OGORs Volume 2 (Greg Meyer)

“To be good is not enough when you dream of being great.”

30 Years Later, Last American Male To Win Boston Marathon To Run ...

Here’s what Wikipedia has to say.

Greg Meyer (born September 18, 1955) is an American long-distance runner. Meyer’s winning time for the 1983 Boston Marathon race was 2:09.00. He was the last American to win the Boston Marathon until 2014, and the last person born in America to win the Chicago Marathon until 2017. He set ten American road racing records and two world records, and won the River Bank Run, in his home town of Grand Rapids, seven times.

Seems like a lot when you say it like that.

Personal life

Meyer was born in Grand Rapids, MI to parents Rita and Jay. He has one older sibling, Matthew Meyer. He met and married fellow runner Paula Lettis in 1980 while living in Boston and together they had three children, Nicolle (1981), Jacob (1983) and Daniel (1986). He divorced in 2005 while living in Dexter, MI.

Meyer is a 1973 graduate of Grand Rapids West Catholic High School. In 1977 he earned a degree in education and social studies from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI.  In 1986 he earned a Master of Education degree from Boston University.

If you are reading this article for college credit and taking notes, put down ‘proud parent’ and ‘Michigan man.’

Running accomplishments

Meyer set American road racing records in the 8K, the 10K, and the 15K. He set world records in the 10-mile run and the 25K. He was the first University of Michigan runner to break the four-minute mile mark. He was inducted into the University of Michigan Hall of Fame in 2011. In 1978, Meyer won the U.S. Amateur Athletic Union’s cross country running title, in 29:35.9, narrowly edging out Alberto Salazar. The U.S. boycotted the 1980 Summer Olympics, and Meyer finished 7th in the 1984 Trials.

30 Years Later, Last American Male To Win Boston Marathon To Run ...
The view from the truck.

When did you start running?

1.) Started running in middle school as training for other sports. Really began to focus on it once I hit high school. Found I was good at it and wanted to find my niche, so it was running.

Toughest opponent?

2.) Toughest opponent is a tough one… there are a few. Herb Lindsay in high school, college and on the roads after college. Bill Rodgers was just a fierce competitor. Jon Sinclair stands out as just one tough guy! Always a nasty race with him. He was relentless. Steve Jones could hurt you as well.

Most memorable run?

3.) 2013 Boston. Ran with my two boys…just a great experience, then the bombing. With my daughter and future wife working the finish line all day, it bonded us in a powerful way.

Would it be safe to assume your Boston win was the most memorable for thirty years?

Sure. But actually Boston ’83 was tied with breaking four minutes in the mile.  3:59.1. I grew up watching Liquori and Ryan!  Marty was just a tough competitor.

Biggest disappointment?

4.) 1984 Olympic Marathon Trials. I was very fit. At 20 miles looked around and felt I got this, then at 22 had a hamstring problem and that ended my Olympic dream.

It was the closest I came to quitting running. Quit competing totally.
 

Greg Meyer - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia

What would you do differently if you could do it again?  Why?

5.) After winning Boston in ’83, I should have gone back to my strengths, 10K through 25 kilometers, and only run the occasional marathon.

My body was not made to do consistent marathon training. And the injury cycle began.

I would also incorporate more stretching / yoga. I totally messed that up.

Favorite philosopher?  Quote?

6.) Don’t have a favorite philosopher, but favorite saying has been “to be good is not enough when you dream of being great.”

Special song of the era?

7.) Anything by the Eagles!

Favorite comedian?

8.) Hands down, George Carlin. Second would have to be Robin Williams.

What was your ‘best stretch of running’?  And so why do you think you hit that level at that time?

9.) 77-78 after college. Felt unstoppable as I made a leap to another level. Broke four minutes and was just running great.

1982-83, fall of 82 through spring of 83. Raced often and lost twice, once to Alberto Salazar in the Miami Orange Bowl 10K and once to Rob De Castella at Gasparilla 15K. Deke set the WR that day, I set the American record in second. Won Chicago and Boston in this stretch. [Anybody who has that coverage in T&FN should send a copy to JDW.]

That’s a good stretch.

