Author Archive

Chicago Marathon 1986

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Chicago Marathon 1986

It’s the most audacious thing I’ve seen in the sport since Frank Shorter made a break at 15K in the ’72 Olympics. Original Title: Couch Potato Coverage of 1986 Chicago Marathon October 26.  I missed the start of America’s Marathon, the one every runner calls Chicago.  In fact, I missed the first nine miles. You…

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ATHLOS Needs To Go The Distance

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ATHLOS Needs To Go The Distance

On the other side of uncomfortable situations is growth. – Dawn Staley, AFLAC ad SHE RUNS NYC 09:26:24. Thursday night. Live stream: ESPN+, Fubo, YouTube, X. I don’t watch whatever those are. Did see some marketing info. Could this be the event that sparks the future? The world’s fastest women blaze a trail through the world’s greatest…

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Recliner Tai-Chi & More Current Thoughts

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Recliner Tai-Chi & More Current Thoughts

“Taking a break will allow a breakthrough to happen.” – Kazuaki Tanahashi Aging so fast, almost don’t have time to take notes. A dear older buddy has pancreatic cancer and it is my job to cheer him up. Meanwhile, my left knee exploded for the second time this summer just in time for my Physical…

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Nothing About This Is Easy

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Nothing About This Is Easy

The hope of the world lies in the rehabilitation of the living human being, not just the body but also the soul. – Vaclav Havel Old age is terminal, but it can take its own sweet time. Nothing about this is easy. Comes a time you might ask yourself, am I injured or am I…

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OGOR CNW (Jim “The Jet” Johnson)

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OGOR CNW (Jim “The Jet” Johnson)

In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is. – Benjamin Brewester. When did you start running and why?In the winter of my 8th grade year, we moved from Moscow, Idaho to the Seattle area. I had always played baseball in the spring and summer, so I attended tryouts in…

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Being The Adventures Of The Booty-Sniffing Pirate, Long John Dogg

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Being The Adventures Of The Booty-Sniffing Pirate, Long John Dogg

Now and then we had a hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates. – Mark Twain Not A Runt, Just Different. You’re off to great places, today is your day.  Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way. – Dr. Seuss His boat was small and…

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Imagine Trump As Your Life Coach

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Imagine Trump As Your Life Coach

Many, many Americans – and even some of your immigrants – come up to me on the street with tears streaming across their cheeks and down their chins and ask – very strongly – ‘Sir, should we really NOT believe what we see and hear with our own eyes and ears?’ Intimates chewing the fat…

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Jay Birmingham’s “Olympic Hopefuls” (The Complete Novel)

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Jay Birmingham’s “Olympic Hopefuls” (The Complete Novel)

This book is dedicated to every person who has ever pursued a difficult goal and followed that quest to its conclusion. – Jay Birmingham, Raleigh, North Carolina 2024 Chapter One: BILL SZYMCZAK      At this distance, details are lost: all I can see is a terrible crush of bodies. The panicked mob pushes, everyone mindless…

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Wild Dog College Tour

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Wild Dog College Tour

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Chpts. 32-34: The Conclusion of “Olympic Hopefuls” By Jay Birmingham

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Chpts. 32-34: The Conclusion of “Olympic Hopefuls” By Jay Birmingham

“Some of you will win gold medals; others will be humbled.  Regardless of what you achieve, return home with your belief in self intact.  The fact you are in this room tonight means you have everything it takes to live a life of honor and achievement.” – Calvin Benlehr Chapter 32 CELEBRATION           Beckwith rented…

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