Barry Anderson is our Ujena Fit Club first official coach.  We thought it would be good for Barry to share with us some of his background information.  Besides being a coach, Barry has ran a 4:20 mile and put in many 100 plus mile weeks.  He has been around running all of his life.  He lives with his wife Vicki in Manhattan, Kansas.    Photo: Barry and Bob in Manhattan recently visiting the printer that printed the first issues of Runner's World (Distance Running News).

1. Is it exciting being our first Ujena Fit Club Coach?
I am honored, Bob asked me to help out with coaching tips that I hope our members will find useful—and some interesting or even motivational articles and stories.  Yes, I am very excited to be able to share ideas to help others start a running program or to reach goals they have set for themselves.

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I really enjoy having you on our team. Your solid advice is helping me reach my 50 race goal...thanks!
Bob Anderson 5/17/12 7:31 pm

Thanks Bob. I have already been inspired by the enthusiasm that so many of our Ujena Fit Club members show in their posts. Hope to see even more start to post their workouts and thoughts on running. Am looking forward to helping in any way possible.
Barry Anderson 5/18/12 7:42 am

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My first memories of Gerry Lindgren was in 1964 when he won the 10,000m race at the USA/USSR meet in Los Angeles while in high school.  It was very inspiring for me.  I had just started running and to see what was possible was very exciting.

Over the years I featured Gerry many times in Runner's World.  I don't think we ever met and then in 1980 he disappeared for many years.  Then we came in contact on Facebook a year or so back.    I asked Gerry if he would be interested in doing an interview.  (Interview by Bob Anderson)

1. What if you never found running?
I was from a broken home. My father was alcoholic and my home life was a mess. I was brought up to know I was just a worthless person and I had attempted suicide twice before I found running. I am sure that had I not been rescued by running I would be either dead now or in some prison somewhere hating the world.

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Thanks Gerry for doing this interview...how can anyone ever forget how good of a runner you were in high school. Running a 13:44 5k as a senior. And that was back in the days of cinder tracks and heavy shoes...
Bob Anderson 4/2/12 11:48 pm

Wow! what an inspiring story! thanks for sharing!
Catherine Cross 4/3/12 5:18 pm

Great interview. What an interesting guy. Gotta love his goal in life.
Justin Wall 4/20/12 2:52 pm

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Can you imagine being the chief running officer of Runner's World magazine? There is probably only about a million runners who would love to have such a title.  But that title belongs to one man, Bart Yasso and he has held it since 1987.

How does Bart feel about it?  "Many runners tell me quite simply I have the greatest job in the world.  I get to travel to races around the world and meet runners of all abilities many with amazing stories.  For me running has also been a vehicle of introduction to people, places, cultures, and animals. I have run on all seven continents, but it's not the details of the races I recall it's the people I meet," Bart says.

He is coaching thousands of marathon runners enrolled in the Runner's World Challenge.  He has written a book "My Life on the Run."  Bart was inducted into the Running USA Hall of Champions.  He has run marathons worldwide – from Boston and New York to Antarctica and Mount Kilimanjaro, and at least one on all seven continents. He completed the Badwater in 1989 – at 146-miles running race considered the toughest run in the US. 

He also enjoy cycling and in fact he has completed two solo, unsupported bicycle rides across the US in 20 days, averaging 155 miles per day. 

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An Aussie now living in the USA, 45-year-old Verity Breen is a  four time Australian representative.  She is passionate about running.  Verity represented Australia at the World Triathlon Championships in 1991, World Mountain Running Trophy in 2001, the World 50k Road Championships in 2009 and recently the Commonwealth Ultra Trail Championships in 2011.  Verity has numerous state titles from cross-country to the marathon and has won both the Australian Marathon Championship title in 2003 and the Australian 50k Road title in 2009.  I met Verity for the first time at the starting line of the Chinese New Year 10k in SF recently.  She took off like a rocket and was the first female overall for the third straight year.  (Interview by Bob Anderson)

1. Do you hate the word jogging as much as I do?
Firstly I never use the word hate as there are better words like loathe!  I simply think it is a silly invented term for what should always be called running.  If I see a slow runner or a fast runner they are all runners to me, just different speeds.  Never do I assume a slow runner should be deemed a jogger and a faster jogger a runner.  If you know what I mean (wry smirk)!

