Without a doubt, one of the highlights for the late 1970’s right into the early 1990’s for American track geeks (like myself) was ABC TV’s weekly “Wide World of Sports” show broadcasting the annual Bislett Games “Dream Mile” live from Oslo Norway!
Stories about the Dream Mile…
These record attempting attempts also would nut have happened were it not for the “Rabbits”, one or two pacesetters who would strike out at the planned pace, usually lasting in the lead with 1lap to go!
One such dramatic race was the 1988 edition, with Steve Cram winning dramatically, blasting last everyone with around 100 meters to go in a time of 3:48.85!
The lead “Rabbit” was James Mays, known through the years for doing peacemaking chores for many a race on the European circuit.
After 2 laps Mays dropped out and then Brit Paul Larkins took over, paving the field and being out in front of the world’s best until a lap to go.
Now Larkins has run in reverse, as he includes that race, alongside his other experiences in his self-narrative, “Running In The Shadows Of The Gods”!
This detailed-nostalgic book, filled with great insight and positivity, traces Larkins’ rise from Britain to stardom at Oklahoma State, becoming the first Brit to ever win the NCAA Mile!
Throughout his ups and downs, triumphs and loses, Larkins’ book tells of the time period when many like himself competed not only for the few bucks one could make on the International scene, but also for the pure love of it all. Larkins makes no small gesture in telling how Scott, Coe, Ovett, Walker, Cram and Peter Elliott amongst others, inspired him to train and compete at his best, something he hopes that readers will do when they put this great book down!
After all, they were indeed to myself and many from that generation the “Running Gods!”
To purchase “Running In The Shadows Of The Gods”, Paul Larkins says on his FB Page -(Amazon is the site linked to purchase the book).
“If you’re in need of some light entertainment or even a bit of inspiration (for the conference fellow OSU cowboys), you can always download this epic off Amazon.”
