Frank Shorter ..40 years tribute

[mewmewmew13]

I think there are a lot of runners as well as cyclists here.
This is a nice article and reminder that there are still athletes out there that have class.

Frank Shorter....mr running! ..40 year anniversary of his gold medal in the Olympic marathon!

http://www.dailycamera.com/recreati...mike-sandrock-40-years-after-gold-medal-frank

 

[Semper Fidelis]

I think there are a lot of runners as well as cyclists here.
This is a nice article and reminder that there are still athletes out there that have class.

Frank Shorter....mr running! ..40 year anniversary of his gold medal in the Olympic marathon!

http://www.dailycamera.com/recreati...mike-sandrock-40-years-after-gold-medal-frank

One of my runners that I wanted to emulate when I was just a young kid. I was a huge fan of Prefontane but somehow Frank Shorter was the distance (full marathon) runner that I wanted to be like. Later it was Alberto Salazar, Bill Rodgers, **** Beardsley. Even later I was able to read and try to understand a marathoner named Toshihiko Seko.
Franks Olympic win at Munich is one of those moments in sports for USA running that should leave an impression on people who want to compete in the Marathon distance.
Here is a link to a personal story for Frank that many people do not know. I absolutely hate runners world but the article is good.
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-239-567--14056-0,00.html
Franks personal childhood story makes me stronger knowing that there are many people with various issues and we all eventually move along and “make it”. Frank does many events for children in challenging situations and that is a real leader and hero.
I never knew that the reason for my running was to escape my issues at home,,, My own personal demons which I have never escaped or been able to outrun.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Great thread, and stories guys. I remember Frank when I was a boy too. A real American sports hero and class act if there ever was one.

 

[mewmewmew13]

One of my runners that I wanted to emulate when I was just a young kid. I was a huge fan of Prefontane but somehow Frank Shorter was the distance (full marathon) runner that I wanted to be like. Later it was Alberto Salazar, Bill Rodgers, **** Beardsley. Even later I was able to read and try to understand a marathoner named Toshihiko Seko.
Franks Olympic win at Munich is one of those moments in sports for USA running that should leave an impression on people who want to compete in the Marathon distance.
Here is a link to a personal story for Frank that many people do not know. I absolutely hate runners world but the article is good.
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-239-567--14056-0,00.html
Franks personal childhood story makes me stronger knowing that there are many people with various issues and we all eventually move along and “make it”. Frank does many events for children in challenging situations and that is a real leader and hero.
I never knew that the reason for my running was to escape my issues at home,,, My own personal demons which I have never escaped or been able to outrun.

Thanx for the nice reply Glenn. I was actually thinking of you when I posted this...
I'm glad you found running. Hope it is a sanctuary for you..you sound like you must have real talent too.

Alpe, yes..Frank is an inspiration....
I am lucky enough to bump into him at my gym and sometimes in the coffee joint. He always smiles and is open to chats and opinions!

 

[Semper Fidelis]

Thanx for the nice reply Glenn. I was actually thinking of you when I posted this...
I'm glad you found running. Hope it is a sanctuary for you..you sound like you must have real talent too.

Alpe, yes..Frank is an inspiration....
I am lucky enough to bump into him at my gym and sometimes in the coffee joint. He always smiles and is open to chats and opinions!

Thanks for the thread Mew. I should have said this before when I replied earlier.

I can tell ALPE must like running, just because you seemed to know much about the past distance runners from the USA.

Mew you live out in Colorado which is one of those places I would love to live just for the training. One of my old companies was headquartered in Flagstaff Arizona which also is a great place for training.

My talent might still be around but at 43 it hides better than it used to. I pretty much have not raced or attempted to race since 2004. I had my first really bad experience in a Marathon and decided I was not dedicated enough to my training and just quit. I continue to run every day. I keep expecting my competitive nature to return but until it does,,,,,I will just log the miles and enjoy it.

