Former University of Oregon coach Bill Bowerman was often asked to explain why his form of exercise caught on with the masses years ago.
His explanation was that “Jogging is a simple type of exercise, requiring no highly developed skill. Its great appeal is that it is so handy. Almost anyone can do it anywhere. Our concern is to keep it simple, not let it become hidden in some mystique full of rules and paraphernalia.”
It has been just one quick stride from the jogging craze to the running boom, but Bowerman’s influence remains. His two major training principles could be every runner’s bible: “Train, don’t strain” is the first; “Hard and easy does it” is his second.
According to Bowerman, jogging’s golden rule is his first; Train, don’t strain. His advice is never go all out. As baseball’s legendary Satchel Paige once said, “Just jangle loosely.”
Oregon’s world-class runners train all year; yet, only about 2 perfect of the time do they run at maximum effort.
Beginners, please note.
Legendary Coach Bill Welsh – Editor of the 80’s Advance Countdown
