By Don McLean

Amby Burfoot, 70, is a running immortal, editor, and author.  He won the 1968 Boston Marathon.  He has raced the Manchester Road Race --the New England equivalent of Butte to Butte, shorter (4.74 miles) and larger field- 54 times, most recently winning his age group (80 old boys) with a 7:27 mile pace.

David Elliott, 71, is faster.  In 2015 he smashed the Butte to Butte 10K record, 7:17 pace, and this year ran nearly as fast (on a tougher course) with a 7:24 pace, besting 19 old boys, his closest rival (me) by almost five minutes.  

1.  Always a runner?  How did it all start?  Earliest achievements in running and other sports?

I was not always a runner.  A motorcycle racer, I started running as conditioning for motorcycle racing.  In my early 30's, I injured my shoulder and couldn't race or do the bow hunting and competition I also enjoyed.  So I took up running road races.  The only racing I did in school was the 440 in the 7th grade.  Wresting was my high school sport. 

2.  Obvious question.  How have you retained your racing ability?  Three things you've done right over the years?

I've maintained my racing ability by watching my weight, staying active, exercising in one form or another.  I used to hike Mt, Pisgah six times a week.  I've never done drugs, smoked, and hardly ever drank.  I figure that has helped me so much over the years.

3.  Three things you've done wrong and overcome?

I used to run in cheap shoes and with that comes injuries.  I used to run hard every day - "No pain no gain" was the word back in the day.  Not good.  I was self taught on running and with that comes bad habits and bad techniques.

4.  In recent years you have been coached by Cathie Twomey Bellamy.  How has she made a difference for you?

Cathie is the best coach in the business.  I'm proud and honored to have her as my coach.  She has corrected my form, running techniques, and kept me injury free.  About the only time I get injured it is from non-running activities.  Cathie has made me a better runner over a broader range of distances.  She makes out my weekly workouts.  I don't have to worry about what I'm doing.  I can just concentrate on running.  I have the utmost respect for her, trusting everything she tells me, and try to follow her words of wisdom to the letter.

5.  Three CTB workouts you enjoy and seem to work best for you?

I like speed intervals, fartlek, and hills.  400s and hills are my favorite.

6.  Do you have other non running activities that keep you fit and healthy?

My other activities include going to the gym for low weight lifting with a higher repetition rate, pushups and stretching to keep me limber.

7.  Top 3-5 runners, other coaches, gurus you admire?  And why?

Top runners?  I could easily name 30 or more.  I especially like  Craig Godwin, Joshua Gordon, Dan Jackson, Jenifer Fedorov (my running and training partner) and Sharon Gerl (the workout queen).  All those people work hard at running as I try do.  I can relate to them.  The coaches I admire start with Cathie Twomey Bellamy, Anna Denn, Jeff Sather and Ian Dobson.

8.  Current running goals?

My goals are to stay healthy, injury free and to keep trying to lower my racing times.  I will pick out a few races next year and go for it.

9.  Eating and drinking tips?

Every morning I have a bowl of raw rolled oats, with milk, and sugar.  And a cup of coffee.  On race morning, it's egg on toast, oats, milk, and coffee.  I avoid fast food except for Taco Bell.  All that seems to keep me healthy and my weight down.,

10.  Parting wisdom, pro tip for the day?

Easy running days are meant to be easy days.  They are just as important as hard running days.  Took me years, even decades to learn that one.  The old saying is true:  You have to slow down to go fast.