Dr. George Sheehan was a pioneer of running philosophy in a time when being a hobbyist jogger was in its nascent phase. His essays touched on the heart of the matter that is tantamount to us all: the deeper, mystical power of athleticism.
Who was George Sheehan?
Dr. George Sheehan was a notable figure in the field of sports medicine and running. Born on November 5, 1918, in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Sheehan rose to prominence as a physician, philosopher, and author, known for his profound insights into the human potential and the transformative power of physical activity.
Dr. Sheehan’s journey into the world of running began in his late 40s when he decided to take up the sport to improve his own health. Soon, his love for running grew, and he became an avid participant in marathons and road races. His passion for running combined with his medical expertise led him to explore the physiological and psychological benefits of exercise.
Dr. Sheehan firmly believed that physical fitness was not just about the body but also about nurturing the mind and spirit. In his book, Running & Being: The Total Experience, he emphasized the importance of introspection and self-discovery through running. He believed that running provided a unique opportunity for individuals to connect with their inner selves, fostering personal growth and a sense of purpose.
Dr. Sheehan, the legendary runner and esteemed cardiologist, forever left an indelible mark on the running community. With unparalleled passion, he effortlessly combined his medical expertise with his deep love for running. As the revered medical editor of Runner’s World magazine, his words resonated with runners of all calibers across the globe, illuminating their path with practical advice and profound insights. Even today, his wisdom continues to inspire and ignite the flames of an active and vibrant life. Embrace his legacy and let the fervor of Dr. Sheehan’s teachings propel you towards a life of boundless passion and fulfillment!
What are some examples of his profound thinking as it pertains to running?
From his website:
“Don”t be concerned if running or exercise will add years to your life,” he would say, “be concerned with adding life to your years.” He liked to quote William James, who said, “The strenuous life tastes better.” George Sheehan lived a strenuous life. He renewed his life at the age of 45 and turned it inside out. He returned to his body, and to running, and he shared with his readers all of his experiences in this new world of exercise and play, of sweat and competition, of physical, mental and spiritual challenge.
https://www.georgesheehan.com/bio
It was, and still is in many cases, taboo to draw parallels between athletic pursuits and the likes of William James. But George Sheehan was not shy to break through such social mores. As I read the words of Sheehan, not only do they flow rhythmically like music from the lips, but they also exude a passion that bleeds, that urges the reader to challenge himself in a manner that begs the universe to unlock its secrets in remittance.
At about the two-minute mark, he explains in the above video that “we’ve been split off from our bodies.” The church teaches us to be ashamed of them. School undervalues bodies as mere containers for the almighty brain. Society rewards white collar workers more than blue. The examples are endless.
In his book The Essential Sheehan, the good doc expounds endlessly like this. My particular favorite section is on cancer and the power that running holds to heal.
He writes, quoting Basque philosopher Miguel Unamuno y Jugo, “Our greatest endeavor must be to make ourselves irreplaceable — to make the fact that each one of us is unique and irreplaceable, that no one can fill the gap when we die, a practical truth.”
One way to read these words is to think (egotistically and, I believe, incorrectly) that one must “show-off” and strut one’s metaphorical tailfeathers. On the other hand, some argue that you sole endeavors in the cold 5am twilight — your hill sprints, tempo runs, long run, and strides — do not go unnoticed in the slightest. The universe is watching. God is watching. And your passion radiates like the surface of the sun, leaking into the consciousness of the new day, affecting all who wish to receive.
“The arete or excellence sought by the Greeks is possible for anyone…We come to know that we fail or succeed according to how we handle the ordinary, commonplace events going on around us. It is in apparently trivial events that we most clearly show who we are. Not mortal sins but venial (justifiable) sins alter lives.”
Both the cancer patient and the runner accept his fate as is, what Nietzsche dubbed amor fati, whatever it may be. Herbert Howe framed this in relation to pain by seeing no incompatibility between pain and joy. For him they coexist. In fact, somewhere hidden inside of pain and suffering lies the gem that is the mystery of existence.
To fully understand your relationship with pain is a healing act in and of itself. A life of honest athleticism enlivens the spirit by linking it intrinsically to pain. A life of running is a well-lived life. If we know how to live well, we will know how to die well, too.
Aging Well 