Prefontaine Wasn’t A Ruuner?

Hayward Field, University of Oregon
Hayward Field, University of Oregon

Steve Prefontaine, was America’s distance running prodigy in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, until his tragic and untimely death in 1974.

Pre held every American running record from 2,000 meters to 10,000 meters.

Pre ignited the “jogging craze” of the 1970’s.

Pre challenged authority.

He challenged his coach, Bill Bowerman (who was starting a little shoe company later called Nike).

Steve Prefontaine wasn’t a runner, he was a rebel.

A rebel who just so happened to also be a runner.

Do you have guts, courage?

Where does your strength come from? Here’s a decent source of mine.

Pre's Passion Is Legendary
Pre's Passion Is Legendary

The Hay’s in the Barn

“The hay’s in the barn”, Bill Bowerman, co-founder of Nike, told his team.

My all time favorite running movie?

“Without Limits”.  It’s the Steve Prefontaine story.

There’s a scene in which the University of Oregon track team is at the NCAA’s and Bowerman tells the team, essentially, there is no need to practice, “The hay’s in the barn”.

The hard work has been done.   Now, it’s time for the feast.  Time to celebrate, so to speak.

Yesterday, I actually had a very high quality speed workout and then a few hours later hit Gold’s Gym to do a light core workout.

As I was working my core, I came to a realization – I’m in great shape.  There is no need at this point to bust my hump.

The hay is in the barn.

Party time!  Carpe diem, jeff noel  🙂

PS.  Here’s Without Limits Trailer:

Inspired? If not, I hope you find it somewhere soon.