These profound quotes were taken from Running to the Top by Arthur Lydiard—the late New Zealander responsible for the jogging movement of the 50s and 60s, and for coaching several word class runners to Olympic gold medals using his scientific, yet extremely patient training methods.

On being patient throughout the process when adhering to a Lydiard program…

“You will come to your peak slower than many others and you will be running last when they are running first. But when it is really important to be running first, you will be passing them”

 

On being fit versus being healthy…

“We can be healthy without being fit. Or we can be fit without being healthy. What we need to aim for is both fitness and health.”

Read what Kim Smith has to say about Arthur Lydiard

On the science behind anaerobic versus aerobic metabolism…

“…aerobic metabolism produces innocent wastes, water and carbon dioxide; anaerobic metabolism produces lactic acid, which, as it accumulates, progressively prevents the muscles from contracting.”

On developing young people at a slower rate…

“I’ve always insisted on taking the long view with athletes who want to become champions in a hurry. There are no safe shortcuts.”

On listening to your body…

“How you run should be governed by how you feel on the day and by the simple catch-phrase I invented years ago, “train, don’t strain”.

On Chilling out…

“Relaxation is the key to good running”!

PURCHASE RUNNING TO THE TOP

About the Author: Chantelle Wilder is the Senior Editor and Co-Founder of Runners Feed. She also competes for the New Balance Silicon Valley Club in the Bay Area of California. When she isn’t running, or editing she can be found enjoying the fruitful wines of nearby Napa Valley while challenging her husband to a game of Bananagrams®.

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