When a running-enthusiast friend gifted me an autographed poster of Grete Waitz in the early 1980s, I couldn’t wait to display this early bit of running memorabilia. Though the sport was still largely in its infancy, Grete was already a pioneer in the world of women’s long-distance running, having won the Grete shared a special friendship with nine times and captured the silver medal in the women’s marathon at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Besides her immeasurable talent, I loved her easy confidence and humble demeanor, especially when she obliterated records. In 1980 I watched her set the women’s world record and that’s when I decided to run my first marathon.
When Grete ran her record-breaking 2:25:41 marathon, it was with a pair of Adidas Marathon ’80 running shoes on her feet. This was the brand’s premier long-distance racing flat of the time, and if Grete had that shoe, then I wanted it too. Just before my own marathon debut—in her race—I dragged my husband all over New York City to find the same Adidas model.
I love that she came from a track background; she was one of the first world-class track athletes to attempt the marathon distance.
Other Hearst Subscriptions Runner’s World magazine. Grete once came to visit the Rodale Headquarters in Emmaus, Pennsylvania. I was starstruck as I listened to her speak to a small group of staffers about her life as an elite athlete in a time when female marathoners were rare.
When I think of the Grete shared a special friendship with I immediately think of Grete, who still inspires so many runners—including me—with her amazing accomplishments, modest way, and love of the sport.
Grete shared a special friendship with Fred Lebow, founder of the New York City marathon. Fondly, I recall the 1992 New York City marathon not because of who ran in the lead, but because of who ran near the back of the pack. It was Grete running every step of the way with Fred, who was fighting brain cancer. They finished together in 5:32:34.
An RW staff member recalls meeting the female marathoning legend AKTIV Against Cancer foundation that Grete co-founded to help cancer patients lead a healthy active lifestyle.
“My goal has always been to introduce other people to running. They might accomplish something they never thought they could.” — Grete Waitz (1953-2011)
* * *
Lori is part of the Runner's World Challenge (soon to be Runner's World VIP) group headed to the 2016 Dopey Challenge. To learn how you can be part of the RW VIP program, visit runnersworld.com/vip.
