Posted September 18, 2005 | ||
Earl Fee, shown at a Club West Masters meet in Santa Barbara, California, about five years ago, has redefined the limits of human sprint endurance with M75 age-group records ranging from the 300 hurdles to the 800. He also recently published a revised edition of his training opus -- "The Complete Guide to Running," which is reviewed here. | TEN FROM KEN An interview with Earl Fee, By Ken Stone Masterstrack.com: Tell me about San Seb. You were pushed in the 400, but you won the 300 hurdles by 7 seconds and the 800 by 8 seconds. Were you happy with your efforts -- or sorry you didn't have much competition? Earl Fee: In my three races I felt I could have run faster, particularly in the 400. But in the 400 I was up against speedsters (Wolfgang) Reuter and (Don) Cheeks who were 1 and 2 in the 100 and 200 . They went out way too fast in the first 200 and I got sucked into a too-fast first 200; nearly full speed for me. I could have run near the 400 world record on my own. Also the travel, stress, different diet, lots of walking and poorer sleep all add up to slower times, I believe. How did Meyer & Meyer Sport come to publish the revised "How to be a Champion"? Was the first edition not selling well enough? Meyer and Meyer would have published my first book too, but I decided I didn't want a German publisher in view of communication problems. Also at the time in year 2000 I noticed a lot of errors in one of Lydiard's books published by Meyer and Meyer. I sold over 1,400 copies of the first book (self-published), but I wanted to make it more available worldwide so decided in 2004 a publisher was the best way. My team captain Brain Keaveney told me after the meet that I was chosen after a 6 to 4 vote over Reuter of Germany. I have always had a high age graded percentage, but I was surprised since I missed a lot of big meets this year in view of multiple injuries starting with a dislocated toe in January. A calf problem did not heal up for 5 months. In fact, I had forgotten there was such an award. Then I was reminded last year Canada considered me as their candidate for the award in view of my three indoor word recods. Each country can recommend a female and male candidate. The trip to Monaco was a dream trip including air fare, accomodation 400 euros per night, and great meals,costing me only a bottle of water. I was treated royally all at the expense of the International (Association of) Athletics (Federations). My best event would probably be 600. I am seriously thinking of training for the 200. Last year with little training I ran 30.02 in my first 200 race, which is world class I believe. Also I would like to work on the 80m hurdles. I would have medaled in Spain in this event based on my seed time, but I hardly ever train or race it. I think my body prefers the faster events rather the distance events. Sprinting is more fun than running a mile and a lot less work. If the doctors are right about my partially blocked arteries in my one leg I will have to go for the sprints as the faster running does not bother my leg, but the longer running sometimes does. One has to have a goal to succeed. I plan to break more world records and keep running until about 95. Maybe write another book concentrating on longevity issues.
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