Funny how the forum filter took out D. Beardsley’s name. His battle with Salazar known as the “Duel in the Sun” was my source of motivation. Today I still look up to Beardsley more because he was the Underdog that just never backed down. The guy who had little compared to Salazar after that Boston Marathon Beardsley and Salazar both fell onto hard times.

I worked at New Balance in Lawrence Mass. Back in 1987 and 1988 as a summer job some type of programme for promising young runners who are dirt poor… something like that. Anyhow I was able to meet many of my distance hero’s while working there. They basically must have felt sorry for my poor southern a$$ from the South because I was the slowest kid in the group.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

I can tell ALPE must like running, just because you seemed to know much about the past distance runners from the USA.

Not so much anymore, but as a teen I was into running. Very much so. I ran track and CC in HS (but grades and other problems kept me from doing well). I ran numerous 5k and some 10k races. Once breezed through an unofficial half-marathon at age 18. Things were great except I ended up with some knee problems that didn't go away until I took up cycling a few years later, which cured my knees. Completely cured them 100%. In my late 20's I started running some again, mostly for cross training, and trail running. Mostly 2-5 mile jaunts. But ran 14 miles on a trail once. Ran up Lassen Peak, twice at the height of my life. Also ran a couple 5k races for fun. Tried to run a 5 minute mile in one by starting at the front, knowing the 2nd and 3rd miles would be miserable. I ran the first mile in about 5:10. The fastest I've ever run that distance. I faded to over 6 mins for each of the next miles. Still, a fast 5k under 18 mins.

Then, my life changed, I moved in with Mrs. Alpe, got a job working night shift and weekends, my parents got sick, then passed away. I trained a lot less at anything, gained weight. Did run a 5k about three years ago. Think it took me about 35 minutes, but considering I barely trained, and was 47 years old and 25 pounds overweight, not terrible. Had planned on running the New Haven Road Race or Run Around the Block (this coming weekend) this year, but it didn't happen. Maybe next year.

Flagstaff would be a wonderful town to live in for a runner. Same with many Colorado towns up the hill.

BTW. Never met Salazar, but know people who did. He's very religious, and has sworn his life/career to the Nike swoosh while coaching many runners. Take that for what you may.

 

[Semper Fidelis]

Not so much anymore, but as a teen I was into running. Very much so. I ran track and CC in HS (but grades and other problems kept me from doing well). I ran numerous 5k and some 10k races. Once breezed through an unofficial half-marathon at age 18. Things were great except I ended up with some knee problems that didn't go away until I took up cycling a few years later, which cured my knees. Completely cured them 100%. In my late 20's I started running some again, mostly for cross training, and trail running. Mostly 2-5 mile jaunts. But ran 14 miles on a trail once. Ran up Lassen Peak, twice at the height of my life. Also ran a couple 5k races for fun. Tried to run a 5 minute mile in one by starting at the front, knowing the 2nd and 3rd miles would be miserable. I ran the first mile in about 5:10. The fastest I've ever run that distance. I faded to over 6 mins for each of the next miles. Still, a fast 5k under 18 mins.

Then, my life changed, I moved in with Mrs. Alpe, got a job working night shift and weekends, my parents got sick, then passed away. I trained a lot less at anything, gained weight. Did run a 5k about three years ago. Think it took me about 35 minutes, but considering I barely trained, and was 47 years old and 25 pounds overweight, not terrible. Had planned on running the New Haven Road Race or Run Around the Block (this coming weekend) this year, but it didn't happen. Maybe next year.

Flagstaff would be a wonderful town to live in for a runner. Same with many Colorado towns up the hill.

BTW. Never met Salazar, but know people who did. He's very religious, and has sworn his life/career to the Nike swoosh while coaching many runners. Take that for what you may.

Nothing can keep a runner down more than knee problems. Cycling was a sport that was financially beyond my grasps. I was told by local cyclist in the crescent city area that I was a talent on the bike. But I never owned a real road bike until I was in the USMC.

Supposedly Salazar had many issues during his long spiral down. I guess along the way he has found religion to fill in the blanks left by the prozac.

