There was the original Running magazine and then there was Running magazine after Nike bought it.
In between there were two promotional pieces. One by the original Running crew, one by the expanded team with Nike.
One not, one slick.
The “original” was a four-color, fourteen-page mini-Running. Featuring two articles by Jack Welch and two by Dr. E.C. Frederick. The piece was FREE!
A helluva bargain. Winterish, 1979. – JDW
Actual Photo. Actually Used With Text Below.
DEAR RUNNER,
Before you begin to read this mini-version of RUNNING (our normal size is 56 to 64 pages) I would like to tell you about The Thinking Runners’ Magazine. Founded by myself and E.C.Frederick in 1973, RUNNING is one of the sport’s oldest periodicals. We have concentrated our energies on providing information to runners and joggers of all levels of ability and experience. And, despite its relative anonymity. RUNNING is highly respected, having earned a reputation for intelligence and integrity.
In addition to Dr. Frederick (author of the bestseller The Running Body), many well-known authorities have published in RUNNING, including Ernst Van Aaken, Bob Anderson, Tom Bassler, Jim Fixx, Jeff Galloway, Bill Gookin, Harry Hlavac, John Pagliano, John Parker, Chuck Smead, Joan Ullyot, and others.
Recent issues have dealt with such topics as the prevention of overuse injuries, marathon mania, electrolyte replacement, shortcuts to glycogen loading, optimal stride length, and women’s performances. We’ve looked at body fat and its effects, altitude training, menstrual irregularities, the psychology of running, chemical aids. stress & rest, and much more.
RUNNING regularly publishes the most comprehensive examinations of the latest equipment. Book reviews, medical advice, the Runner’s Rostrum. Occasional fiction, infrequent poetry.
In RUNNING you’ll find no race results, no race schedules nor any calendar of coming events. Unique, often provocative, each issue of The Thinking Runners’ Magazine provides good reading about running by people who do it every day.
Don’t just take my word for it – read what other runners say about us.
“RUNNING’s articles have more depth, more messages and meanings than those in Runner’s World.” – The Sacramento Bee, Sacramento, Calf.
“The best $7 a runner can spend. The magazine is absolutely the best I’ve read and I have every subscription available.” – Larry Wallace, Nashville, Tennessee.
“[Publisher/Editor Jack Welch], obviously no gee-whizzer about running, brings a critical eye and a fresh voice.” – Colman McCarthy, The Washington Post.
Find out for yourself. Subscribe to RUNNING today. If – for any reason – you don’t enjoy it, we make this MONEY BACK GUARANTEE: we’ll send you a complete refund for all unmailed issues. You can’t lose, so start RUNNING today.
Stay healthy,
Jack Welch
Publisher/Editor
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Here’s one of those articles.