Each time it was because I finally took my training to another level, which supplies both the physical strength and the confidence. Also, was totally in synch with my coaches. Ron Warhurst in 77-78 and Bill Squires in 82-83.

What was your edge?

10.) I had the physical ability to handle a great deal of hard running without injury. The racing advantage I had was I had the willingness to go out hard, to make it a battle from the gun.

What supplementary exercise did you do?

11.) Only real supplemental exercise was some weight lifting.

I can’t count golf as supplemental!

Bruce Bickford | Maine Running Hall of Fame
Flying in front of Bruce Bickford

The Association of Road Racing Statisticians, geeks and nerds all smarter than me, credits Greg Meyer with career prize money of $55,250. 

Career wins of seventy-six (76) against some big names and strong fields.

Personal bests

TypeDistanceTimeFlagsSiteDateActions
RD5 km14:58Waltham MA/USA10 Nov 1990
RD10 km28:13Miami FL/USA15 Jan 1983
RD15 km43:07Tampa FL/USA05 Feb 1983
RD10 mi46:13Washington DC/USA27 Mar 1983
RD20 km1:01:15New Haven CT/USA03 Sep 1984
RDHalf Mara1:03:11New Bedford MA/USA16 Mar 1986
RD25 km1:16:12Grand Rapids MI/USA09 May 1987
RD30 km1:31:05Ome JPN20 Feb 1983
RDMarathon2:09:01aBoston MA/USA18 Apr 1983
OT3 km8:08.32Oslo NOR27 Jun 1985
OT5 km13:38.1Eugene OR/USA01 Jun 1985
OT10 km27:53.1Williamsburg VA/USA02 Apr 1983
IT3 km7:54.44Hanover NH/USA09 Jan 1983
IT2 mi8:39.2San Diego CA/USA17 Feb 1978
IT5 km13:35.44Boston MA/USA23 Jan 1983