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I enjoyed reading your interview. Good luck to you with your new company Thirty Birds and your quest to break 1:20 for the half...
Bob Anderson 3/6/12 11:05 am

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Roger Wright is not your typical runner. Growing up on a rural farm in Maine, Roger's only brush with running was when his father ran the Boston Marathon in 1968. He was seven-years-old. So impressed with his father's accomplishment, he made a vow to someday run in his footsteps and complete it himself. "Training" started a few days later and it lasted for about a month. A maximum distance of approximately a 1/2 mile was achieved before calling it quits.

That would be the furthest distance he would ever run for the next 40 years. From childhood, Roger was always heavy, and as his age progressed, so did his weight. By the time he was in 7th grade, weight issues became a concern for his father who was a doctor and he started on the first of many failed diets. Beyond "gym" class, exercise was usually avoided and never enjoyed. By the time Roger enrolled in college, and the social activities that go with it, his weight broke the 200 pound barrier. Diets became a running joke with friends and weight watchers was more of a game than a real desire to change his life.

After graduating from college in Texas, Roger moved back up to Massachusetts and began his professional career in the mortgage banking field, eventually owning a mortgage company with his brother for 16 years. Somehow he convinced a beautiful woman to go out with him and eventually Mary became his wife. During that period, work became a priority and 12 hour days were the norm. As expected, his weight blossomed and by the time he hit 40, his weight broke the 300 pound mark and stayed there for the next seven years.

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Six years ago Jeff Sacchini was a fruit and vegetable distributor in Modesto, Calif. where he lived with his wife Liz and three daughters. Jeff loved to run from as far back as he can remember. After selling his business in 2005 Jeff came out with some significant capital and set his heart on holding a world class road race in what he believes to be paradise on earth, the lush green island of Kauai.  The Ujena Fit Club picked this race as one of the Best Road Races in North America.  Bob Anderson will be running the half marathon this year as one of his 50 races celebrating 50 years of running and racing.  (Interview by Laura Dayton) 

1. Let’s go back in time. You live in Modesto, Ca. so how did you pick the island of Kauai for your race?  
My wife and I honeymooned there in 1990 and we went back about every year after. I always thought that island was the prettiest island I ever set foot on. In 1996 we bought a condo there. I’ve been running since I was 17 and I’m 47 now. I was okay in High School but never a real competitive runner. I’ve run about 30 miles a week for 30 years pretty consistently.

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It is interesting to read about what goes on behind the scenes in making an event happen. I look forward to running your half marathon. Thanks for the invite...see you in September!
Bob Anderson 2/13/12 4:33 pm

Great interview Jeff. Thanks for your committment to putting on an event that does so much for your community and has such a positive impact on the participants.
Lisa Anderson-Wall 2/14/12 8:41 am

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Nancy Hobbs is one of the key reasons why Trail running has exploded.  Just 20 years ago there were less than 400 events and now there is close to 2000.  Many companies are now investing in the sport while the media continue to publish more articles than ever. 

Nancy, from Colarado Springs, Colorado has been running trails and directing running events since the mid-80s. She is the coauthor of The Ultimate Guide to Trail Running and her articles and photographs have been published in magazines including Runner's World, Running Times, Trail Runner, and Ultrarunner.

She is the founder and executive director of the All American Trail Running Association, a council member of the World Mountain Running Association, manager of the U.S. Mountain Running Team, and chairperson of the USATF Mountain Ultra Trail Council.

