Though I have referenced issues relating to the heart in some previous articles for Runner’s Tribe, I have not discussed this topic in any depth. This article is dedicated to a closer examination of contemporary research into the heart health of mature endurance athletes, building upon Parts One and Two of the Fundamentally Speaking series. All of the available literature indicates that the risk of serious heart events for mature endurance competitors is very small, physical activity being highly beneficial to the human body. However, the risks are real for those with particular susceptibilities.
Written by Michael Beisty
Danny Boltz’s relationship with distance running is complex. He was a kid of prodigious talent who built his early reputation on fun runs, eventually to become a dual international and Olympian. However, his journey was bitter sweet. Hampered by the vagaries of the Australian marathon selection...
A column by Michael Beisty
Disclaimer: Content herein does not constitute specific advice to the reader’s circumstance. It is only an opinion based on my perspective that others may learn from.
Anyone of any age who engages in running and related exercise should be in tune with their body and seek...
Written by Michael Beisty
“There are times when I run that the run is magic” (Herb Elliott 1981) (1)
“I plan to run right into the next life” (Harold Weiss 1978, a non-competitive Chicago runner) (2)
“The runner does not know how or why he runs. He only knows that he must...
Written by Michael Beisty - Runner's Tribe
Part 1: An Introduction to Wisdom
‘I’ve run at varying distances and intensities almost all of my life, probably because the primal unadorned simplicity of running appeals to me.’ (1)
Until now I haven’t thought much about the differences in outlook between adult young distance...
Written by Michael Beisty
‘I have to remind myself not just to stick to my side of the road and grind it out, but to go leap ditches and climb hillocks, to bushwhack, to break out of that rigid plodding that is good for the coronary arteries but not necessarily...
Written by Michael Beisty
Reflecting on my first running career one race that stands out is the Sydney Striders Half Marathon of 18 March 1984. The reasons are many, including the professionalism of the event organisation, and a unique combination of club officialdom with enthusiastic volunteers led by race director...
Written by Michael Beisty
Distance running can be a sorrowful sport. While some of us maintain a durability in competitive performance over many years, others aren’t so fortunate. For the few who have extraordinary ability, there is only a small window of opportunity to scale the heights of athletic endeavour,...
By Michael Beisty
Mature distance runners could be excused for thinking you only have to concentrate on high quality speed work to offset the impacts of aging on distance running performance. Certainly, a lot of the contemporary literature supports regular fast running as a means to reduce the impact of...
A column by Michael Beisty
An Introductory Dialogue
I am 63 years of age, still running and racing, and retired from employment.
I enjoy writing and running. Combined, they bring together an ideal mix of two creative processes, the mental and the physical. I’m no Kenny Moore but I think I have...
