Don Kardong
Don Kardong: A Life of Perseverance and Endurance
Full Name and Common Aliases
Don Kardong is a renowned American athlete, journalist, and author, best known for his remarkable running career. Born Donald Lee Kardong on August 15, 1948, he has become synonymous with dedication and resilience.
Birth and Death Dates
Kardong was born in Seattle, Washington, but unfortunately, there is no record of his passing or death date available in public sources.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Don Kardong holds American nationality and has had a multifaceted career spanning athletics, journalism, and writing. He has worked as a professional runner, Olympic athlete, journalist, author, and motivational speaker.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Don was exposed to an active lifestyle from a young age. His parents encouraged his love for sports, which led him to excel in track and field events. Kardong attended Gonzaga University on a scholarship, where he developed his running skills under the guidance of renowned coach Joe Harbor.
Major Accomplishments
Kardong's athletic career was marked by numerous achievements:
Olympic Marathon Runner: In 1976, he represented the United States in the Olympic Games, finishing sixth in the men's marathon.
US National Champion: Kardong won three consecutive national championships (1981-1983) in the men's marathon.
Notable Works or Actions
As a journalist and author, Don Kardong has made significant contributions to the world of running:
The Runner's Handbook: Published in 1977, this comprehensive guide became an instant classic among runners. It provided expert advice on training, nutrition, and injury prevention.
Journalism Career: Throughout his career, Kardong wrote for prominent publications such as Runner's World and The Seattle Times.
Impact and Legacy
Don Kardong's influence extends beyond the running community:
Inspiring Others: His remarkable achievements have inspired countless individuals to take up running and push their limits.
Pioneering Fitness Journalism: As a pioneering journalist, he helped shape the way fitness information is presented to the public.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Don Kardong's quotes often emphasize perseverance and dedication. His remarkable achievements on the track serve as a testament to his unwavering commitment:
> "Running is about pushing your limits, both physically and mentally." – Don Kardong
As we reflect on Don Kardong's life, it becomes clear that his legacy extends far beyond his impressive athletic career. He has inspired generations of runners and fitness enthusiasts with his unyielding spirit and passion for health.
This biography aims to capture the essence of Don Kardong's remarkable life, while also highlighting the key factors contributing to his enduring influence on the world of running and beyond.
Quotes by Don Kardong
Don Kardong's insights on:
I know runners who have suffered a tick bite and ended up with Lyme disease. I'll take an angry moose any day.
The key to running a good marathon is to not listen to anyone’s advice the last week before the race. That’s when people tend to do stupid things that disrupt all the input and training of the previous months.
Train at the same pace day after day, week after week, year after year, and that’s the kind of running the body adapts to. But break out of that comfort zone with a little speedwork now and then, and the body will learn to deal with the new demands.
Runners like to train 100 miles per week because it’s a round number. But I think 88 is a lot rounder.
In those long, lonely miles you put in during the off-season, and in those knife-in-the-gut track repetitions and hill repeats that buckle your knees - at that moment in almost every race when you ask yourself how much you're willing to hurt to catch one more runner - you can draw strength and inspiration from your running mates.
When I went to the starting line of the 1976 Olympic marathon in Montreal, it was with the unsettling conviction that some of my competitors were cheaters.
If you run 100 miles a week, you can eat anything you want - Why? Because (a) you'll burn all the calories you consume, (b) you deserve it, and (c) you'll be injured soon and back on a restricted diet anyway.