PUBLISHED 08/01/2008
Olympic Gold Medalist and Boxing Legend, 52, Los Angeles
How often do you run?
I run three to four times a week. I go down to Orange County in California and I run all the time ... all the time. You see the oceans, the trees. I like running in hot weather. I like to sweat and get all those toxins out of my system. I thoroughly enjoy it.
What's your routine like?
To this day I always wake up at 5 am—my clock has not changed. I get up to run at 5:30-6. I love running in the mountains, I just love scenery. I love the water; my wife and I are going to Hawaii soon and I love running along the beach.
These days is running more therapeutic or a way to keep in shape?
There is a balance. I'm 52; it's for health reasons but for me it's more therapeutic. When my head is congested with stuff, running relieves that tension.
Did running help you win the gold medal at the Olympics in 1976?
Without question. I ran four to five miles a day, seven days a week. I had five fights leading up to the final. And it was because of the running ... I always said I had this hidden reservoir of strength and power and it came from running.
Were you unusual among boxers?
I was driven. I wanted to win a little more than my competitors. I was so competitive. I knew that if I ran further than the other guys, then in the long run I would prevail. I figured it out when I was 16 or 17. I figured the more I ran, the better my chances to win down the stretch.
Did you ever talk to other boxing legends about running?
Floyd Paterson ran marathons. I always thought about doing a marathon. My wife did a 26. She walked, she ran, she walked, she ran. I think it took her 12 hours (laughs). But she made it. She made it home. It is always something I wanted to do. The longest I've ever run is probably 7-8 miles.
Did you run any competitive races?
I did a 5-K once. It was a few hundred people and I came in 13 place. It was in Portland, Maine. I was in no shape and I ran in Chuck Taylor high tops. I was there to promote a fight and they said, "By the way there is a 5-K if you want to run." And I said, "Yeah." I did it for promotional reasons.
How fast are you these days?
I look at my watch at the time I start and when I finish. I run basically a 7- or 8-minute mile.
Do you run with music?
I have to. I run with music all the time. I cannot run without my iPod. I have everything. Teddy Pendergrass. Luther Van Dross. Michael Jackson. Outkast. If an Usher song comes on and it's fast, I go fast.
Ever run to the "Rocky" theme?
No. A lot of my friends say they listen to Rocky; it gets them motivated. That song does get you pumped.
