Runner’s World May 1988

There’s some red-hot nostalgia for me here. I’ve already told you about how I used to loiter in WH Smith on Slough High Street every Thursday.

Of course, I’d pick up a copy of Athletics Weekly. And hope they would have the new Running Magazine, Today’s runner or Tri-Athlete (UK). But getting an import copy of Runner’s World (USA) was also exciting.

Unlike the modern version of the magazine, Runner’s World back then was mainly focused on races, racers and racing. With occasional stuff about kit. I think the May 1988 issue was the first one that I ever bought.

Although I was into collecting virtually any running content. The big attraction this month was seeing Dave Scott on the cover. In 1988, Mark Allen hadn’t won the Hawaii Ironman yet. He had 6 Nices. But still. Dave Scott was the American reference for British triathletes.

In fact, the Dave Scott article leads a feature on how and why runners should get into triathlon. A bit like Today’s Runner did in May 1987. Reading this might have even been the thing that finally tipped the balance for me. To become a triathlete. Although I wouldn’t race until May 1989.

The feature is heavy on science. Very Dave Scott. But there’s also side-bars on Curtis Alitz and Kirsten Hanssen. Alitz was a huge talent. And had some solid USTS results. But I don’t think he pursued triathlon beyond the 1980s. Probably too busy with his military medical career.

Interestingly, some column inches are used to discuss the chances of Triathlon getting into the Olympics. It’s noted that an international governing body was formed in November 1987. That would of course come unraveled. Peter Cazalet is also put forward as a future participant. He wouldn’t be. But his story is interesting. More on that later.

There’s a Bike Buyers Guide and some maintenance tips. I remember find these super-interesting. As I was in the market for a new 10 speed. I worked out that I needed what they call an Entry Level Road Racer.

The jargon guide I could do without. I hate these things. But the ad for the Peugeot Versailles is very cool. In fact, I’m visiting Versailles in October. Maybe I’ll take my Peugeot. To spin around the gardens.

Here’s the whole magazine. Take a look.

I was also intrigued by the articles about Mormon runners, the elite veterans racing an indoor mile, the preview of the 1988 Women’s Olympic Marathon Trials and the road racing reports at the back. Amazing how many British runners were active on the US circuit back then.

Images: Runner’s World (USA) May 1988