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December 27, 1999 Announcement of Bowerman's passing The world of track & field lost a legend on Christmas Eve with the passing of Nike co-founder William J. "Bill" Bowerman. According to Tom Bowerman, the family will have no funeral service for Bill. At this point, they anticipate that there will be a memorial event that will take place during the spring, either at the Prefontaine Classic in June or during another track event at the University of Oregon. Barbara Bowerman wanted to pass this along: "My family and I are extremely aware of, and grateful for the wonderful love and support, but heavens no, please don't send us any flowers!" Instead of a card or flowers, Mrs. Bowerman asks that anyone who wishes to remember her husband do so by making a donation to either the University of Oregon Foundation in Eugene, the Oregon Community Foundation in Portland or to the charity of your choice. University of Oregon Foundation
December 1999 Nice Site Nice site. I added you to my list of links. I was impressed by your site so I added near the top of my list. I'm sure the hits will be rushing in. Golden Krishna
http://www.goldenkrishna.homepage.com
Pre Drinking Stories ? Hey Steve, Thanks for the info about yourself. It is always great to know more about the quality of runners that the US had. I already heard about Pre bringing the trails from Eugene from Scandinavia and also about his plans to build saunas like the ones he saw there. I'm actually interested in hearing a drinking story of Pre, most people say that is the most hypocritical part about him but he never said he was not going to drink. What do you feel about drinking during season? week of race? night before race? Anthony ( click here to see a drinking story ... then hit back to return here)
Which Movie is More Correct? Steve, I consider myself a guy who knows a lot about the Oregon running atmosphere and also about Pre There are some guys on the team who like the Without Limits version of his life because it shows him how he really was; "quirky, drank a lot, and the such," Though I liked the Disney version because it has more inspirational parts and showed him as a focused individual Can you give me any insight of which version is correct.? Also could you tell me something about Pre that isn't in the book or movies? What were your PR's going into Oregon and how fast did you improve under Bowerman and Dellinger? Thank You, Anthony
... and what about Nike? Steve, Thank you so much for the information on Bill Bowerman. You are kind of a living legend, having run for Bowerman and with the great Steve Prefontaine. Although my speech is on Bowerman, I want to talk about Nike also. What did he do on the Board of Directors? Was he mainly in charge, or did he let others take a more active role for the company? In the movies, Bill seems to be the creator, so where does Phil Knight come into the picture? Also, if I might ask a personal question: Do you like your job? I'm a business / management major, and that sounds like a dream job. Thanks again for the info. I really appreciate it. Abby
General Questions Steve, I'm not sure if you will remember me, but I wrote last year to inquire about "Pre's rock" and what the plans were for the area as I am planning to come to OR to see the places. I am a track and XC coach. You asked me my opinion about your son's friend who seemed to be running quite good times for a young man his age. Anyway, one of my former runners and I were discussing the commercial movies about Steve and a question came up. In one of the movies, he cut his foot when he fell (jumped) into a pool. In the other, he cut it while messing around after "messing around" with a gymnast. Mike (my athlete) is curious which is true, if either. I personally don't think it matters, I think it's well established that he worked hard and played hard both. But I told him I'd ask. So how did that kids season turn out? Sounds like he was well on his way to a lot of success. Do you have any suggestions for me for when I come to OR? Since our school year ends June 2 and the State meet is that weekend, I won't get out there at the end of May like I planned. It will likely be about 1 week after the 25th "anniversary". I will most likely fly. A couple thousand miles of driving may not be as exciting as I thought. Thanks, Steve
October 13, 1999 Central Washington University Steve, Hey, my name is Anthony Bailey. I just graduated from North Mason High school and plan on attending Central Washington University in the fall. I am on the cross country and track team and hope to do well. I am impressed with what you accomplished throughout your career and am are an inspiration to runners like myself. I am interested in hearing some of your ideas about college racing and training in contrast to high school. I would also like to ask if you ever have ran the steeplechase and if so what was it like and how can one prepare themselves for a successful college career. Thank you, Anthony
July 28, 1999 Australia Dear Steve, I was fortunate enough to see No Limits last night as it has just recently been released here in Australia. I congratulate you for your part in describing such an undoubtedly unique person. I am an athlete and the motivation your telling of the Prefontaine story has delivered is immeasurable. Thank you hardly seems to say enough. With all my wishes for life, luck, health and happiness, Sam
July 24, 1999 Prefontaine Memorabilia I have a few items that are very unique and may be of interest to you I obtained these items from a woman named Nancy Stanwood, who was one of Pre's girlfriends in the 70's. She received them from Ray Prefontaine (Steve's father) after Pre's death in 1975. The items that I have are actually from the 1972 Olympic Track and Field. The Trials were held at Hayward Field in Eugene Oregon (Prefontaine's home track).