https://gregmeyerrunning.com/

Performances

Date FinishedTimeFlagsTypeDistanceSiteRacePrize moneyActions
27 Oct 1991102:19:27RDMarathonChicago IL/USAChicago$250
13 Jul 199192:22:24RDMarathonMoscow RUSMoscow International Peace$2,700
11 May 199191:21:21RD25 kmGrand Rapids MI/USAOld Kent River Bank
05 Jan 19911029:52RD10 kmCharlotte NC/USACharlotte Observer
10 Nov 1990214:58RD5 kmWaltham MA/USAJohnny Kelley
28 Oct 199012RD10 kmSouth Bend IN/USASports Med
14 Oct 199021:06:22RDHalf MaraDayton OH/USATandem Dayton Corridor Classic$500
30 Sep 1990435:56aRD12 kmSan Francisco CA/USABridge to Bridge
23 Sep 1990624:07RD8 kmLansing MI/USAPlaymakers Autumn Classic
03 Sep 199081:04:00RD20 kmNew Haven CT/USANew Haven Road Race$200
25 Aug 19901951:48RD10 miFlint MI/USABobby Crim Road Race
28 Jul 19901734:32RD11.27 kmDavenport IA/USAQuad City Times Bix
12 May 199051:16:52RD25 kmGrand Rapids MI/USAOld Kent River Bank Run
16 Apr 1990DNFDNFaRDMarathonBoston MA/USABoston
08 Apr 1990829:12RD10 kmBoston MA/USAMDA Boston Milk Run$250
10 Feb 19901634:46XC11.93 kmSeattle WA/USAU S Crosscountry Trials
10 Dec 198992:21:47RDMarathonHonolulu HI/USAHonolulu
27 Apr 1989228:42.1OT10 kmPhiladelphia PA/USAPenn Relays- Olympic Development
09 Apr 19891129:12RD10 kmBoston MA/USAMDA Boston Milk Run
05 Mar 198952:16:46RDMarathonLos Angeles CA/USACity of Los Angeles$3,000
04 Feb 1989930:33RD10 kmMiami FL/USACapital Bank Orange Bowl Bay Bridge Run$200
14 Jan 1989730:22RD10 kmHamilton BERBermuda
27 Aug 19881549:51RD10 miFlint MI/USABobby Crim
02 Jul 1988913:55.9OT5 kmDedham MA/USANEAC Championships
25 Jun 198858:11.83OT3 kmDedham MA/USAMetrowest Twilight Meeting
17 Jun 1988713:55.78OT5 kmTampa FL/USATAC Mobil Championships
04 Jun 1988228:36.9OT10 kmDedham MA/USANEAC All-Comers
14 May 198831:17:12RD25 kmGrand Rapids MI/USAOld Kent River Bank Run$1,000
24 Apr 198882:17:40RDMarathonJersey City NJ/USAUS Men’s Olympic Trials$4,500
10 Apr 19881229:17RD10 kmBoston MA/USAMDA Boston Milk Run
27 Mar 1988647:49RD10 miWashington DC/USANike Cherry Blossom$500
13 Feb 19881844:48RD15 kmTampa FL/USAGasparilla Distance Classic
24 Jan 1988113:58.6IT5 kmBoston MA/USANEAC Indoor Championships
01 Nov 1987102:14:31aRDMarathonNew York NY/USANew York City$6,000
04 Oct 1987435:16RD12 kmItasca IL/USAOktoberfast$1,500
22 Aug 1987549:45RD10 miFlint MI/USABobby Crim
31 May 198711:05:51RDHalf MaraKansas City MO/USAHospital Hill
09 May 198711:16:12RD25 kmGrand Rapids MI/USAOld Kent River Bank
25 Apr 1987144:58RD15 kmKalamazoo MI/USABurgess Medical Center$500
15 Feb 198771:34:44RD30 kmOme JPNOme-Hochi
07 Feb 19871345:33RD15 kmTampa FL/USAGasparilla Distance Classic
07 Dec 198662:18:52RDMarathonHonolulu HI/USAHonolulu
23 Nov 1986123:40RD5 min/a MA/USASlattery’s
12 Oct 198662:14:50RDMarathonSaint Paul MN/USATwin Cities$5,500
05 Oct 1986337:35RD12.87 kmBoston MA/USAFreedom Trail
23 Aug 1986648:13RD10 miFlint MI/USABobby Crim
17 Aug 19862433:49aRD11.265 kmFalmouth MA/USAPuma Falmouth Road Race
01 Aug 1986129:28.95OT10 kmHouston TX/USANational Sports Festival
04 Jul 19861228:47aRD10 kmAtlanta GA/USAPeachtree Road Race
20 Jun 1986428:49.42OT10 kmEugene OR/USAUSA Outdoor Championships
07 Jun 1986128:31.3OT10 kmDedham MA/USANEAC Championships
01 Jun 1986329:57RD10 kmJohnston RI/USARich Classic$750
