Grete Waitz: A triple anniversary in October

(Editor’s Note: Grete Waitz, a member of the Distance Running Hall of Fame and nine-time winner of the New York City Marathon, has been a spokesperson for the JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge® for 15 years. She has attended more than 100 Corporate Challenge events in that time and is one of the foremost advocates for corporate health and fitness. Here she reflects on three significant anniversaries in October, while offering some timeless advice on running and life.)

Grete's previous 2003 columns are available on a separate page by clicking below
September - Run your best race by peaking for it
August - Run smart, run healthy
July - Keeping cool during the dog days of summer
June - Keeping hydrated in warm weather
May - The benefits of strength training
April - The benefits of cross training
March - When is it too much?
February - How to take your running to the next level
January - Resolutions to improve your training

Grete Waitz with aerobics pioneer Dr. Kenneth Cooper at a Series race in Dallas.

October 2003 is most certainly special to me. It is 25 years since I ran the New York City Marathon for the first time, somehow winning with a world record time. And it is 20 years since I was the first world champion in track and field history.

The track and field title was more a coincidence since the women's marathon was the first event in the first World Championship in 1983. It is hard to believe so many years have passed, I remember both races like they were yesterday. But I know the numbers don't lie and that brings me to the third anniversary; I turn 50 years old this month.

I don't know how I feel about that other than being old, but it is good to know that runners age slowly, so physically I think myself younger.

So many good memories come to mind in my stint as a professional athlete. Of course it wasn't a happy time all the way; I had my share of obstacles and struggling but overall I would have done it all over again if had a chance.

After several years as one of the best middle distance runners in the world with 4.00.5 in the 1500 meters and 8.31.7 in the 3000 meters, I saw my running carreer approaching the end. The longest distance for women in the Olympics was still only 1500 meters in 1980. At the time I was working full time as a high school teacher, running twice a day with a weekly mileage of 85-90.

But instead of moving toward early retirement as an athlete, a race through the streets of New York changed my path in life.

1978 New York City Marathon: Few expectations before a surprising world record

My husband, Jack, never doubted my capacity when it came to long distance running. He talked me into running the New York City Marathon in 1978, and since we had never been to the U.S. before, I was an easy sell. With no long runs under my belt other than one of 11-12 miles, I lined up at the Verrazano Bridge hoping just to finish the 26 miles. What would the race organizers think about inviting me if I couldn’t even finish? I was unprepared with a hand-painted bib number (1173), so needless to say expectations were not high.

After struggling the last five miles and being angry at Jack who talked me into this, I crossed the finish line in 2.32.30, a world record. I sweared never to do this again, but as you may know I came back a year later with a few more long runs in my legs and was the first woman to break 2.30 (2.27.33). My career as a marathoner had started.

Like you, I love running and I was fortunate to have my passion as my job the last 10 years of my competitive running. I felt privileged and lucky, I could easily recall the years running track when I had to complete my education and later work. My life then was very much like the life you have today. You learn to be organized, disciplined and dedicated to fit it all in - training, work and spending time with friends and family.

My running didn't just give me awards or medals, it shaped my life and got me interested in fitness in general. I learned a lot since I always wanted to know why I did certain workouts and exercises. All this experience was useful when I got involved with the JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge and met runners like yourself. We have a lot in common and I enjoy very much talking to you and discussing training, races, injuries etc.

"I have no plans of slowing down ... you shouldn't either"

Looking back on all my races, my first New York City Marathon was definitely the most important one. From a historic point of view, being in the first Olympic women's 1500 meter race in 1972 in Munich and the first Olympic marathon for women in Los Angeles in 1984 also were very special. I have participated in the development of women's running and I am happy to see where we are today. More women are running. And, it's not just on a world class level. In general, and the number of women runners in the JPMorgan Corporate Challenge, is increasing every year. I’m thrilled to report that virtually 50 percent of all Corporate Challenge participants are women. That’s amazing.

With this month’s Championship event in New York, the JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge Series for 2003 has ended. It has been a great year with lots of fun and exciting races and I know we will see the same for 2004. I’ll be thrilled to be a part of it again, and hope you will join me. I have no plans of slowing down at age 50 and, no matter what your age or station in life, you shouldn’t either.