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Bart Yasso is the Chief Running Officer at Runner’s World magazine and author of the Book, My Life on the Run. He has completed the toughest races on the planet and influenced thousands of people to improve their lives through running.
In this interview we ask Bart about his journey as an iconic runner, training tips for beginners, the mental aspects of running a marathon, and much more.
Bart’s story will teach you to never limit where running can take you.
I must admit it was pretty cool to finish a book and then get to interview the author. I actually first heard of Bart Yasso from a couple fans on the MTA Facebook page. I have subscribed to Runner’s World for years and am always on the look out for books on running, fitness, and health . . . so I made Bart’s book part of my summer reading list.
Here is my review of the book My Life on the Run by Bart Yasso
This book is part autobiography, part motivation, part training information. Written in a conversational style it is a quick and interesting read. Journey with Bart as he overcomes lack of parental approval, drug and alcohol addiction, and chronic Lyme’s disease to become one of the best known runners in the world. Through his job as Chief Running Officer at Runner’s World Magazine he has run marathons on 7 continents and participated in over 1000 races. He also developed the marathon predictor called “Yasso 800s” and various training plans. Bart comes across as a down to earth person who doesn’t set limits for himself. His philosophy could be summed up by the thought of running for the joy, lessons, and people you meet along the way.
Great quotes from Bart Yasso
And when I started running, I started dreaming. It couldn’t be helped. The mind works as hard as the body does during exercise. It knows its role during those lonely interludes—to inspire, analyze, and fantasize.
Winning is a nice reward—don’t get me wrong—but glory isn’t the payoff. This may sound cliché, but the reward is living the lifestyle and embracing the dream. It’s not only about finishing, it’s about moving forward.
The acceptance of all abilities is what differentiates running from every other sport. In football, there are 22 people on the field and 60,000 in the stands. It’s the opposite in running. Everyone’s on the field and in the fold.
Running is about acceptance—of yourself and others. When you’re out on the trail sweating, it doesn’t matter if the guy or gal next to you works at a fast food joint or is CEO. It’s doesn’t matter what color they are, or how old they are, or what religion they practice, if any.
I know I feel more like myself when I run, even if it’s only a few miles, or at least I feel like the self I like best. Running inspires creativity, relieves stress, and gives us insight into ourselves and the world, making the human condition more tolerable.
You can find Bart over at www.bartyasso.com
Also Mentioned in this Episode:
How to Recover More Quickly by Getting Quality Sleep
We all know that sleep is important, but studies show that most adults don’t get the quantity or quality of sleep that they need. Sleep experts recommend at least 7 hours of sleep each night for adults. Rest and recovery becomes even more important for the runner, especially during marathon training. Hard workouts and long runs are more profitable when paired with quality sleep habits.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your rest:
- Try to go to bed and get up at approximately the same time each day. Getting your body into a healthy sleep cycle is important.
- Turn off media sources (tv, computer, smart phone) at least 1 hour before going to bed. The brain is stimulated by electronic sources and can make it difficult to settle down and sleep. If you have difficulty sleeping, try reading something light or that you know will make you sleepy.
- If you exercise in the evening, do so at least 3 hours before you plan to go to bed.
- Try not to eat at least 2 hours before going to bed. Food can stimulate the body and make rest more difficult. Especially eliminate foods/drinks containing caffeine several hours before bedtime.
- Keep your bedroom cool and dark. Don’t use your bedroom for work or watching tv.
- A warm shower or bath before bed can help relax the body and cool the body temperature.
- If you awaken easily at night, try using a fan or sound machine that plays white noise to decrease outside noise and reduce distractions.
Here’s to a good night’s sleep!
So, what do you think?
Thank you so much for this wonderful, inspiring and informative interview. I have been trying to find information about others who have Lyme Disease and continue to run. Bart is my hero and my inspiration to keep at it, to defy the doctors who told me I had arthritis and old age, and to promote awareness about this devastating disease.
Thank you Trevor and Angie for the shout out as well and thank you Bart for the support you have given all of us with the disease. Thanks so much!!
You’re welcome Ange! I’m glad that you enjoyed the interview. Keep up the great work with your training and know that you are inspiring many people along the way.
Angie, I thought the interview with Bart Yasso was great. He seems like such a down-to-earth guy who has not let his success go to his head. It is clear that he enjoys seeing other people succeed and he is truly an inspiration to me both as a person and a runner. On a seperate note, like you, I am a heavy sweater and I am constantly getting sweat in my earphones causing them to stop working. I have gone through more pairs than I can count. Any suggestions? Keep up the great work.
I met Mr. Yasso at the OKC Memorial marathon in the spring, he was very kind to speak to, I also saw him on the course and wished him well and gave him a fist bump, I wish I had know I wasn’t going to make my time goal I would have just run with him instead, I regret the missed opportunity
Hi Ben. You might consider investing in some water-proof earphones. They’re a little pricey, but might solve your problem. Here’s a link to a seller:
http://h2oaudio.com/store/waterproof-headphones.html
Keith- thanks for sharing your experience meeting Bart Yasso. It would have been wonderful to have run with him!
Thanks for the advise, Angie. I will look into that.