Love him or hate him, George W. Bush is owed a little respect from runners of all political parties. The 43rd president of the United States is more of a runner than most believe. He has completed one marathon and has been running hard since the early 90's.
Back when George Bush Sr. lost his reelection to Bill Clinton; George Bush Jr. took it a little hard. He began running as a form of therapy to help with the grieving process. There was a marathon only a month away and he made that his goal. Running a marathon on a months notice is not the best idea. When he got sick leadign up tot he race he had to take a step back and set his sights on one a few months later. Bush ran the Houston Marathon in 1993 and recorded a time of 3 hours, 44 minutes, and 52 seconds. Not a bad time for any runner, 26.2 miles with a pace a little over 8.30 minutes a mile.
Bush began to realize the benefits of running back then. In his younger years he was known to like his alcohol and cigarettes. Once he took on running, he knew the two forces couldn’t co-exist. Running helped break his bad habits and he began to take on a much healthier lifestyle ever since.
Running is more a spiritual and mind clearing experience for him, like for most runners. It gave him that extra boast he needed for the rigorous work schedule. He ran or exercised almost everyday in office. Even Air Force One had a treadmill on it.
Despite your politics, you have to give him a little credit at the very least. He went from an out of shape college drinker to running a marathon, and kept on running ever since. The Ex-President is now out of office and enjoying a less stressful life with a little more free time, could there be another marathon is his future? We will see.
Comments
God Blesss George W. Bush and his family and keep them safe always...
Are you sure Bush is still running that much? I thought his knees had put an end to that
He should consider running the Mount Desert Island Marathon in Maine!
I was a former staff member at the White House, and know that President Bush no longer runs (At least competitively) after having problems with his knees. He now is an avid mountain biker. He has constructed vast trails on his ranch in Crawford to ride.
No, President Bush no longer runs. Hasn't run in several years now. He is a vociferous mountain biker now, however.
The studliest President in history
Bravo, Mr. President!
Bravo, Mr. President!
We will always appreciate you.
bravo MR President !try fast walking,who knows we might meet on the road race !Godbless
Didn't care for him as president, but I admire his affinity for baseball, and running (now offroad biking). Would enjoy hanging out with him I believe, as long as we didn't talk politics. He's been a gracious ex-president.
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