Bill Rodgers won his first Boston Marathon (1975) in a t-shirt.
In my opinion, Bill Rodgers is one of the pioneers of high mileage training, blue-collar work ethic, and gutsy out-of-nowhere racing that defined American marathoning for so long. His legacy should long be remembered and celebrated.
Here is the1975 Training Log of Bill Rodgers.
It is a work of art. And might be the most impressive training log I've ever seen.
Remember, he ran before and after work in New England winters and summers. Most of his training runs were on sidewalks and roads. He didn't have access to world-class physiologists, massage, or physical therapy.
He simply got up every day and ran — most days twice a day, and on occasion three times.
It is remarkable. I have it bookmarked and review it at least once a season. Each time I go over it, my mind is blown. It makes me stop and think. Nearly 600 miles of training in January? In Boston? Wow.
I hope you get as much from it as I have, or twice as much, or even three times.