She is a speaker/presenter to clubs and groups on trail running.   Nancy serves as the membership and marketing director for Running USA.  She is a competitive masters runner and hopes to earn a podium spot (top three finish) at the World Masters Mountain Running Championships this May in Germany.

I have never met Nancy but have heard nothing but nice things about her.  I am sure our paths will cross someday.  (Interview by Bob Anderson)

Personal Bests: 5k sub 19, 8k 30:19, Marathon 3:18:50  Master Bests: 5k 20:29 (since she turned 50 Nancy has only not placed in top three of her age-group three times) 

Photo Above: Third place finish in Slovenia (2010)

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thanks Nancy and Bob for the great interview. lots of new organizations to look up. I love the freedom of trails.
Jon Olson 2/6/12 9:50 pm

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Richard Benyo is the editor of Marathon & Beyond, a bimonthly magazine.  He is  the author of more than 20 books, most of them in the areas of fitness, health, and running. His newest running book is Timeless Running Wisdom.  He was a newspaper editor (1968-72), editor of Stock Car Racing Magazine (1972-77), executive editor of Runner’s World Magazine (1977-84), and running and fitness columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle (1985-90).

Rich is the veteran of 37 marathons and in 1989 along with running partner Tom Crawford, became the first maniacs to run from Badwater in Death Valley to the peak of Mt. Whitney and back, a distance of 300 miles. 

Rich is the president of the board and co-race director of the Napa Valley Marathon and has been on the board of directors since 1985. He is also the 1998 winner of the RRCA journalist of the year award. 

In early 2005 RunningUSA inducted Rich into its Hall of Champions.   Rich and his wife Rhonda currently live in Forestville, Sonoma County, California; in their spare time, they are attempting to learn to sail on the San Francisco Bay.

Rich and I first spoke in 1977.   I was looking for a special person to take over the head editorial spot at Runner's World.  After three hours I knew I found the right guy.  I told Rich the next step would be to come to Mountain View to close the deal.  He did and we worked together for seven years.  As a bonus we became good friends.  It was a sad day when I needed to sell the magazine in 1984.  We had to go our own ways until we crossed paths two years ago in Forestville.  We spent over three hours together having dinner and drinking lots of wine.    We will be stopping by en route to the Ave of the Giants again this year too.  (Interview by Bob Anderson) 

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Rich, I really lik your interview. You have done so much for running over the last 35 years. I am glad to have you as a friend. We will see you at your place in May...
Bob Anderson 2/1/12 12:20 pm

Great photos and article!!
Lisa Anderson-Wall 2/1/12 1:33 pm

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Dr. JoAnn Dahlkoetter, is CEO of Performing Edge Coaching International Association, and founder of  Dr JoAnn.com.  She is the author of the best-selling book Your Performing Edge, sports psychologist to Olympic Gold Medalists and winner of the 1980 San Francisco Marathon.  She is an internationally recognized Olympic Keynote Speaker, columnist, and TV expert commentator. 

I have know JoAnn for many years but I can't say that we spent that much time together until recently.  I have always felt that the mental side to racing was just as important as being physically ready.  Dr. JoAnn has provided some aids to help me focus before races and during.  A little extra coaching does help.  (Interview by Bob Anderson) 

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Thanks for doing this interview JoAnn...loved every word of it!
Bob Anderson 4/10/12 9:50 pm

Thanks Bob for interviewing me, you did an amazing job, I loved your well-thought-out questions. It was an honor to be interviewed by you. And I'm excited to be part of your performance team for your 50 race quest. http://www.PerformingEdgeCoach.com
JoAnn Dahlkoetter 4/11/12 9:41 pm

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Amol Saxena lives by Gandhi's philosophy "Be the change you want to see in the world."

Amol's practice specializes in Sports Medicine and Foot & Ankle Surgery in Palo Alto, California. He has pioneered several surgical techniques (including Achilles procedures).  He is an international and nationally recognized surgeon, speaker and author, and has published over 100 articles.

