Brian Morgan is one of those endurance athletes who just kept on keeping on. His career is impressive and though some of his best performances were swamped by the rapid improvement in Australian distance running from the mid 1970s onwards, they are revered by Newcastle locals who raced during that era. Brian’s name crops up everywhere in the NSW and Australian distance racing scenes, across all disciplines: track, road, cross country, mountain running, fun runs and club association events.
OPPs are the glue that holds everything together as the mature distance runner faces the inevitable setbacks that will occur. They are the bedrock for determination, for it is all too easy to give in or give up.
Anyone of any age who engages in running should be in tune with their body and seek medical advice before embarking on any intensive activity (including changes to said activity) that may unduly extend them. This is critical should the aspiring athlete have underlying medical conditions and/or ongoing health issues requiring medication.
Explore the unique philosophy of self-care for mature distance runners in Part 5B of this insightful series. Discover valuable insights, personal experiences, and practical strategies for preventing injuries and sustaining peak performance as you age. Gain a fresh perspective on running and aging that goes beyond the usual advice, with a focus on finding your "sweet spots" and managing your running career wisely. Learn from one runner's journey and discover how to balance volume, quality, and strength for injury-free running in your later years.
Discover the keys to a long and healthy running journey as a mature distance runner. Explore the intersection of general health, longevity, and self-care, with insights on diet, exercise, and the importance of regular check-ups. Learn from the wisdom of past experts, and find practical tips to ensure your well-being, both on and off the track.
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
Joanne Cowan’s story is one of persistence underpinned by a love of running that has never been extinguished. Though primarily a road runner, and specialising in the marathon, Jo competed in a range of distances on the track, road and cross country. A late bloomer, Jo...
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...
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...
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,...