Nike like has been said before is NOT the company that once was. What a shame. Same goes for New Balance. New Balance were left choices during the 90's and clearly they made them. I no longer respect the company of New Balance like I once had. Oh well .....I am becoming a lonely old man in search of the good times.

Remember the good ole days is what I do sometimes. I was looking through some old pictures and ran across a picture where I am running in a ekiden. My team came in 9th place and I was the final leg on the relay. I had the fastest time for that segment. I remember being so upset about our teams place. I would give everything to be in that condition now and be back there to enjoy the atmosphere and friendships.

One of my long time training partners suggested to me that I should go to the LowT center and get on a program. He suggested this because he thinks that is the reason I do not race any more, also suggested it because most everyone we raced against "are doing it now". WoW oh WoW. Times have changed.

 

[mewmewmew13]

Wow. Great stories..
I have run most of my adult life..btw I'm a bit older than you two..
I have never been fast, but I did well with endurance and hills...I've always been a trail runner.
Now in the past five years I've joined a running group, coached by Darren de Reuck and occasionally by his wife
Colleen. It is aimed at different levels...I am usually toward or at the back during workouts...but we have a lot of fun and it keeps me fit. You guys just need comaraderie ...
I also do not care about racing anymore...doing this for fun and fitness...it's a struggle to watch others run fast but everyone is supportive and we always regroup during the workouts so no one feels intimidated.

Glenn u should post the pic..

 

[patricknd]

Nothing can keep a runner down more than knee problems. Cycling was a sport that was financially beyond my grasps. I was told by local cyclist in the crescent city area that I was a talent on the bike. But I never owned a real road bike until I was in the USMC.

Supposedly Salazar had many issues during his long spiral down. I guess along the way he has found religion to fill in the blanks left by the prozac.

Nike like has been said before is NOT the company that once was. What a shame. Same goes for New Balance. New Balance were left choices during the 90's and clearly they made them. I no longer respect the company of New Balance like I once had. Oh well .....I am becoming a lonely old man in search of the good times.

Remember the good ole days is what I do sometimes. I was looking through some old pictures and ran across a picture where I am running in a ekiden. My team came in 9th place and I was the final leg on the relay. I had the fastest time for that segment. I remember being so upset about our teams place. I would give everything to be in that condition now and be back there to enjoy the atmosphere and friendships.

One of my long time training partners suggested to me that I should go to the LowT center and get on a program. He suggested this because he thinks that is the reason I do not race any more, also suggested it because most everyone we raced against "are doing it now". WoW oh WoW. Times have changed.

you must have crushed the run on p.t. tests. for me anything under 13 minutes would almost kill me, and my personal best of 11:50 almost did. i was way too bulky to run more than the 40 yad dash

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

You guys are making me want to go for a run!

 

[Semper Fidelis]

Wow. Great stories..
I have run most of my adult life..btw I'm a bit older than you two..
I have never been fast, but I did well with endurance and hills...I've always been a trail runner.
Now in the past five years I've joined a running group, coached by Darren de Reuck and occasionally by his wife
Colleen. It is aimed at different levels...I am usually toward or at the back during workouts...but we have a lot of fun and it keeps me fit. You guys just need comaraderie ...
I also do not care about racing anymore...doing this for fun and fitness...it's a struggle to watch others run fast but everyone is supportive and we always regroup during the workouts so no one feels intimidated.

Glenn u should post the pic..

Trail running is dangerous for me. I love the change in terrain and I like to see things other than asphalt, concrete, and traffic. I have trouble when I get tired and tend to let my toes drop and get caught up on roots and stones. End up falling and getting all banged up. Sometimes I do that on flat roads....so I guess it is not an excuse.

About the picture well I need a scanner at home and then figure out how to put them up on a photo sharing site or something. It is not hard from what I can tell so I will get that done sometime soon. It might be embarrassing for me hehe to show how what once was is no longer.

