Podcasts Running Podcasts

ROO #33: Dick Beardsley on Professional Running and Overcoming Addiction

Dick Beardsley is a former professional runner, motivational speaker, and author. Dick is a renowned American distance runner who is best known for his 1982 Boston Marathon, “Duel in the Sun” with Alberto Salazar, where he ran 2:08:53. Dick is also a two-time Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier. He is featured in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the only person to ever run 13 consecutive personal bests in the marathon. After retiring from running in 1988, Dick had a series of near fatal accidents that left him addicted to pain killers. He become sober, returned to his active running lifestyle, and was inspired to start the Dick Beardsley Foundation that educates people on the disease of chemical dependency.

In this episode we discuss Dick’s running background, from what inspired him to begin running in high school to time as a professional runner. Dick recounts the 1982 Boston Marathon, “Duel in the Sun” with Alberto Salazar and the challenges he encountered during the race. He shares his journey of chemical dependency from how he overcame his addiction to pain killers to starting the Dick Beardsley Foundation. Dick reveals his relationship with running now and thoughts on the upcoming Boston Marathon.

Subscribe to Podcast via iTunes

Listen to the Podcast via WordPress

Nate’s Sites: