Archive For The “Running Free” Category

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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The Complete Original Gangsters Of Running (Vol. 3)

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The Complete Original Gangsters Of Running (Vol. 3)

You said I was weak. You said I couldn’t do it. Thank you. You gave me everything I needed to prove you wrong. – Steve Prefontaine  As a matter of introduction, I can simply say, these exceptional people all inspired me personally and for those who offered friendship, I am honored. – JDW. The Original…

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Chapter 31: “Olympic Hopefuls” By Jay Birmingham

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Chapter 31: “Olympic Hopefuls” By Jay Birmingham

“Coach?””Yes, Diana?””Thank you for everything.” Chapter 31 SECRETARIAT           Diana Bailey ran with the courage that owning a berth on the Olympic team allows.  The Trials schedule mirrored the Olympic format as closely as possible.  A 10,000/5,000 double was difficult for men – and nearly impossible for women.           A woman aspiring to race both…

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Chapter 30: “Olympic Hopefuls” By Jay Birmingham

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Chapter 30: “Olympic Hopefuls” By Jay Birmingham

Tour de France bicycle riders have an unspoken tradition.  If the race leader falls, slips a chain, or has a flat, the field slows until he either catches back up or retires.  No such tradition exists in track. A fall is simply an opportunity for others. Chapter 30 JEREMY’S RACE           Harold Bond pulled away…

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When The Wheels Come Off

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When The Wheels Come Off

Exercise is king. Nutrition is queen. Put them together and you’ve got a kingdom. – Jack Lalanne “…And after a long time the boy came back again. “I am sorry, Boy,” said the tree, “but I have nothing left to give you- My apples are gone.” “My teeth are too weak for apples,” said the boy….

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Chpts. 27-29 “Olympic Hopefuls” By Jay Birmingham

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Chpts. 27-29 “Olympic Hopefuls” By Jay Birmingham

“These events aren’t for the mentally fragile.  When you have twelve fit and courageous young people willing to run themselves to collapse, only three can be completely successful.  The other nine leave with doubts about whether it was worth the pain and effort.  Despite their disappointment today, four years from now, many of them will…

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Chpts. 25 & 26: “Olympic Hopefuls” By Jay Birmingham

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Chpts. 25 & 26: “Olympic Hopefuls” By Jay Birmingham

When you’re in those final laps,” Animas said, “and it begins to hurt, just remember where you come from.” Chapter Twenty-Five KNOXVILLE           Harry Beckwith shuffled the mile to Joe Black Stadium at five-thirty a.m.  The tepid Tennessee humidity covered him like a wet sheet and he wondered how the 10,000-meter runners would fare in…

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Chapter 24:”Olympic Hopefuls” by Jay Birmingham

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Chapter 24:”Olympic Hopefuls” by Jay Birmingham

Cash paid for inside information or photos of people in the news, politicians, or public servants.  Found a skeleton in someone’s closet?  Up to $500 paid for your knowledge.  Call us today at: 1-800-EXPOSED! Chapter Twenty-Four BAD BLOOD                 Benny Parilla could use some extra cash – a gambling junket to the casino in…

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Wild Dog’s 2024 Paris Olympics (Epilogue)

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Wild Dog’s 2024 Paris Olympics (Epilogue)

Oh, I love this badminton right here, this is a great rally right here between China and the U.S. right here. As you see it don’t stop till the casket drop—they rockin’ and rollin’, back and forth, gimme that, no I need that, nope: over here, nope: over there, what about over there?, nope!, what about there?,…

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Chpts. 22 & 23: “Olympic Hopefuls” By Jay Birmingham

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Chpts. 22 & 23: “Olympic Hopefuls” By Jay Birmingham

By the time a boy was six-years-old, he knew the first tradition without being schooled:  women were sacred.  Harsh treatment of any girl or woman, verbal or physical, was simply never seen.  The wishes of one’s mother or wife were humbly met; the needs of an elderly woman were holy edicts. Chapter Twenty-Two KIVATO IN…

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