His name suggests many things to many people. Joggers in the know regard his with justification as the founder of their sport. The “general public” probably associates him with the athletes he helped along the road to Olympic glory. Athletes the world over acknowledge his innovative contributions to training technique.immense. And by setting the jogging juggernaut rolling, he had a hand in saving countless lives and improving the quality of millions of others. In spearheading this revolution, his influence on the world at large is arguably greater than that of any New Zealander since Rugherford1).

But since ancient times, the local prophet didn’t always get the best reception close to home. Lydiard’s standing is still probably higher in Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and North America than it is in his own country.

Arthur Lydiard’s competitive athletic career ended with a 2nd place in the national marathon in 1959. He had won the title twice and worn the black singlet at the Empire Games in 1950. In that decade, he concentrated on developing his endurance-building systems with a small group of talented runners.

After the success of Rome, Lydiard spread his energies through other channels. He co-authored three books with Garth Gilmour (“Run to the Top” in 1962; “Run For Your Life” 1964; “Run – the Lydiard Way” 1978) and in between, acted as the national coach in Finland, Mexico, Venezuela and Denmark.

Lydiard is 61 now. He lives on a modest street in South Auckland with his Finnish wife, Eira, who teaches phys ed at Papatoetoe High School. If life has quietened for him, it doesn’t show: the telephone jangles almost continuously; letters pour in from athletes in many countries; demands are made on his time from all quarters. Little wonder then that he enjoys pottering in the garden.

Although he was caught up in 11th-hour preparations for his annual lecture tour to the United States, he readily agreed to make some time for this New Zealand Runner Interview.

The interview was recorded in two sessions; at his home and later in his office, which has a commanding view over the city in which it all began. In Part I, he recalls the early years, some of the influences on his thinking and a few of the athletes who got the benefits. He goes on to discuss the financial problems coaches still face in New Zealand. In Part II, the focus is more on the actual training concepts.