31 May 1986229:39RD10 kmElkhart IN/USAElkhart Great Race$350
10 May 198611:16:38RD25 kmGrand Rapids MI/USAOld Kent River Bank
21 Apr 1986122:17:29aRDMarathonBoston MA/USABoston$1,300
06 Apr 1986747:12RD10 miWashington DC/USANike Cherry Blossom$400
16 Mar 198631:03:11RDHalf MaraNew Bedford MA/USANew Bedford
01 Mar 19861628:48RD10 kmPhoenix AZ/USAAmerican Continental
06 Oct 1985334:47RD12 kmItasca IL/USAOktoberfast
02 Sep 198541:00:22xRD20 kmNew Haven CT/USANew Haven
24 Aug 1985447:19RD10 miFlint MI/USABobby Crim
18 Aug 19851032:48aRD11.265 kmFalmouth MA/USAFalmouth Road Race
27 Jul 1985129:53RD10 kmJackson MS/USACascades Dick Hatt Memorial
10 Jul 1985828:25.13OT10 kmLausanne SUIAthletissima
27 Jun 198598:08.32OT3 kmOslo NOROslo Games
09 Jun 1985129:55RD10 kmGoshen IN/USAGreat Race
01 Jun 19851513:38.1OT5 kmEugene OR/USAPrefontaine Classic
18 May 1985629:21.09OT10 kmEvanston IL/USABig 10 Conference Championships
11 May 198511:16:58RD25 kmGrand Rapids MI/USAOld Kent River Bank Run
05 May 1985130:56RD10 kmFremont OH/USAFremont News Messenger Camelback
27 Apr 1985928:21.3OT10 kmWalnut CA/USAMt SAC Relays
24 Mar 1985247:49RD10 miCherry Hill NJ/USANike New Jersey
02 Mar 19851728:54RD10 kmPhoenix AZ/USAContinental Homes
23 Feb 198538:42.88IT2 miMadison WI/USABig Ten Conference Championships
15 Feb 1985114:17.63IT5 kmAnn Arbor MI/USACentral Collegiate Championships
25 Jan 1985813:53.23IT5 kmNew York NY/USAMillrose Games
19 Jan 1985313:52.7IT5 kmBoston MA/USANew England TAC
06 Jan 198517:59.21IT3 kmHanover NH/USADartmouth Relays
25 Nov 1984628:53RD10 kmBraintree MA/USABraintree Hospital
04 Nov 1984128:37RD10 kmNewton MA/USAPurity Supreme Heartbreak Hill
13 Oct 1984124:35RD8 kmBoston MA/USAStroh’s
13 Oct 1984124:24RD8 kmJersey City NJ/USAStroh’s
07 Oct 1984429:02RD10 kmPortland OR/USADr Scholl’s Pro Comfort
30 Sep 1984337:45RD12.87 kmBoston MA/USAFreedom Trail
09 Sep 1984129:39RD10 kmBedford MA/USAStouffer’s High Tech
03 Sep 198441:01:15RD20 kmNew Haven CT/USANew Haven Road Race
19 Aug 19841229:50RD10 kmPortland OR/USANordstrom International
03 Aug 1984329:19RD10 kmSeattle WA/USASeafair Diet Pepsi
06 Jun 1984123:48RD8 kmNewburyport MA/USALite Beer Challenge
26 May 198472:13:29aRDMarathonBuffalo NY/USAUS Olympic Trials
20 May 1984414:23.46OT5 kmColumbus OH/USABig-10 Conference Championships
19 May 1984229:53.97OT10 kmColumbus OH/USABig-10 Conference Championships
13 May 1984147:28RD10 miWorcester MA/USACharlie’s Surplus
05 May 1984113:55.73OT5 kmIndianapolis IN/USAIndiana Invitational
28 Apr 1984448:45RD10 miNew York NY/USATrevira Twosome
08 Apr 1984128:50.4RD10 kmKingston NY/USAKingston Classic
06 Apr 1984313:57.20OT5 kmAustin TX/USATexas Relays
18 Mar 1984147:21RD10 miCherry Hill NJ/USANike New Jersey
18 Mar 1984148:32RD10 miOlney PA/USASt Patty’s Day
10 Mar 1984628:49xRD10 kmMobile AL/USAAzalea Trail Run
17 Feb 1984314:23.29IT5 kmYpsilanti MI/USACentral Collegiate Championships
22 Jan 1984113:43.5IT5 kmBoston MA/USANew England TAC Championships
03 Dec 1983229:49RD10 kmNassau BAHParadise Island Bluewater Run
20 Nov 1983330:34RD10 kmRosemont IL/USARosemont Turkey Trot
06 Nov 1983429:36aRD10 kmBoston MA/USAPurity Supreme Heartbreak Hill
16 Oct 1983142:17:34RDMarathonChicago IL/USAAmerica’s$1,000
02 Oct 1983128:49RD10 kmBangor ME/USABenjamin’s