Dr. Saxena is the editor of “International Advances in Foot and Ankle Surgery” (Springer 2012).  He serves on the editorial Board for Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery and for Muscle, Ligament & Tendon (Italian).  He is an instructor for the German Association for Foot Surgery. In 2004 Amol was awarded Humanitarian of the year by the CPMA.

He currently has treated and operated on dozens of Olympians from around the world (including Gold Medalists and world record holders), and Olympic Trials qualifiers, numerous professional athletes including from the Nike Oregon Project, Golden State Warriors, San Francisco Giants and 49ers, and San Jose Earthquakes, and many top area high school athletic scholarship winners.

Dr. Saxena is board certified/Re-certified in Foot and Reconstructive Rear-foot/Ankle Surgery (American Board of Podiatric Surgery), Fellow American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons, American Academy Podiatric Sports Medicine (which he was presented the Barnes Award for outstanding research in 2011) , and serves as section Chief of Podiatric Surgery at Stanford University Hospital.

He has competed in several Boston Marathons and Duathlon (run, bike, run) World Championships. He is married to Karen and has three children.

I have known Amol for nearly 40 years and I have seen him become a star in his profession.  I have seen him at work and his "home-town" style makes you feel comfortable.  You know you are in capable hands.  Over the years we have run several races together with good memories.  I also make sure, if I am in town, to support and run their Juana 8k run in Palo Alto.  Always a fun "home-town" type of an event.  (Interview by Bob Anderson)

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Thanks Amol...I am glad I only had to see you once at your office...but I know you are the guy to see if something ever happened to my foot or ankle...thanks for doing this interview! I really enjoyed reading it!!!
Bob Anderson 3/23/12 11:04 am

Great interview! Really enjoyed reading about a good friend! :)
Arthur Mitchum 3/27/12 9:37 am

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Gary Fanelli is a life long runner and racer. He started racing in organized events in 1961 as a 10 year old in the Philadelphia area  where he was born and raised.  Gary kept on running until he reached World Class level. He participated in two US Olympic Marathon Trials and has a marathon best of 2:14:15 set in 1980 in Montreal.

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I enjoyed this interview...I wasn't sure what the real story was until now! Thanks Gary for sharing!
Bob Anderson 3/10/12 7:05 am

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Dave Rhody races are well known and are well organized and produced.  He was an avid runner logging in 80 to 100 miles a week including running to and from work.  In 1983 Dave was taking a break from a nine-year stint as a social worker, and decided to wanted to run from Newport Beach to San Francisco a distance of 630 miles in 19 days.  He was waiting tables at Houlihan's Restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf and along the way he stopped at various Houlihan's Restaurants on his route. This led to Dave deciding to produce his first race in 1984, the Houlihan's to Houlihan's race. 

Dave had a natural instinct for event production and his first event was a success with nearly 2000 runners and San Francisco 49er quarterback, Joe Montana was there giving out the awards.  After a few more successful races, Kathy Henning joined Dave as a partner both in business and in life.  Over the last 28 years RhodyCo Productions have produced over 400 races with more than 1.5 million participants. 

I only meet Dave officially just a few years ago.  I had sold Runner's World before he started producing events.  I have been running his races since the early 90's and witnessed a hard working focused guy making it all happen.   At the recent Kaiser SF Half Marathon (Feb 5), Dave took the time to say hi and wish me luck.  I told him I was hoping to run 1:30 and that's what I did.  Like always, it was a well organized and executed event.  We selected this half marathon as one of the Best Road Races in North America.  Thanks Dave for giving us events we want to run.   (Interviewed by Bob Anderson)  

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Sometimes runners including myself take it for granted that the race we are running is going to be measured and timed correctly. Plus we want everything else that is going to make our experience a good one. It is what we expect these days. Your races are enjoyable to run and I look forward to the next one. Thanks for telling us about the man who makes it all happen...
Bob Anderson 2/21/12 3:33 pm

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George Hirsch has been the New York Roadrunners Chairman of the Board since 2005.  This non-profit $55 million dollar organization provides health/fitness programs for more than 100,000 children.  Their most prestigious event is the New York City Marathon which George was a founder in 1976 along with Fred Lebow.

