ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS BOSTON MARATHON WIN, FORMER USA RUNNER’S WORLD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AMBY BURFOOT SHARES THE LESSONS THAT HAVE STUCK WITH HIM.
MY WIFE DOESN’T LIKE IT WHEN I tell people I was lucky to win the 1968 Boston Marathon. She thinks I should play up the endless 190km training weeks. And yes, they were important. All top runners train hard. But you never know if you’re going to have a good day or not.
16 April this year marked 50 years since my win, and I ran Boston again; though this race didn’t have a shred of luck involved, just gritty determination and accumulated wisdom. Both got me, at age 71, to the Boston finish for the 24th time [in 4:53:22 – Ed.] – and what I’ve learned may help you, too, run healthy and long.
Aim High. But Respect the Process
Winning Boston was fantastic – a peak life experience. We should all aim to do our best whenever possible. But that won’t happen every day. I’ve probably run 1 000 races, and I didn’t win 980 of them. But those 980 provided many of my most exciting running moments. Sprinting to a personal record in the Fukuoka Marathon in Japan. Running with my muscle-bound, minimally aerobic son into the Panathinakon Stadium in the 2010 Athens Marathon. The Comrades Marathon. The Hood to Coast Relay. Free fun runs near my home.
Every run presents a new adventure, full of great gifts. We don’t have to ‘win’ to receive them – but we have to get out the door.
Find a Lifetime Running Friend
When I started running in 1962, I couldn’t find anyone to join me. Then I met John, three years younger and quite a bit slower, but he always said yes when I suggested a 10-kay. John had a wondrous, even temper, though he’d whimper if I pushed the pace. “How come when we ‘run as we feel’, we always run the way you feel?” he’d ask.
Denne historien er fra June 2018-utgaven av Runner's World SA.
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Denne historien er fra June 2018-utgaven av Runner's World SA.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET
In the last decade, the running singlet once reserved for amateur competitors and professional athletes - has gone mainstream, not only on race day but also on everyday runs.
RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES
Banned shoes emerged at a basketball court long before they found their way onto a marathon course.
CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE
Are you an early bird or a night owl? Perhaps you've assigned yourself another animal after completing an internet quiz. Research is shedding light on the link between well-being and circadian predisposition, but there's no need to rewire yourself. Learn to lean into your biology with our guide.
THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD
Some of the world's best runners credit this unorthodox Norwegian training method for their success. Is it right for you?
THE MIND OF MASSYN
IN 2024, LOUIS MASSYN WILL ATTEMPT HIS 49TH COMRADES MARATHON AND HE'S LEARNT PLENTY OF LESSONS ALONG THE WAY. HERE'S THE STORY OF HIS AMAZING JOURNEY.
TAKING CHARGE
OUTSPOKEN AND AMBITIOUS, NEW COMRADES RACE MANAGER (AND FORMER WINNER) ANN ASHWORTH IS LOOKING TO TAKE THE RACE INTO THE FUTURE.
A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES
THIS YEAR, BARRY HOLLAND WILL BE AIMING TO FINISH HIS 50TH CONSECUTIVE COMRADES MARATHON. THIS IS WHAT HAS INSPIRED HIM.
MY RUNNING LIFE
ORDINARY RUNNERS doing EXTRAORDINARY THINGS
Ageing In The Age Of Strava
RECENTLY MY BUDDY Sean sent a text message that said, “Been running a lot of 5:30–6:00 kays early. It feels pretty nice at that pace.”
How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It
I'VE ALWAYS FELT validation when reading a story about writers and their love of procrastination.
