
running the Stockade-athon 15K in November
In 2003, at 72, Whitlock became the first person 70 or older to break 3:00 in the marathon, with a 2:59:10 at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. A year later, at 73, he lowered that 70+ best to 2:54:49. Over the ensuing years, Whitlock set age-group marks in the 70+, 75+, 80+, and 85+ age groups at distances from 1500 meters up through the marathon. Just last October, at 85, he ran 3:56:33 at the Toronto Marathon, becoming the first in his age group to break 4:00 and taking 28 minutes off the previous 85+ record.

Whitlock also defied convention, especially for older runners, in his approach to non-running activities, in that he did no stretching, strength training, or cross training. When he was injured, he simply stopped running until he felt able to resume his high-volume training. He followed no special diet, other than to eat enough to keep his weight up. Whitlock mostly ran in old shoes he’d won at races or had otherwise received; he said the racing flats he wore to break 4:00 at Toronto were 15 years old.
Hmmmm. Does he know something here?
So sad that stupid cancer had to end his running career. He will be missed.
And since it is Wednesday, I’m linking up with Nicole and AnnMarie and Jen for the Wild Workout Wednesday…
Happy Running! Ever met a famous runner? Whom do you idolize?
Some people can break the rules and it works for them. Others can’t.
He was definitely an amazing runner and a gracious person — which, I think, is more important.
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I agree.
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So awesome that you were able to meet him in person, people like that with such determination always inspire me!
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me too.
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RIP Ed – he seemed like a genuinely nice guy, along with being a gifted runner. Really nice that you got to meet him; and I have to say it – cancer just sucks.
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Yes it does and it takes such good people.
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Such an amazing athlete and person. He was an incredible role model!
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Yes he was.
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Oh what a sad loss to the running community. He was able to achieve so much! What an inspiration, thanks for sharing.
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That’s a beautiful tribute to a great runner!! What an inspiration!
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That’s amazing. We are all looking for the right shoes and when to swap them out. Always trying to eat right and cross train.
He was truly amazing and old school. Truly an inspiration to us all.
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Yes he was
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