After graduating from Princeton, George spent three years in the Navy based in Naples, Italy.  He knew then that he wanted to be involved in international business.  Upon returning to the states, he entered Harvard and graduated in 1962. 

He then worked at Time-Life International for five years but he wanted to do is own thing.  He started New York magazine which became the prototype for countless city and regional magazines.  He left four years later.

This is when he founded New Times magazine.  Even through circulation climed to 350,000, it was not making it financially and he ceased publication in 1979.  George was a serious runner and had been reading Distance Running News/Runner's World from the beginning.  He couldn't get enough.  He thought the category could use a second magazine and he started The Runner magazine in 1978 and published it until he sold it to Rodale Press in 1986 merging it with Runner's World.  

In 1987 Rodale hired George to be the worldwide publisher of Runner's World, the world's leading running magazine with editions in 12 countries.  He left in 2004 and became the chairman and Publisher of La Cucina Italiana, the English language editor of Italy's oldest and largest culinary magazine. 

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Thanks George for sharing your thoughts with us. You have done much for running!
Bob Anderson 2/15/12 4:26 pm

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Gary Tuttle was playing basketball and baseball in high school until Jim Hunt asked him to join the cross-country team.  He followed Jim Hunt to Humboldt State University and Gary continued to improve his running skills.  In 1968 and 1969 he won the Division II National Championship in the steeplechase. 

By 1975 he was the fourth ranked marathoner in the United States yet he never really considered 26.2 miles as his best distance.  He was the first National Champion at 15k and also won the National Championship at 25k.   In 1976 Gary placed seventh overall at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships.

Gary started his Inside Track store in 1976 in Ventura, California.  Gary's knowledge and devotion to the running community began Inside Track's long history with running and racing.

Gary is only a couple of months older than me and we have battled it out several times at the Carlsbad 5000 over the last 15 years.  He has beaten me each time but one.  One year I out kicked him.  It was a good moment for me.   I think we both were 51 and it took a 17:19 to beat him.   

I was sadden to hear about Gary's bout with prostrate  cancer but I am happy to know that he is on the road to recovery.  We will be battling again in Carlsbad April 2013.  (Interview by Bob Anderson)

Personal Bests: 4:03.8 (Mile), 8:32.9 (two mile), 13:10 (three mile), 28:26 (10k), 59:40 (20k - American record at the time), 12 miles 811 yards (Hour - American record at the time), 2:15:15 (Marathon)

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Thanks Gary...you have done some amazing things and you are going to be back as strong as ever...
Bob Anderson 2/10/12 12:46 pm

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Giliat Ghebray, 27, has been running for more than 13 years. He is an NCAA Division 1 All American (5000 meters 2006) and has competed for the US on the NCAA teams in 2006 and 2009. He recently qualified for the Olympic Trials marathon by running 1:03:38 at the 2011 San Jose Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon, but 22 miles into the Olympic Trials marathon he realized it was a new kind of monster he wasn’t yet prepared to take on. Gil lives in Union City in Northern California where he teaches P.E. grades 6-9. He is a graduate of Cal Berkeley, and his parents come from Eritrea, an African country north of Ethiopia, bordering the Red Sea. His first inspiration for running was simple: “I run to win.” (Interview by Laura Dayton)

Personal Bests:  4:02 (Mile), 7:56 (3k), 13:42 (5k), 1:03 (Half Marathon)

1. Gil, you’ve run a bit on all terrain?
I still consider myself a multi-terrain athlete and love all surfaces: road, track and cross country.  As an elite runner I train every day, but I have been transitioning towards the longer distances. With each longer run my fears for the marathon distance have dropped notch by notch, but the nervousness is still there.