July 20, 1999 Great Site ! I saw your tribute page to Steve Prefontaine and I've never seen a greater page of Pre on the net! I'm a 17 years old runner of Montreal and Pre is my mentor. I saw all his biography and movies It's sad that he didn't have the chance to come at the 76 Olympics (I'm sure he could beat Lasse). So, I could talk about him 2 hours... I dream to go to the Olympics someday, maybe in Athens 2004, I already went there last April...it was incredible (even if there's a lot of people) I'm training hard and I will run my first marathon in 4 or 6 months I also have a lot of respect for you.(Were you in Montreal in 76?) I hope that you will write to me because I would like to talk to you... as a runner (maybe you could give me some tips) Thanks a lot! Why everybody seems to be so interested by the Mary Marx book on Steve? Do they want to know all in details? For me, what he accomplished on the track is what people must remember about him! Thanks again for your time! Magicfouf
July 20, 1999 About Nancy Alleman (note: Amy Locane played Pre's girlfriend Nancy
Alleman in the "other" movie ... click here to see a picture of Amy:
Hi Steve, Thanks for the response. Nancy's body was found on the side of her home in Palo Alto. The cause of death was that of a closed head injury, she suffered apparently falling. The autopsy report states she had a massive brain seizure, thus the fall. Nancy had fallen inside her home back in 1996 and that fall resulted in her requiring emergency brain surgery to relieve the pressure. The fatal seizure was most probably brought on by her initial fall. She leaves two children - Erin, 15 and Chase, 13 from her previous marriage. She was cremated and buried under the oaks across from her High School - Gunn. I forget the name of the cemetery. Her life was still very much wrapped around Steve. She had a room in her home that had nothing but Pre memorabilia - Posters, magazines, letters, etc.. It was quite interesting reviewing the items. She deeply loved him and still spoke of him. She was quite excited when she consulted on the recent movies about Steve. It was fun watching them together. She is missed! Again, thanks for the response. Regards,
July 16, 1999 Looking for pictures Hello, We are still looking for an autographed photo of famous mile runner, Jim Ryan. We are also looking for distance runner Steve Prefontaine 8X10 Marshfield High School photos and College (OREGON) photos. There are many Prefontaine websites on the INTERNET but none sell the pictures we want. Can you help? Thanks, ibear and *BIGJOHN*
July 15, 1999 Someone trying to make a buck ?? Can these High School and College (OREGON) photos be laser copied in 8X10 size and sold to the public to raise money for PREFONTAINE charities? WOW!!! I would like to purchase some of these copies. I graduated from North Bend HS in 1966 and ran track for North Bend. LMK. Thanks, Patrick
July 13, 1999 Pre fan from New Hampshire First of all let me say how much I enjoyed your web site. I have the opportunity study Lewis and Clark this summer at Gonzaga University. Since this is my first time in this area [I'm from N.H.] I rented a car and drove to Eugene. You can't imagine my delight when I found out the public can use the track at Hayward Field. It really is a magic place. As a long time Steve Prefontaine fan [I'm was born two years before him] you can only imagine my delight in being able to do a track workout in this setting. My question is how does one go about purchasing photos of Pre? I was hoping the Nike store would have some available but to no avail. Thank you and all the best.
July 12, 1999 Looking for pictures I have seen both movies about Pre. Which one is more accurate? I think the guy in the first one looks more like him, but I was only 9 when Pre died. Just interested. I've recently started running again after 10 years, and have just felt drawn to Pre for some reason. I just can't seem to get enough info on him. Thanks for your time. Do you still run?
July 7, 1999 Go Pre Tees? Hi... Two friends in Britain who are Pre nuts have asked me if it is possible to buy "GO Pre" T-shirts. So far no luck... any leads or ideas? These would seem to be a promising item for someone to reproduce. ( click here then hit the back button) Thanks for your time. Nice website. Bob
June 26, 1999 New Zealand - hooked on Pre's story Hello, I am e mailing all the way from New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. I have just watched a movie on cable television called 'Prefontaine.' I had not previously heard of Steve Prefontaine, but since watching the movie, decided to see if I could find any web sites about him. So here I am, just wanting to say that I admire the way that you have kept this wonderful man's memory alive on the internet. I hear that there is another movie about Steve called 'Without Limits' which I hope to see. It's funny isn't it? Three hours ago, I had no idea who this man was - now a simple movie has caught my interest and I'm hooked! Well done on an awesome web site! Andrea F.
June 19, 1999 Kansas City, Missouri My wife and I just watched the movie. Pre seems like he was an interesting person ...... What made him so fast? Did he out-train everyone? Was he just stronger? Was it his mental stamina or all of the above? We think your web page for Pre is very informative and it helps explain some questions we had after we watched the movie. Thanks Kevin and Tamara
June 19, 1999 From Vermont ... yellow GO PRE Tees ?? Dear Steve Bence, I am a 15 year old runner in Vermont. I am a huge fan of Steve Prefontaine! Do you know where I could get or order one of those yellow GO PRE shirts? Thank you for your time. Kim PS. I enjoyed the pictures and comments about Pre in your web site!!!
June 16, 1999 Thanks for your Pre Site ... I was up till 1:00am reading it THANKS FOR THE SITE, STEVE. I REMEMBER YOUR NAME FROM OLD TRACK AND FIELD NEWS. AFTER WATCHING THE MOVIE, WITHOUT LIMITS, A LOT OF MEMORIES CAME FLOODING BACK TO ME WHEN I RAN TRACK IN HIGH SCHOOL IN TEXAS, THE MILE, STEVE WAS MY IDOL. I WAS A FRESHMAN IN HIGH SCHOOL WHEN HE WAS A FROSH AT OREGON AND I KNEW ALL ABOUT HIM; YOU, TOO, AT LEAST ALL YOUR TIMES. I ALWAYS DREAMED OF RUNNING AT OREGON. I WAS DISTRICT CHAMPION, TWICE, BUT 4:26, DIDN'T QUITE GET ME THERE. I'M BACK INTO RUNNING IN COLORADO, 10K'S, HALF MARATHONS, AND STILL THINK A BIT OF PRE, IMAGINE THAT I'M RUNNING WITH HIM, OF COURSE I ALWAYS EDGE HIM OUT AT THE FINISH. I ONLY SAW PRE RUN ONCE IN PERSON, AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, SUMMER OF 1974. I CAN'T FOR THE LIFE OF ME REMEMBER THE MEET, BUT REMEMBER PRE BREAKING EARLY FROM THE PACK AND WINNING FAIRLY EASY IN THE TEXAS HEAT. HE THEN STOPPED AND SOAKED HIS FEET IN THE STEEPLECHASE WATER. DID HE EVER RUN A STEEPLECHASE? ENOUGH RAMBLING. THANKS AGAIN FOR THE SITE. I CAN'T GET MY WIFE TO UNDERSTAND WHY I WAS UP TILL ONE O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING LAST NIGHT LOOKING AT YOUR PRE SITE AND OTHERS. HE WAS A PART OF ME I GUESS, JUST LIKE HE WAS A PART OF SO MANY OTHERS.
June 14, 1999 Prefontaine question , please help Mr. Bence, I enjoyed your web site on Prefontaine. He was and is a true inspiration. I was wondering if you could help me. I am looking to find a copy of the race from the 72 Olympics. I have checked many different sources including the official Olympics site and about 15 Prefontaine sites. I dont know where else to go. I hope I am not mistaken in semi quoting Prefontaine , by saying running is a work of art. I believe it and I believe that Pre's masterpiece would be his Olympic race. I have seen his movies , and by far "Without Limits", is the best one. I have read that the movie uses some of the real footage from the Olympics. I could not distinguish between the two. I will not pretend to know everything about Prefontaine. What I do know is that he had similar qualities I have and he truly inspires me. I would greatly appreciate any help. Thank you for your time and patience. Sincerely , Rick R.
