Gerry Lindgren – Most Talented US High School Runner Ever?
I’m lucky enough to be reading “Gerry Lindgren’s Book on Running” at the moment – an inspirational story about the rise of Gerry Lindgren from a last-place runner on his high school cross-country team to arguably the best high school distance runner of all time. Growing up in the UK, I must admit I’d never even heard of Gerry Lindgren until recently, when a good running friend offered to loan me the book and briefly explained who he was. Thanks Tim for enlightening me 
Lindgren was a self-described “high school wimp”, but his front running, pace setting style helped inspire a generation of runners and led to the distance running revolution in America. In 1964, in his senior year at Rogers High School, Lindgren ran 5000 meters in 13 minutes 44 seconds, setting a U.S. high school record which would stand for a staggering 40 years!
Gerry would routinely log huge mileage weeks. According to the book he would think nothing of racking up 200+ miles a week – quite unbelievable considering this was over 40 years ago.
If you get a chance to read “Gerry Lindgren’s Book on Running“, I’d highly recommend it. It’s written in Gerry’s own words (or rather in the words of his shadow) and you can follow how a small, wimpy boy became a great runner among giants!
Gerry’s story sounds incredibly inspiring! Thanks for sharing the information about his book. Will definitely add this to my “Must Read” book list!