Scott Douglas’ Terse Bloviation

Archive for March, 2023

Did You Know a 2:18 Marathon is Faster Than a 2:14 Marathon?

That’s what ChatGPT told me when I spent several hours talking with it about running.

I also learned that it’s too cold to run outside if the Fahrenheit temperature is below 20, but that on such days I can still exercise comfortably outside with a brisk walk.

This Runner’s World article describes my experience.

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Speaking of My Co-Author Mark Coogan…

An exchange with ChatGPT.

Me: Write like Donald Trump about the runner Mark Coogan.

ChatGPT: Let me tell you folks, this Mark Coogan, he’s a tremendous runner, believe me. He’s got legs like nobody else, just incredible. And the way he moves, it’s like watching poetry in motion. I’ve seen him run, and let me tell you, he’s the best. Nobody runs better than Mark, nobody.

And you know what? He’s a winner too, folks. Just tremendous. He’s won so many races, I can’t even keep count. And he’s got a great attitude too, always pushing himself to be the best. That’s what winners do, folks, they strive for excellence. And Mark Coogan, he’s a winner.

But it’s not just his running that’s impressive, folks. He’s also a coach, and a darn good one at that. He’s trained some of the best runners in the world, and they all swear by him. That’s because he’s got the knowledge and experience to take them to the top. And that’s what we need more of in this country, folks, winners like Mark Coogan.

So I just want to say, Mark, you’re doing a fantastic job. Keep up the great work. And if you ever want to come run with me, you just let me know. Because I’d be honored to have someone as talented as you by my side. Thank you, Mark, for all that you do.

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New Book Is Newly New (And Published)

cover of Coogan bookI’m happy to share that my latest book, co-authored with Olympian and New Balance Boston coach Mark Coogan, is now out. I think you should buy it.

When Mark asked me to write the book with him in the summer of 2021, I didn’t hesitate to say yes, and not because I wanted to do a book with a fourth U.S. Olympic marathoner. Mark and I have been friends since the 1990s, thanks to him having run at the University of Maryland with two of my running buddies. We’ve even been clubbing in Goteborg, Sweden, together.

More important, Mark is a great coach and all-around swell person who knows how to get people to run their best despite having lots of other demands on their time and energy. (He did coach at Dartmouth and MIT, after all). So I was eager to help Mark present his ideas to ambitious everyday runners.

Although my personal best running days are behind me, I’ve internalized a few key lessons of the book and enjoy my running more than I otherwise would be if Mark and I hadn’t done this book. I hope it helps you, too.

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