June 13, 1999 Mary Marckx or Monica Potter I just reviewed the film. I need to contact Mary or Monica. Ultimately Monica, but I would first like to speak with Mary. Pre was not about running. Pre was about Pre. I am the same. I feel for Mary. I wonder if she ever felt truly loved. Obviously, Pre loved her, and obviously Mary was aware of this, but, he probably could never really express it to her completely. Adam G.
June 10, 1999 Grossly Underrated - Without Limits Hey Steve, Great site! I won't take up a lot of your time. I just wanted to say that Without Limits is an awesome movie and probably one of the most under rated movies of all time. Why this movie is not all over the big screen is a mystery to me. Especially with some of the trash that is out there now! And why is there not a soundtrack for this awesome film??? Any answers? I would be interested in making a petition, posting it on your site, and sending it to Warner Bros! What do you think? Thanks for your time. Darin G.
June 1, 1999 Ottawa, Canada - touched deeply Hey there! My name is Derek Watkins and I'd just like to say that The Prefontaine story has touched me deeper than any other story out there. I watch the movie twice a day!!! I'm an 18 year old kid living in Ottawa, Canada. I've been doing track for the last 4-5 years and my specialty is high jump. I just recently made OFSAA by getting a tie for 1st in the Regional meet. (OFSAA will be held in Toronto June 2-4) This story has inspired me to do well in life and always do your best. I really enjoyed your Web page and thanks for taking the time to read this E-Mail. Yours truly, -Derek
May 28, 1999 Wallaceburg Ontario Canada - Which movie is more accurate ?? Hello......... My name is Jeff May from Wallaceburg Ontario Canada, and I am a distance runner, but compete in my wheelchair. I watched the movie entitled PREFONTAINE and couldn't believe how much I could relate to him. I feel that I'm not very talented and am at a physical disadvantage compared to my competition, but through hard work effort I have won races and set meet records from the 400m to 3000m ..... I just finished my first year at the University of Windsor as a communications major which I found out after was also Pre's major at Oregon. Just another weird bond I feel towards Pre even though I wasn't even born we he was alive. My running buddy's started to call me Mayfontaine, which might be offensive to someone like yourself who knew Pre, but I feel honoured that people call me that. Anyway I have seen Without Limits as well, and was wondering which movie was more accurate??? I tend to like Prefontaine better but that's because I had seen it like 12 times before I saw without limits. I always watch it to motivate myself to keep training hard, as Pre did. Anyway, I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your web site I have been looking at it all afternoon you have done a great job. I would love to hear any personal stories about your time at Oregon. That must of been an amazing time in your life. Jeff
May 26, 1999 Pre's times in high school ? Hi, my name is Ben Cunningham and I'm a big "Pre" fan. I'm a sophmore in high school and run cross country and track. I was wondering if you could send me some of Pre's times in the 3200 as a Freshman,Sophmore, Junior, and Senior in high school so I can compare times. Also, my coach was telling me that after a race in (I think it was North Bend) Pre would ask his coach his time then run back 20 MILES to Coos Bay. Thank You Very Much, Ben
May 24, 1999 I am inpsired, Great Site !!!! Hello, My name is David, and I am 14 and live in Washington. I was born in Oregon. In school we watched the movie about Pre, and I thought it was great! I would really like to be a runner, but I am slow, but I'm trying!! So you actually knew Steve Prefontaine? I just wanted to tell you I love your site and think Pre is a great inspiration. David
May 23, 1999 Please read this Mr. Bence Hello there, My name is Paolo, and I am honored to be writing you. I hope you read this. Well I am a 21 year old college student, and I have played many sports in my life. I was not really into running, but since I've heard about Steve Prefontaine's life, I cannot help but give running a chance. I do not have the body of a runner though.. I am 6'2'' 210lbs and have spent many hours at the weight room. I also have a slight slipped disc on my right side which bothers me from time to time. I saw "Without Limits" in October in NYC before it was out in theatres, and I saw it two more times recently. I was so inspired the first time I saw it that I went to buy running sneakers after the movie!! I couldn't help but be moved by it. I can't believe I'm writing someone who actually ran with Pre. He is such a compelling figure, I just wish I could learn more about him. Athletics, both professional and amatuer is in need of a persona like Prefontaine. There is no athlete like him who motivates me like he does. I'm probably boring you, huh Steve? Well I'd appreciate any tips or advice you can give me on running.. I plan to make running a part of my daily life now. I'd appreciate help on long distance running, over a mile if you could. Thanks very much for taking time to read this, I appreciate it!! Sincerely, Paolo
May 4, 1999 English paper Hi!! I'm a junior in high school and for my English class I am writing an approximate 8-10 page paper on Steve Prefontaine. I would appreciate it if you might be able to tell me where I could get more information about his effect on the world of running as well as copies of interviews or his coaches' interviews. If you could respond by 5/6/99 I would appreciate it immensely. Thank you so much for your time!! -Monica P.S. I already have the PRE book and am planning on watching WITHOUT LIMITS and PREFONTAINE.
