How fast can we run? …I ran track (poorly) and cross country (better) for Anaheim High School in 1961-1962. Trained and raced barefoot, mostly. And so, yes, I was a forefoot striker. Like everyone else. For cross country, for trails and the road, you had three choices: barefoot, crappy Tigers from Japan, and a tennis shoe like thing from Adidas. For track, the sole choice was Adidas.
Highly recommended: the wet engine and Deep Survival
Nike cancels release of July Fourth sneaker. Kaepernick took offense.
One in Five Americans Get Hurt By Someone Else’s Drinking Every Year
The Myth of the Sports Scholarship. Why should we pay taxes, and students more in fees, to pay for athletes who are not there to learn?
Magness: After a breakthrough, you should back off, not press forward
Roger Robinson, 80, was born in Birmingham, England, and raised in suburban London. He obtained scholarships to an academic high school and then attended Cambridge University, graduating with an M.A. and PhD in English. Seeking a less urban environment and more opportunity, he moved to New Zealand. He taught English at the University of Canterbury. At age 35 he became a full professor at Victoria University of Wellington where he spent most of his career. Highly regarded as a teacher, he also became Dean and Academic Vice Chancellor. Always a scholar, he wrote scores of articles and wrote or edited books, mostly concerning 19th century English novels.
His passion for words is similarly reflected in his many articles for Running Times and Runner’s World and books on running. His latest book, When Running Made History, was published in 2018 and is his best. It may be one of the best running books you will ever read ($17.96 on Amazon). Roger was also a prominent track announcer, TV and radio commentator, and continues as a major spokesman and historian for our sport.
His passion for running began after attending the 1948 London Olympics. Thrilled and inspired by Emil Zatopek’s 10,000m victory, Roger became a life-long runner and racer, despite lacking any sprint speed or finishing kick (he was always last in any school 100m trial). However, he developed a prowess as the years rolled (ran) by, representing England and later New Zealand in world championships. He became an age group world-beater once he reached his forties and fifties. At age 75-plus, following a partial knee replacement, he won U.S. age-group championship races at 5K (22:16), 10K (47:38), and a 1:46:57 half marathon. At 78 he had a total knee replacement on the other knee and is now working hard to get back to running and racing. He has some serious targets once he makes his debut in his new age group.
He is married to Kathrine Switzer, the first registered female to run the Boston Marathon. Switzer continued to be a notable racer and she continues to be a major force in promoting women’s running and racing. Roger and Kathrine divide their time between New Zealand and the Hudson Valley in New York State. Roger is the proud father of two sons, Tom and Jim, and grandfather to William, Maria, and Sophie, all New Zealanders.
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For more, click on and enjoy July OTC Newsletter
USATF Debacle Gets Even Weirder
Pre Classic, probably the best track on the tube this year, on NBC, Sunday, 1 p.m. Details.
Why you should talk to old people. …Hello In There
Walk with a Doc. For 13 weeks, leading up to the Eugene Marathon, Vin Lananna/TrackTown USA has a one hour Sunday workout. There is always a M.D. there to walk and talk with anyone. Free.
Are you signed up for your local July 4th race? Hope so. Jen A. Miller/NYT on the largest race in the country, Peachtree. And some outstanding links.
While waiting for a heart, guy raises money for Heart Institute and does a 10K. Story.
USA Track and Field Tries To Hide The Fact That They Messed Up BIG TIME
Consider the hummingbird… Joyas Voladoras
It just gets worse. Up To 39 Athletes May Have Had Their Spot on Team USA Denied Thanks To USATF’s Incompetence …Who gets fired when the head honcho signs off on the goof?
Meet Bob Schul, Team USA’s Only 5,000-meter Olympic Champion In History …On Sunday he would do 20 X 400 in 60 seconds. Probably on a track worse than at the high school nearest you. …BTW, are you racing the local 5K (or whatever) on July 4th? Hope so. Patriotic duty. …We’re just not buying that you’re too old or crippled.
Joy in hiking. Alone. Or naked
More joy. The Great Summer Read …And more. We read and enjoyed Good to Go and The Pioneers
Video: On This Oregon Trail, Foresters and Mountain Bikers Work Together
How to Fall Asleep in 120 Seconds …The U.S. Navy did not teach us that in boot camp.
Ken Goe: Leadership of USA Track & Field continues to bumble along
The Rise of the Snowplow Sports Parents
Lifestyle and drug therapies are not in competition
the morning shakeout. Check out the documentary on The Speed Project. Participation in such events is unforgettable.
No snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible. ~Stanislaw Jerzy Lee
Jen A. Miller/NYT: Running. With links.
Why books don’t work. I read that about 10 hours ago and I’m still thinking about it.
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