Home A column by Michael Beisty

A column by Michael Beisty

Written by Michael Beisty ‘I didn’t get any great pleasure out of beating Zola. Certainly, no more than if I were beating Yvonne Murray, but it is nice to show that she isn’t invincible.’ (Liz McColgan, 1986) 1  ‘Just because I’m not winning races it doesn’t mean I’m not running.’ (Jim...
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...
Written by Michael Beisty “Some people simply aren’t motivated to train and don’t push themselves anywhere near their limits in a race.” (Joe Friel 2015) (1)  “Everything evolves from the enjoyment. The national titles, international successes, world records and gold medals are signposts along the way. They are not the end...
Margert Beardslee’s story is not all flash and glamour. Known by many ‘old hands’ as Margaret Ricardo, she commenced running as a young girl, in what I would call a Ground Zero period of women’s distance running in New South Wales (NSW). Women’s participation during the 1970s was in its infancy, a small appendage to a male dominated competitive activity.
Written by Michael Beisty ‘The less we interfere with the natural movements of our feet, the better we are going to perform, so shoes have to be avoided which promise to cushion and control what fits inside them in accordance with what the designers think should happen.’ (Arthur Lydiard, 2000)1 ‘It...
  A column by Michael Beisty Part 4: Supplementary Exercises – Are you fit for purpose, flexible and strong? 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.  Experience unparalleled comfort and agility with Tarkine...
A column by Michael Beisty I started running on 20 December 1970, six days prior to my 12th birthday. On the same day, my mother started jogging to lose weight.  I joined Glenhuntly Athletics Club, my father's club.  At that time Trevor Vincent (club captain) was on a recruitment drive. ...
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...
A Column By Michael Beisty Part 1: Consistency 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 should be in tune with their body and seek medical...
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...