 

[Semper Fidelis]

you must have crushed the run on p.t. tests. for me anything under 13 minutes would almost kill me, and my personal best of 11:50 almost did. i was way too bulky to run more than the 40 yad dash

11:50 is a great time. Not bad at all. It is 2 miles for the USArmy correct?

Our PFT (physical fitness test) was a little different for the USMC. It was 3 miles. I guess it still is but not sure. Anyhow I ran on average 16 something for the PFT. Nothing spectacular at the test, I would usually just try to do a decent workout run because I did not like the distance in miles. If I was going to run a race or @ real race pace I wanted it to be in Klicks (Kilometers) not miles.
My PR for the 5k is in the 15:25. That is not a great time but the 5000 always killed me. To much speed required. I really only got going at or around a 10,000. I had trouble with true speed all my life. That is why I ended up racing the Marathon.

Alpe .....go for a run! hehe.

 

[gregod]

great thread and story links.

when i was a young runner i always wanted to look like frank shorter with the loose singlet. i may have achieved the look, but not the times.

speaking of which, a few people here have quoted their PBs. a certain politician has drawn criticism for fudging his. he was busted because he wasn't specific with his best time. this didn't seem incredible to me. i know generally what my times were and some of my best performances i have no idea what the time was, just the podium position.

is it really true that most, if not all runners, know their personal bests?

 

[Semper Fidelis]

Don't know what the current racing scene is like. When I was racing and even now I remember all of my major Personal Best or PR's.

This particular politician was off by about 1 hour and some change from his personal best. I would say it is a good guess that he knew he was lying when he made the statement of sub 3 hours.

Not that it matters because the running community is not that much for votes.

Frank S. is the man to uphold as a running legend in the USA.

 

[More Strides than Rides]

great thread and story links.

when i was a young runner i always wanted to look like frank shorter with the loose singlet. i may have achieved the look, but not the times.

speaking of which, a few people here have quoted their PBs. a certain politician has drawn criticism for fudging his. he was busted because he wasn't specific with his best time. this didn't seem incredible to me. i know generally what my times were and some of my best performances i have no idea what the time was, just the podium position.

is it really true that most, if not all runners, know their personal bests?

He claimed to have run 2:50-something, but was found to be over 4 hours. Thats a big skew. Among many lines of distinction, it could be said that runners know their personal bests, while joggers do not. Some people are interested, some are not,


I met Frank Shorter at a race earlier this year. He gave a speech before and after, and I missed both, but was able to snap a picture with him later. Also was on the starting line next to him. He was going on about trying to run in a straight line to the turn, and how hard it is to run in a truly straight line

 

[mewmewmew13]

He claimed to have run 2:50-something, but was found to be over 4 hours. Thats a big skew. Among many lines of distinction, it could be said that runners know their personal bests, while joggers do not. Some people are interested, some are not,


I met Frank Shorter at a race earlier this year. He gave a speech before and after, and I missed both, but was able to snap a picture with him later. Also was on the starting line next to him. He was going on about trying to run in a straight line to the turn, and how hard it is to run in a truly straight line

Cool pic.
Frank is always friendly and up for a chat...down to earth.

Glenn, you never have to make apologies for you pics..
or your times for that matter. You are faster than most of us plodders...
I pretend I'm 'fast' in my mind, but just the motion and high of running does it for me!

Yes, alpe, just get out and trot!

 

[Semper Fidelis]

Terry Fox runs coming up this weekend.

True Hero and genuine character.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Being a red white and blue blooded American, I love teasing our Canadian brethren to the north, but Terry Fox was a true hero. Just an amazing person. I drove out of my way on a trip to Canada once to see the provincial park and mountain that bears his name.

 

[mewmewmew13]

This pic was just taken a bit ago and posted on my running coach's wall,FB that is.. (Sarah ,at the table)' ...
Thought you might enjoy seeing Frank looking relaxed.

 

[mewmewmew13]

Wow, Alpe, I remember that pic of the highway...