ed: If you ever read this, please know that I am in complete awe of you. You rock! Oh! Did I mention Ed is Canadian?
2. Emil Zatopek: I’m not sure exactly why but I’ve always been drawn to Emil Zatopek. Maybe it’s because he defines what hard work and determination is. Maybe it’s because he listened to his inner voice. Maybe it’s because he won the 5000 meter, 10,000 meter and Marathon all in the same Olympics. Wow.
3. Steve Prefontaine:So much has been written about “Pre”. He is a compelling historical figure because he flat out refused to put forward anything other than his best. I think, more so than most people we see in athletics.
4. Hicham El Guerrouj: They call him the King of the Mile – because he is. He’s the mile world record holder (3:43:13) and every time I see him running on video, I’m mesmerized. Poetry in motion. More than anyone, watching him makes me want to run fast.

Inspiration

1. My Family: In my hierarchy of needs, fitness is very important. Why is it important? Well, as much as I want for myself to be fit into my old age like Ed Whitlock, I also want to be fit so I can be a good role model, inspire and do stuff with my kids. Every parent has moments that they remember forever – moments that define the relationship we have with our kids. One moment for me was running around a track with my then four year old daughter just prior to the start of a marathon I was to run on my 35th birthday. That moment was special. I hope Cassandra and Christopher pick up running because it would be so great to run with them in their teen and adult years.
2. The Running Blog Family: (Coming!)

Much is being said within running circles about Lance venturing into the world of running.

The big question seems to be around how well Lance will run. Is he a 3:00 hour marathoner, a 2:30 marathoner, a 2:20 marathoner – or might he be even better than that? In other words, does he have world class potential?

A lot has been made of Lance’s stratospheric VO2 max, lactic acid threshold and lung capacity. While those things are undeniable, it may also be safe to say that lance has used up his best years on the bike.

Can we count him out based on age? I’m just not sure.

I’ve also read some people’s assertion that the pounding miles of running will inflict will be harder on Lance than even he can imagine and that, because he is not a ‘lifer’, he’ll break down and suffer from injury before he can attain running greatness.

I’m not sure where Lance will end up, but I think it will be impressive. My guess is he could pull off a 2:30 in fairly short time if he really trained for it. (edit: how’
s 18 months training sound?)

Why? Because I think Lance will run in such a way as to minimize the pounding on his body and take full advantage of his strengths.

And how will he do that? By having something many runners do not have – incredibly high cadence.

My guess is that Lance will quickly become an expert in proper form. Not only that, I believe he will naturally adapt the high cadence that set him apart on the bike to the run.

High cadence = less time on the ground = less impact on the body = less injury = greater chance of success.

Lance will be nimble, Lance will be quick, Lance will break through the finishing tape.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see what this guy can do.

If you’ve read my 100 things post, you know Wayne Gretzky is one of my heroes. But I’m a fan not just because of Gretzky’s sports accomplishments – I also think very highly of him because of the way he treats people, because of his generosity and grace.

Wayne’s mother has passed on and I just want to express my sadness for the Gretzky family because through the years of following him and his family, I know Gretzky got his outstanding personality traits from his parents. His mother was a wonderful lady.

To the Gretzkys: Take care during this time and please know that others are thinking of you.

My roger bannister beats lance armstrong on sport feat list post got some neat feedback. The last comment was from Eric who told me about the amazing Kenyan runner, Daniel Komen. All I have to say is WOW!