Gerry Lindgren Invitational
a special boys 2-mile race
April 22, 2005 at East High School, Salt Lake City UT


A conversation with Gerry Lindgren and Jeff Nelson

Still the high school boys 2-mile national record holders after all these years (Lindgren 8:40.0 indoors in 1964 and Nelson 8:36.3 outdoors in 1979), Gerry and Jeff talk about why distance running declined since them (mileage) and how someone can break their records now.

by John Dye

[Editor's note: Jeff Nelson and Gerry Lindgren will meet for the first time at the Gerry Lindgren Invitational. They spoke to each other for the first time in a conference call in connection with the meet. We asked them questions about their era and the current state of high school distance running.]

Why was there such a drought in high school distance running since your era and why is there a resurgence now?

Drought

Lindgren -- "We went away from miles to meters. Jim Ryun's record didn't matter anymore. You had to build tradition all over again. The fear of mileage was the problem. Books came out warning against running more than 70 miles a week. But Kenyans do high mileage. I had just average ability. Mileage gave me strong legs and let me do what I did."

Nelson -- "Mileage is the key factor. We studied Gerry Lindgren and Jim Ryun workouts and emulated them. Everyone was running more than 80 miles a week; some 120-150. Anyone running under 9 minutes (for 2 miles) was doing at least 100 miles a week. In the 1980's the scientists took over. They got away from running. Instead, they were stretching . . . hopping down the the field. They weren't distance running any more. They were into aerobics and science. "

Resurgence

Lindgren -- "Kids want to run fast. Coaches are letting them run more miles now."

Nelson -- "Getting back to just running."

 

Are you familiar with any of the runners in Lindgren Invitational?

Lindgren -- "Not too familiar, but their times are amazingly good."

 

How do you feel about meeting for first time?

Lindgren -- "It's fun. I've been kind of isolated out here (in Hawaii)."
[Lindgren resumed contact with people on the mainland last December in Portland when he was inducted into the US Track and Field Hall of Fame.]

Nelson -- "I'm in awe just talking to him now on the phone. He was an idol of mine -- one of the great personalities of distance running. I'm in awe and floored that I will have the opportunity to meet him. My coaches were all Gerry Lindgren fans."

 

What are you doing these days?

Lindgren -- "I live in Hawaii. I run a parking garage in a retail center in Honolulu. I coach runners a bit. I still try to run, but I am injured right now. I ran in the Great Aloha Run (8.2 miles) and got second in my age group."

Nelson -- "I am assistant to the chief of finance at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank CA. I coach an age group running club, the Santa Clarita Track Club. My son (12 years old) is in the club. We just try to have fun -- take the science out of it."

 

What future involvement in the sport do you expect?

Lindgren.-- "When I was running, I didn't think of the significance of what I was doing. I thought I would just sink back into the woodwork. But people won't let you. The Hall of Fame induction was a good experience. I was surprised so many people still wanted to meet me. I wrote a book, I'm involved in the Gerry Lindgren Invitational, and other groups are inviting me to visit. I will be more involved in the future."

Nelson -- "My son wanted to get involved. So I am thinking of more teaching and coaching in the future."

 

What advice do you have for current runners trying to break your records?

Lindgren -- "Work hard, but then go out to have fun. If you are trying too hard, it won't happen. Make the pace -- don't worry about winning or losing until the last 50 yards."

Nelson -- "Don't get too far behind. You have to go out harder than you are used to. You can't think about saving yourself."

 

 

Gerry Lindgren Invitational index page

 


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John Dye - founder and editor in chief
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left, John and Donna Dye