18 Sep 198361:03:49RDHalf MaraPhiladelphia PA/USAPhiladelphia Distance Classic
05 Sep 198351:01:53RD20 kmNew Haven CT/USANew Haven
27 Aug 19832050:01RD10 miFlint MI/USABobby Crim
07 May 198311:16:49RD25 kmGrand Rapids MI/USAOld Kent River Bank
30 Apr 1983124:52RD5 miFoxboro MA/USAFoxboro
18 Apr 198312:09:01aRDMarathonBoston MA/USABoston
02 Apr 1983127:53.1OT10 kmWilliamsburg VA/USAColonial Relays
27 Mar 1983146:13RD10 miWashington DC/USACherry Blossom
20 Feb 198311:31:05RD30 kmOme JPNOme-Hochi
05 Feb 1983243:07RD15 kmTampa FL/USAGasparilla
23 Jan 1983113:35.44IT5 kmBoston MA/USANew England TAC
22 Jan 1983113:35.44IT5 kmBoston MA/USANew England TAC
15 Jan 1983228:13RD10 kmMiami FL/USARace of the Americas
09 Jan 198317:54.44IT3 kmHanover NH/USADartmouth Relays
31 Dec 1982123:14RD5 miNew York NY/USARunner Brooks New Year’s
05 Dec 1982132:32RD10.46 kmFramingham MA/USAScott Bailey Memorial
25 Nov 1982221:46RD7.68 kmManchester CT/USAManchester Road Race
21 Nov 1982128:59RD10 kmRosemont IL/USARosemont
07 Nov 1982129:56RD10 kmWaterbury CT/USAFischang-Cicchetti Memorial
31 Oct 1982128:23RD10 kmBangor ME/USABenjamin’s
26 Sep 198212:11:00RDMarathonChicago IL/USAChicago$12,000
06 Sep 1982158:27xRD20 kmNew Haven CT/USANew Haven Road Race
21 Aug 1982347:58RD10 miFlint MI/USABobby Crim
08 Aug 1982122:45RD5 miAgawam MA/USARiverside Twilight
30 May 1982852:40:43RDMarathonMontreal PQ/CANMontreal
29 May 198221:01:51xRD20 kmWheeling WV/USAElby’s Wheeling
23 May 1982128:44RD10 kmNewton MA/USANewton
15 May 1982150:50RD10 miHalifax NS/CANHalifax Modified Marathon
08 May 198211:15:00xRD25 kmGrand Rapids MI/USAOld Kent River Bank
07 Mar 198232:14:07aRDMarathonAthens GREGolden Athens
06 Feb 1982243:12RD15 kmTampa FL/USAGasparilla
31 Dec 1981123:00RD7.89 kmNew York NY/USAThe Runner Brooks Midnight Run
06 Dec 198111:03:17RDHalf MaraTampa FL/USANatural Light
26 Nov 1981128:38RD10 kmRosemont IL/USARosemont Turkey Trot
04 Oct 1981337:05RD12.875 kmBoston MA/USAOmni Freedom Trail$2,850
20 Sep 198161:04:29RDHalf MaraManchester VT/USAMaple Leaf
07 Sep 1981159:08xRD20 kmNew Haven CT/USANew Haven
29 Aug 1981247:46RD10 miFlint MI/USABobby Crim
01 Aug 198132:15:23RDMarathonRio de Janeiro BRARio de Janeiro
25 Jul 1981128:58.88OT10 kmSyracuse NY/USAUS Sports Festival
28 Jun 1981143:18.9RD15 kmPortland OR/USACascade Runoff$10,000
13 Jun 1981129:52RD10 kmRochester NY/USAPepsi-Cola
24 May 198111:07:12RDHalf MaraChicago IL/USANatural Light Chicago
09 May 198121:16:34xRD25 kmGrand Rapids MI/USAOld Kent River Bank
20 Apr 1981112:13:08aRDMarathonBoston MA/USABoston
05 Apr 1981828:37aRD10 kmNew Orleans LA/USACrescent City Classic
15 Mar 1981123:03RD5 miBoston MA/USAShamrock Classic
07 Mar 198111:06:45RDHalf MaraSan Diego CA/USANatural Light
01 Mar 198111:44:36RD32.187 kmNorth Easton MA/USAGBS Plodders
07 Feb 1981443:33RD15 kmTampa FL/USAGasparilla Distance Classic
18 Jan 198111:03:22RDHalf MaraNew Orleans LA/USANatural Light
14 Dec 1980229:44RD10 kmCoventry RI/USAWinter Cup
16 Nov 198012:16:40RDMarathonRio de Janeiro BRARio de Janeiro
19 Oct 198012:13:07aRDMarathonDetroit MI/USADetroit Free Press
05 Oct 1980136:33RD12.875 kmBoston MA/USAFreedom Trail
28 Sep 198011:06:20RDHalf MaraLake Oswego OR/USANatural Light
23 Aug 1980347:48RD10 miFlint MI/USABobby Crim