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Ceci Hopp St. Geme started running in 1979 and loved pushing herself from the start.  Within a year she gained national attention when she won the 1980 Kenney (now called Foot Locker) National Cross-Country Championships.  There were several other girls who were favorites but she beat them all.

Ceci grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut and now lives in Newport Beach, California with her husband Ed and their six children.  Over the last ten years she has had good success coaching.  She is a premier master runner and is still capable of running sub 19 minutes 5ks at age 48. 

I see her almost every year in Carlsbad for the 5000.  She loves running and her excitement for the sport continues to be as strong as ever.  (Interview by Bob Anderson) 

1. You were a ballerina and tennis player before you joined your High School track team in 1979. 
Yes I danced for the Greenwich Ballet Company from age 6 until high school and wasn't quite flexible enough to take it to the professional level so I picked up tennis hoping to be the next Chris Evert...went out for indoor track my sophomore year at Greenwich High School to get in shape for the spring tennis season but realized I had more of a future as a runner.  Back then it was an extracurricular activity to me to help me get into a good college.....girls in the 70's did not dream of getting athletic scholarships yet.  By the end of my sophomore spring I was the CT State Champion in the 800 and ran 4:55 for a mile.

Photo Above: Ceci on the last turn of the 2009 Carlsbad 5000.  She ran 18:18 and was first 45-49.  Photo by Catherine Cross Ujena Fit Club

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Michael Dove did not start running until he was 38.  At age 49 he set a world age group record in the 5k with a time of 15:36.  He has finished first or second in his age-group over the last 27 years in almost every race he has run.  He has run a 2:48 marathon in Boston and holds the age division records at the Big Sur Marathon, his favorite race.

He developed the Just Run youth program which is already reaching thousands of kids.  He is very involved in the promotion and development of running nationally. He is a columnist for the Monerey Herlad on running, health and fitness and has published a book called The Running Life.

I have known and have run against Michael for years.  I think I have only beaten him once in all these years.  He is a great guy, a tough competitor, and a friend.  Thanks Mike for doing this interview. (Interview by Bob Anderson)

Photo Above: At the finish of the 2011 Mission Ten held in San Juan Bautista, California.  photo by Catherine Cross Ujena Fit Club

1. You are going to be 65 in a few months. How has running changed for you over the years?
It really hasn’t changed very much. I started running regularly at age 38. If I don’t start my day with a run I feel out of sorts. I’m kind of a traditionalist and pretty much have the same running habits and workouts now as I did 20 years ago. I’m maybe a little wiser about training than I was then – but not too much. The biggest change is that I have been deeply involved in the race organization side for 15 years or so, as well as developing the JUST RUN youth program. I’ve become more of a running advocate over the years.

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A very informative interview. I did not realize how involved you are in the sport of running. You are certainly making a difference and your Just Run program was much needed in this country. Just love the way you end this, "Everyone deserves to be happy." Thanks Mike!!!
Bob Anderson 1/24/12 11:40 pm

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Hal Higdon is an accomplished writer of books and magazine articles.  He has been a top class runner.  He is currently providing training ideas to thousands.  Hal Higdon has contributed to Runner's World since 1966.  I wrote Hal in early 1966 and asked him if he would be interested in contributing to my magazine.  I was just an 18 year old kid with a dream.  He was already writing articles for Sports Illustrated.  He wrote back and sent along an article that would appear in the second issue of Distance Running News (name changed to Runner's World in 1970).  I will never forget this. He made my day.   

Author of 36 books, including a novel, Marathon, and the best-selling Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide, now in its 4th edition, Hal also has written books on many subjects and for different age groups. His children's book, The Horse That Played Center Field, was made into an animated feature by ABC-TV.

He ran eight times in the Olympic Trials and won four world masters championships. One of the founders of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), Higdon also was a finalist in NASA's Journalist-in-Space program to ride the space shuttle. He has served as training consultant for the Chicago Marathon and Chicago Area Runners Association and also answers questions on his Virtual Training Bulletin Board. 