May 4, 1999 Higher, faster, stronger Dear Sir, I really enjoyed the movie "Without Limits" A burning question I have is what are the three words that coach Bowerman refers to at the start of the movie? He said that original slogan or saying for the Olympics is higher, faster, stronger. He also said what the greek words are for these three. It is hard to understand in the movie. Can you help? Sean Hart
May 2, 1999 Michigan - Looking for Pre Shirts Hi, My name is Joe Whitman and I am a sophomore runner at Davison High School in Michigan. I have looked around the internet and I can't find a place that sells Prefontaine t-shirts. So if you could send me a web page or a phone number with any information, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, Joe
May 1, 1999 Fire on the Track Steve, I enjoy your Steve Prefontaine web site. I am looking for a copy of the Steve Prefontaine documentary Fire on the Track. Do you know where I can get a copy of this film. I am having zero luck. Any help would be welcome! Thanks. Paul
April 30, 1999 Pre's grave Do you have a jpg of Pre's grave?
April 16, 1999 Westerville, Ohio - Pre Stuff My name is Matt Suttle and I run cross country and track for Otterbein. I have been looking for Pre merchandise but haven't had much luck. I would appreciate it if someone would tell me where I could find Pre shirts, or posters. Thank you, Matt
April 12, 1999 Sports Editor in Eugene Steve, I don't know if you remember me. I used to be sports editor at the Register-Guard and covered track and field during the 60's and early 70's. I just happened to come across the web site about Pre and the movie and want to tell you I think you did a marvelous job combining elements of the movie with the comments of Pre's contemporaries. Pre gave all of us a lot to remember. I was moved. I'm retired now, living at Florence on the Oregon Coast. I haven't seen the movie yet; it was here and gone before I knew it was playing (that's how things are in small towns). But now I have some added incentive to go out and get the video. Best regards, Jerry Uhrhammer
April 11, 1999 Hello from Canada - you pay great homage to Pre My wife and I watched the movie "Without Limits" last night and I felt compelled to take a look on the Internet to see what kind of information was available. I found your site to be very informative about the 'real' Steve (I'm amazed at the level of accuracy in the movie actually - they could be twins!) Although I am not an athlete, I can appreciate the level of talent and determination involved in this level of competitition. It seems the world lost a fine athlete - you pay great homage to his memory! Derek
April 7, 1999 Pre is "kinda like Bruce Lee in inspiring people" What is it about Prefontaine? I have watched the first movie about him, looked at his pictures (I enjoyed yours very much), and for some reason the man from the past continues to inspire me to train to gain my personal best. Just recently I started running with a man who actually got to meet Pre and watch him race live. There are tons of people who run and perform spectacular events, but
for some reason Mr. Prefontaine seems to be kinda
I also really enjoyed Without Limits as well. I thought the movie did an excellent job in the scientifics of training as well as running. Ok, enough blabbing, Thanks for the Pics, Mercsfeet
April 5, 1999 Liked both movies I liked both movies. I just wished there would of been some kind of push from the companies about the movies.
