byJeff BenjaminPat Tyson is one of the finest coaches in our country. Pat Tyson was a team mate of the late Steve Prefontaine, as well as a room mate. Pat Tyson, has used his experience as athlete and coach to build fine high school and college programs.
Jeff Benjamin spoke with Pat Tyson in late May.
We offer Pat Tyson a belated 70th birthday (his birthday was on 21 May ).
Jeff Benjamin and Pat Tyson, photo by Jeff Benjamin
Awaiting The Baton In The Relay Exchange Zone – Profiles Of Athletes, Coaches & Legends During The War Against Corona
Profile # 47
Oregon Running Legend!
National-Acclaimed High School & College Coach!
70-Years Young!
Pat Tyson!
By Jeff Benjamin
How is your daily training & coaching routine doing and how challenging has it been for you in this environment?
Steve Prefontaine, Pat Tyson, photo from Pat Tyson
“Seems like my whole life has had the key word “adaptability” mixed in with so many things life has thrown at us.
I grew up poor! Great mom, but dirt poor. I learned to work hard. If you worked hard, you had a chance. Interesting that my coaches at Oregon, Bill Dellinger and Bill Bowerman had Adaptability as one of the Oregon five principals that would lead to success. Johnny Wooden would use it! Also Lou Holtz. So it is in my DNA. The Pandemic challenges all of us. I told our athletes from the beginning that “when the going gets tough, the tough get going”. Look at life today as a challenge to work on your weaknesses! Mentally and physically toughen up. Embrace your goals. We have an opportunity to step up! Get an edge on our competitors.
I will say it has been hard on me because I love the social interaction with the athletes. We are making do! We are getting through a track like spring that attempts to simulate race situations. Our weekly zoom team meetings give everyone a feel we are still united as one! I remind them that learning to be a tough out front runner is a good skill to work on! Lots of mental imagery.”
What advice can you give to runners, -especially youth, high school, collegiate- who are challenged during this time as well.
Jeff Benjamin with Pat Tyson, photo by Jeff Benjamin
My advice to youth, high school, and college runners is to find purpose. Set weekly goals. Challenge yourself with certain kinds of workouts and chase them! Conquer them! Gain mental toughness! Go longer and faster on tempo runs! You get an opportunity to love like a pro! Work on eating better. Sleeping better. Keep the same routine! Don’t sleep in! Watch some cool races of legendary great runners of the past on YouTube! Write great things in your journal! Explore your world! Do things today that your competitors are not doing so you can gain that edge!
“Find a way to really stay on fire on a regular basis!!!!!!!!!”
To Purchase Coach Tyson’s Book –
“Coaching Cross Country Successfully”
Please go to
https://www.amazon.com/Coaching-Cross-Country-Successfully/dp/1450440193
