For the decades following the late 1940’s, the best American distance runners have been influenced by the philosophy of Oregon’s guru of the racing world, Bill Bowerman.
But, it wasn’t until 1962, while Bill was visiting New Zealand with his world-record University of Oregon four-mile relay team, that Bowerman discovered the world of jogging for fitness.
What was supposed to be an easy workout over the countryside was presided over by Olympic coach Arthur Lydiard and his Silver Fern team. The American milers followed, enjoyed the leisurely pace, and admired the “Down Under” mountain scenery. Bowerman, however, was in an impossible-to-keep-up situation and soon found himself alone, left in the dust, and gasping for breath.
Two weeks later, feeling that his fitness had been greatly improved by two weeks of secret jogging on a daily basis, Bill confidently set out for a jog with 200 men, women and children. Once again, after a half-mile, Bowerman was doing a solo except for one 76-year-old man who courteously held himself back and waited for the American to catch up.
Despite a painfully bruised ego, Bowerman continued his jogging when he returned to the United States. Bowerman also informed the press of this new-found fitness routine: Long, easy jogging. The press listened because these were the words of one of America’s most successful track coaches, the mentor of world record holders.
Within the year, thousands of “soft” Americans, who were out of shape and uncertain of what to do about it, discovered jogging and wanted details. What evolved was the Bowerman Method.
The jogging craze was on.
Legendary Coach Bill Welsh – Editor of the 80’s Advance Countdown
