A few days ago, we received an email from our partner in dialogue, Richard Best, that referenced Dr. George Sheehan and his writings on the nature of fitness, marathon running and his personal experience in reconnecting with his mind, body and spirit. George was a revered writer, lecturer, cardiologist and ambassador for long distance running and fitness, and a good friend.
George, a New Jersey cardiologist, burst on the fitness scene in the mid-'70s through his best selling books and lectures. He spoke not about health science and disease prevention but more about the emotional and spiritual aspects of reclaiming ownership of one’s body. He had a speaking style that was friendly but commanding and he would quickly draw his audience to new ideas and connections. They came to hear a health lecture. He would take them on a trip into inner consciousness.
George and I traveled to workshops and conferences all over America on behalf of the Presidents Council on Physical Fitness & Sports. I heard him deliver his remarks dozens of times, but never once grew weary of his message. His good lines shot like an arrow:
- "Too many of us treat our bodies like second class citizens."
- "Our body is 'us.' "
- "Whatever form of exercise you may choose, find your joy in exercise."
- "Trying to stop overeating, smoking or other high-risk behaviors is ass backwards. Begin to exercise and all that stuff automatically becomes much less difficult to stop."
- "Once you begin a regular exercise program, you no longer age, you are growing."
- "You’ll never have an original thought unless you are in action."
- "Begin with fitness and then you’ll find meditation and contemplation."
- "Each of us is an animal, child, artist and a saint. But first, become a good animal."
George would often conclude his remarks with: "Man at any age is still a marvel of the universe."
You can look forward to the observations and critical thinking offered by many of the legends in fitness on this website in the future. In the meantime, here's a bit of classic Sheehan "on the run."