Passing of Arthur Lydiard

I just found out that Arthur Lydiard passed away. Lydiard is, arguably, the most influential coach of runners of the last half century. So, what does this have to do with weight loss?

As a 27-year old, Lydiard, who'd dropped out of school at age 16, went for a 5-mile run with a much older man (47). The older man just took him apart on the run. Lydiard is said to have asked himself, "If he can do this to me at 27, what kind of shape will I be in when I get to his age?" He proceeded to learn what he could about conditioning (in those days, it was mostly learning from those who did it), and within a few years had transformed himself into a national champion (New Zealand).

The lesson here is that if you desire it, you can remake yourself. Lydiard died in Texas, while on a lecture tour of the USA. At age 87, he was the epitome of the expression "Carpe Diem" (Seize the Day), although hobbled by bad knees and a stroke, he let nothing stop him from getting through his day.

We can all learn a lot about how to live life from this giant of the coaching world. He will be missed.