A couple years ago I came across one of George's books in a used bookstore. Read it with deep interest and respect. He sure could write. Then last year with my 12 yr. old daughter got the opportunity to run in the 5-mile classic in his name. The race sure took over the pleasant town of Red Bank, NJ.

Recently came in contact with a runner who in his 20's remembers races with George. This runner would be ahead, but in the last mile or so he'd hear George, a bit of a noisy breather so he said, catching up and passing him, George I guess being in his 60's!

Hi Byquist;

George's writing style is very compatible with my reading style, and once I get started reading one of his books, I have to stop every once in a while to highlight a passage, or jot it down on a 3x5. He's not only a writer, but a darn good philosopher. George has also been inspirational in my writing pursuits. My first and only submission was published in the 42nd issue of The Varmint Hunter. I'll pursue writing later on in life, though. But as far as running, I'll never come to the peak performance equaling George. I'm a natural sprinter, so distance running is a bit of a stretch for me. I'm now 44 years of age, but thanks to George, I've taken pretty good care of my body. A lot of people who don't know me would frequently assume I'm in my late 20's.

I'll hopefully be training seriously again by late 2006. I miss competitive running, but pursuing a second career for me is one race I'm currently on. As for the 20 year old runner you mentioned who had the good fortune of having competed against George, what an experience! George Sheehan is no longer in this world, but I think if we could just take his positive ways into our own modus operandi, he would be pleased, and the world would be a much better place to run a race! Rock on.

Marlon "Mark" Beltran
Garden Grove, CA
9-3-2005

it's been almost 10 years since I was a 'serious' runner, but hardly a day goes by that something from Dr. Sheehan doesn't pop in my head..

one of my all time favorite quotes was something like 'you can take anything you want in life, if only you're willing to pay for it' (in an article about his decision to forego any further chemo)

I got a note from him once in the mail...

He was a wise man

Here I go again..reading "Running and Being" for at least the 50th time. Over and over. Sheehan's book inspires me at a deeper level than any book I have ever read.