Not too many of us can claim that we shaped the sport of running. But George Hirsch definitely can. His high-level publishing skills intersected with his passion for the world of running, and Runner’s World was born. Here he candidly shares some fascinating stories from his life.
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“You have to make mistakes. I mean, you have to learn the hard way.”
If you love “sitting at the feet” of a great storyteller, and you’re interested in some of the monumental movements and moments in running, then you’ll thoroughly enjoy this episode.
George colorfully recounts the details that defined the world of running as we know it now.
(2:30) Recounting the life of a good friend from New Rochelle…
(5:42) “I used to think that I could get better if I worked harder, and that's true in a lot of things in life. But it doesn't give you quickness.” Running in high school, college, and becoming a naval officer...
(8:36) A special friend, work-related projects, and being knighted—all in Italy…
(14:06) A random interview opens a door into the world of publishing…
(16:45) Magazines, Time, and Life drove the conversations of the day…
(19:48) The launching of a startup, which became New York magazine…
(23:26) “When I was getting out of college, no one was starting a business, and no one was creating something in a garage. No one was doing what you guys are doing. You went into something that existed, that was traditional.” The differences in how we approach careers now…
(27:09) The need for a few extra notches in the belt starts a running career…
(29:29) Acting on the mind-boggling idea of running the Boston Marathon…
(34:07) “It was life-affirming, Jon, it made a huge difference in every way.” ...George’s answer to what running meant to him when he started to really get into it.
(34:51) A favorite story, meeting the amazing Shay…
(40:45) Connecting a passion for running with the world of publishing through Runner’s World…
(44:39) The remarkable story behind the five boroughs of the New York City Marathon…
(51:56) Hitchhiking with Frank Shorter…
(53:56) Not every marathon has a great start. A recounting of the first Rock and Roll Marathon in San Diego…
(56:35) A running segment on Sports Center in the eighties…
(58:31) “Don't make any decisions on the uphill.” Life lessons with George…
(1:00:42) Embracing the struggle…
(1:03:22) “It's no fun to get beaten… you spend so much time and it's so hard, but, over time, I've come to look at that as a really good experience in my life. I learned things… I came out of it better.”
(1:05:54) What does Go Be More mean to you?
If you liked this episode, check out our interviews with Runner's World's Bart Yasso and running historian Gary Corbitt.
Recorded November 18, 2020.
References:
George Hirsch - Wikipedia
Runner's World - homepage
New York Road Runners - homepage
Guests:
George Hirsch - Instagram
Hosts:
Bryan Green - @sendaibry, bryan@gobemore.co
Jon Rankin - @chasejonrankin, Go Be More
Links:
Production and Editing