At the American Society of Journalist and Author's annual meeting in 2003, the Society gave Hal its Career Achievement Award, the highest honor given to writer members. An art major at Carleton College, he sells and exhibits his paintings in a Pop Art style. Hal Higdon's wife, Rose, hikes, bikes, skis and supports him in his running and writing. They have three children and nine grandchildren. (Interview by Bob Anderson - founder Runner's World 1966)

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Hal has helped so many people be better runners and have more fun doing it. I have know Hal for nearly 46 years. He sent me articles for my magazine when I was like 18 years old and he was already writing for Sports Illustrated. How nice was that? Thanks Hal for doing this interview. Lots of good reading!
Bob Anderson 1/19/12 9:07 am

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Jodi at age 42 is the fastest Ujena model currently.  She is originally from Winnipeg, Canada, but migrated to California in 2004 to continue her modeling career. In 2005 Jodi was signed on with a Skin Care company as a spokes model, but upon finding out about her education they offered her a sales position. 

Eight years later Jodi is not only the TV Shopping Channel personality for the company, she is also VP of Sales. It isn’t uncommon for Jodi to be in the office at 4:30 am and then catch a 7:00 am flight to do live shows for 24 hours in a row on the shopping channel, and head right back to the office to take care of business.

Although she is busy, Jodi finds time to do what she loves! In 2011 she reconnected with her friends at Ujena Swimwear and caught the running bug again. Putting in an average of 20-25 miles a week Jodi is quickly getting her legs back and her goal is to become a national class runner for her age group.

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Jodi you are one busy woman...and you are still able to get in 25 miles per week. Love the interview!!!
Bob Anderson 1/17/12 10:12 pm

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Michael Wardian, 37, runs long distances. Michael’s been running competitively for 16 years and has run more than 100 marathons since his first in 1996. He lives in Arlington, VA with his wife Janet and their two sons. Among the titles he holds is Guinness World Record for the Fastest-Marathon as a superhero (Spider Man) which he set at the 2011 Lower Potomac Marathon, but he also holds bronze medals for the U.S. in two 50ks. He looks forward to the day when he’ll be able to run with his whole family at his side. Right now, however, the main thing on his mind is the Olympic Trials January 14 in Houston. (Interview by Laura Dayton)

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Have a good race on Saturday Michael. We are excited to have you part of our Ujena Fit Club.
Bob Anderson 1/12/12 1:37 pm

Good Luck on Saturday!
Lisa Anderson-Wall 1/12/12 5:13 pm

Thank you so much...
michael wardian 1/13/12 8:53 am

Good luck on Saturday and take it all in. What an honor to be running in the Olympic Trials.
Justin Wall 1/13/12 12:01 pm

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Joe Henderson began his magazine career in 1967 with Track & Field News. He continued as editor of Runner's World (1970-77), then as a columnist for the magazine most of the years through 2004. That year he began writing for Marathon & Beyond magazine. He has written or co-authored 30 books. Most recent are his three e-book memoirs – Starting Lines, Going Far and Running Home.

Born in 1943, Joe grew up in Iowa, where he began running races at age 14 and won several state high school titles. He competed in track and cross-country at Drake University in Des Moines, and later graduated to distances as long as 70 miles.

For decades Joe spoke regularly to running groups throughout the U.S. and Canada. He has taught classes at the University of Oregon since 1986, first in journalism and now running. He also coaches a marathon training team.

Photo: Joe finishing a marathon after a long "retirement."

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Thanks again Joe for doing this interview. Can you believe it...we have known each other for 43 years! It does seem like forever on one hand but then it doesn't on the other. You have done so much for running and you deserve a BIG THANK YOU!
Bob Anderson 1/11/12 2:33 pm

What a great interview about someone who has meant so much to the world of running. Thanks Joe.
Justin Wall 1/13/12 12:51 pm

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