17 Aug 1980532:50aRD11.265 kmFalmouth MA/USAFalmouth Road Race
20 Jul 198011:06:54RDHalf MaraOrleans MA/USANatural Light Orleans
10 May 198011:16:02xRD25 kmGrand Rapids MI/USAOld Kent River Bank
04 May 1980344:21RD15 kmFar Hills NJ/USAMidland Run
27 Apr 1980124:38RD5 miSpringfield MA/USAWacky Road Race
15 Mar 198011:03:44RDHalf MaraHilton Head SC/USANatural Light
24 Nov 1979531:01XC10 kmRaleigh NC/USAAAU Championships
07 Oct 1979131:04RD10 kmWilkes-Barre PA/USADiet Pepsi
29 Sep 19791329:31RD10 kmPurchase NY/USADiet Pepsi
16 Sep 1979738:06RD12.875 kmBoston MA/USAHood Freedom Trail Run
25 Aug 1979349:17RD10 miFlint MI/USABobby Crim Special Olympics
13 Jul 1979528:31.38OT10 kmLondon ENGAAA Championships
04 Jul 1979124:20RD8.3 kmPortland ME/USAPortland
24 Jun 1979128:24RD10 kmNewton MA/USANewton
12 May 197911:14:29xRD25 kmGrand Rapids MI/USAOld Kent River Bank
29 Apr 1979123:47RD5 miSpringfield MA/USAWacky 102
01 Apr 197931:02:17RD20 kmAtlanta GA/USANike US Club Road Racing Championships
25 Mar 197990XC12 kmLimerick IRLIAAF World Crosscountry Championships
31 Dec 19781325:05RD8.4 kmSao Paulo BRARound the Houses
16 Dec 1978129:10RD10 kmCharlotte NC/USACharlotte Observer
03 Dec 1978129:17RD10 kmMelrose MA/USATown Inn
25 Nov 1978129:35XC10 kmSeattle WA/USAAAU Men’s Crosscountry Championships
01 Oct 1978438:21RD12.875 kmBoston MA/USALabatt’s Freedom Trail
23 Sep 1978729:21RD10 kmPurchase NY/USARun America Run
26 Aug 1978148:00RD10 miFlint MI/USABobby Crim
20 Aug 1978933:18aRD11.265 kmFalmouth MA/USAFalmouth Road Race
04 Jul 1978229:15aRD10 kmAtlanta GA/USAPeachtree
26 Mar 19782040:31XC12 kmGlasgow SCOIAAF World Crosscountry Championships
17 Feb 197858:39.2IT2 miSan Diego CA/USAn/a
22 Jan 1978129:44XC10 kmAlbufiera PORAmendoeiras em Flor
31 Dec 1977424:14RD8.4 kmSao Paulo BRARound the Houses
26 Nov 1977330:44XC10 kmHouston TX/USAAAU Crosscountry Championships
George Carlin. It’s Bad For Ya.
See Triumphant Photos of Boston Marathon Runners Through History ...
The eyes of a winner.

“I eat oatmeal most mornings, but I like eggs. Especially if I’m being served by someone! This started as part of my oatmeal, soup and sex diet. I was 30 pounds overweight about five years ago and getting divorced. I started having oatmeal in the morning so I wouldn’t be hungry and wouldn’t skip running at noon. Then I’d have soup at my desk after the run (and I mention the sex because I started dating someone shortly afterward… and sex always makes a story more interesting.)”

http://www.garycohenrunning.com/Interviews/Meyer.aspx

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlucPG03nro
https://runningscience.co.za/elite-athletes-training-log/greg-meyer/
Training schedule from his best stretch of running
1 comments on “OGORs Volume 2 (Greg Meyer)
  1. JDW says:

    On a camera truck, I photographed the Portland, ME, 8.3 miler in 1979. At one point we entered a narrow street, and something happened like a parked car pulled out from the sidewalk as the photo truck tried to pass—something like that—and we were momentarily jammed up as the race came right up behind us. I remember Greg running right up the trunk of the car, over its roof, and down over the hood. It was awesome. A road steeplechase. – Jeff Johnson

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