A Closer Look at - Bob Schul, "In the Long Run"
Most of today's American runners are familiar with the lives and accomplishments of runners such as Steve Prefontaine, Billy Mills, and Frank Shorter. Sadly, when one mentions the name Bob Schul, the typical response is "Who?". It is indeed a tragedy that the first and only American to win a gold medal in the 5000 meters and the only American male runner to have been selected as the pre-race favorite in an Olympic race over 1500 meters long has been seemingly forgotten. In his book In the Long Run (Landfall Press, Dayton, Ohio, 2000, $14.95), Schul finally gets the chance to tell his story.

Schul leads the reader through his running career beginning with his first runs on his family farm in West Milton, Ohio, to his triumph at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. He vividly recounts his races as well as his grueling training under the great Hungarian coach Mihaly Igloi. In today's age of professional athletics, Schul's story is even more impressive considering all his successes were achieved while holding a full time job and adhering to the strict amateur regulations imposed by the AAU. Schul's work ethic and determination are inspiring to any reader who is attempting to become the best runner he can be.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Schul's story is not his many successes, but rather his struggles and response to adversity as he tries to reach the top of his sport. A lifelong asthmatic, Schul was a sickly child who would not have appeared to have much of a future in athletics ahead of him. Although he battled asthma throughout his career, he was able to overcome the condition and use it to fuel his fierce competitive nature. As he says, "I knew I'd really never give up. I couldn't give in. I knew I was competitive and I wanted to prove I could be one of the best." In addition to asthma, Schul recounts overcoming a bout with mononucleosis that left him hospitalized for a month, anemia, poor races, and several injuries. His positive attitude in the face of disappointment is a great example for anyone who has struggled with injuries and setbacks.

In today's age of science in which so much is placed on the value of VO2 max and physiological testing, his story is an important reminder of the mental aspect of the sport. As Schul says, "The most important ingredient a distance runner must have is the mental attitude that will allow him to spend the long necessary hours on the training fields and to train his mind to push his body beyond what another athlete will do." His focus on mental toughness and the ability to be successful through hard work and dedication speaks to the emotional and mental aspects of running that are too often overlooked today.

Schul's book is a great read for any runner wanting to see what it takes to reach the top of the sport and realize one's own potential as a runner. As Bill Rodgers says of Schul, "His story is proof Americans can rise to the highest level of international sports competition and win--and do so in a sportsmanlike way." In order for American runners to ever be able to succeed again at the Olympic level it is important to recognize and listen to the stories of athletes such as Schul. Hopefully, after reading this book, when one hears the name Bob Schul he will recognize the name of one of the greatest runners of all time. After reading Schul's story of determination and mental toughness, one cannot help but be inspired to strive to incorporate these same qualities into their own running.

In the Long Run is available for $14.95 and the Bob Schul's Wookout Book is $12.00

To order either or both books send your name and address with payment to: Bob Schul, In the Long Run, 3350 Boxwood Drive, Fairborn, OH 45324

Editor note: Elaine Binkley is an avid reader and was All State in Cross Country and Track at Bishop Watterson High School. Last fall, as a freshman at Denison University she earned All American honors in Cross Country. In June she ran the 10,000 meters at the NCAA Division III Track & Field Championships.

You can also watch the final two laps of Bob's Gold Medal performance at: http://www.runningpast.com/vintage_media.htm

The RUNOHIO's Book Review - A Closer Look at - various running books will be a regular column. To have your book considered for review send a copy to: Matt McGowan, RUNOHIO, 330 Spellman Street, Granville, OH 43023