The Essential Sheehan: A Lifetime of Running Wisdom from the Legendary Dr. George Sheehan

Dr. George Sheehan, dubbed the “philosopher king” of running by President Bill Clinton, was a triple threat: respected cardiologist, accomplished runner, and bestselling author of eight books on the power of exercise. His iconic column in Runner’s World remains the most popular ever. This collection of his best writing, edited by his son, aims to ignite a new generation of runners. Sheehan’s goal? To empower them to become “good animals,” fully embracing a healthy, active life.

Delving into The Essential Sheehan feels like encountering a kindred spirit. Though penned decades ago, Sheehan’s words resonate deeply with today’s runners (and anyone seeking a fulfilling life). He articulates the very thoughts swirling unformed in our minds. His inspiring ideas are bolstered by the wisdom of literary giants like Emerson, James, and Thoreau, creating a tapestry of motivation and philosophy.

Sheehan felt that we should strive for balance between the body, mind and soul. He believed that the key to happiness and longevity begins with the physical body and being a “good animal.” Sheehan’s first and greatest commandment in fitness: Listen to your body.

“…even if there were other avenues of information, there is one question that only the body can answer. And it is the question that holds the answer to every successful lifelong fitness program: Are you having fun?” – Dr. George Sheehan

Sheehan champions the power of play in exercise. It’s not just about the physical; play allows the body to move freely while the mind wanders. He captures this beautifully when he writes, “when exercise becomes play, it becomes a self-renewing compulsion.” Play, for Sheehan, is a state of complete absorption, where time melts away and the burdens of daily life fade. This is precisely what running offered him – a joyful escape into the realm of play.

Dr. George Sheehan was an elite age group runner and a ferocious competitor. At age 50, he ran a 4:47 mile, to become the first man over 50 years of age to break the 5 minute barrier. He ran marathons on a whim. His training philosophy was relatively simple, he ran 5 miles a day, 5 days a week, took a day off, and then raced. He sometimes modified his workouts over the years to include longer runs or track intervals, but still raced every weekend.

“Effort is the one strictly underived and original contribution we make to this world. He alone is happy who has will. The rest are zeros. He uses, they are used.” – William James

Dr. George Sheehan dedicates a large section of his book to exploring the magnetic pull of the marathon. He argues that marathons awaken a deep-seated yearning for heroism, a challenge missing in our comfortable modern lives. Sheehan sees the marathon as a stage, a public arena where we can witness this primal desire play out. “Ordinary citizens, whose previous lives had held little more than boredom, frustration, anxiety, and depression, now filled with martial values.”

Sheehan delves into running’s profound impact, extending far beyond physical fitness. He dissects the “runner’s high,” a state akin to a religious experience. He sees running as a tool for managing anger and cultivating patience, honed over countless miles. Sheehan draws parallels between the cyclical nature of training and the changing seasons, a metaphor that resonates deeply with any endurance runner.

Despite a seven-year battle with prostate cancer, Dr. George Sheehan’s spirit remained unbroken. An avid runner, he continued to push himself even as he fought the disease. Sheehan saw cancer as an unexpected gift, a reminder of life’s preciousness and the importance of savoring each day. His final years brought a newfound appreciation for family and community. He discovered the camaraderie and joy of running with others, a dimension he hadn’t fully experienced before.

For runners searching for the deeper meaning in running, The Essential Sheehan: A Lifetime of Running Wisdom provides a thought-provoking exploration.