April 4, 1999 Autographed picture of Pre ? All your info on PRE is great. He has been an idol to me since I took up running in high school in 1980. It was such a shame that someone with that much talent had such a short time to show it. He will always be remembered by every runner. If it's not to much to ask, is it possible to receive an autographed picture of PRE from you. I will display-it very proudly on my wall next to all my accomplishments. Thank you very much. The movie WITHOUT LIMITS was great. Sincerely , IVAN
March 30, 1999 Pre-race nervousness? Steve, Thanks a ton man for writing back to me. As have many runners since his death I've always wondered what type of man he was and from what I've read and heard - he was a great individual. I read in a book about him where you said, "Everytime Pre was about to race he would say he didn't want to or that he wasn't feeling good and then just go out and blow the competition away". I seem to have a problem before the start of my races as well. I feel I get too nervous and tense-in workouts. I'm running great and feeling tough but we do our workouts on Monday and Thurs and then race on Sat. I don't have a problem with Monday's workout but Thurs seems to take the race out of me. Do you think it is just mental? Ssomething I'm doing subconsciuosly? I ran a 8:45 3000 meter this year indoors (and was actually on pace to run 8:30 because I went through the first mile in 4:31) which comes out to about 9:18-20 for two miles and last weekend I ran the worst 5000 meter of my life by far in a pedestrian 15:55. I could only hold 71 sec pace for the first three laps and fell to 4:48 at the mile and at that point I felt as if I were spent. Do you think it's just mental? Now, the Thurs going into that race I did 5x1mile in 4:55,4:57,4:58,4:57 and my last in 4:52 (pretty soon we'll be at 4:40 a click). I know it was just a bad race but I should have ran at least 14:50. My coach has been wondering why my workouts have been so good and my racing not nearly as good as have my teammates. One of my teammates said to me just recently "I think your just talking yourself into running bad when you race and I don't understand great workouts to bad races". Yesterday I did 12x400m in 66-67. Do you have any suggestions on how I could possibly relax a bit more. You were awesome yourself. How did you relax before your races? I mean in practice I'm just loose and the workouts always feel strong but race day I feel tense. Did Bowerman ever have you guys do a hard workout on Thursday's before your races? I mean, Steve, my goal this year for the 5000m is 14:20 and the way my workouts have been going, I know it's possible. Even coach says it is!! Is there anything Pre ever used to say to you before races that would pump you up. Was he pretty strict with his eating? It's great talking with you Steve. What did you finish your career at in the 800m? What was the fastest you ever went? I would love to hear what you have to say. I'm still a youngster and I appreciate advice, especially from people who have been around the block and know how to race. Hope to hear from you. God Bless -Nate
March 30, 1999 Thanks for your Inspiration - Job Well Done Hello, You might recognize my name. I emailed you about 7 or 8 months ago. I was the guy who was running for the Marine Corps track team. I thank you for your words of encouragement, I just wanted to let you know that I have improved my times pretty well since then. I am now running a 4:27 mile, 15:12 5000 and in my first attempt I ran a 33:02 for 10,000. I felt great but I need to work on my focus because the middle laps got really boring and that cost me 30 or 40 seconds. I still enjoy your website and I just wanted to say how much I liked the movie. It had some awesome running scenes and Bowerman was portrayed just the way I had imagined him and had always read about him Overall it was a better movie than the Disney but there is a part of me that would want to see both combined on a bigger budget and have one really well 2 hour movie were it doesn't leave certain things out and have squables over who signs with who. I just want to thank you and everyone who worked on both movies and the documentary for bringing Pre's spirit to the new generation. I know it was timely and your sacrifices are much appreciated by us runners I know I am speaking for all of my friends who saw the movie It also gives the non runners a taste of what Olympic athletes had to go through. It is just amazing I still get choked up when I watch either movies or read the book and he died 2 years and 2 months before I was born. I know it has helped me when I do workouts I try to see how much I can endure and it may be nowhere near his load I am pleased with my progress. Well I thank you again . Good luck to you and your family. As for me my next goal is Medical school, I get out of the military in May. I am going to try to walk on at Penn State (I still have the email from when you stated that you walked on at Oregon and it has given me confidence to at least try it and see how it goes). Your friend in running, Jamie
March 28, 1999 South Dakota Hello! My name is Jenny Aman and I am 13 yr. old and in 8th grade. I live in Hosmer South Dakota, its a pretty small town Anyway I saw your site on Steve Prefontaine and it was really cool. I saw some movies on Steve and he really has inspired me. I am a long distance runner too. I usually run the 2 mile or the 1/2 mile. This is my first year as running and because my town is so small this year was my first year in cross country. I was the only girl on the team!! But I did go to the state x-country meet and placed 14th out of 120 girls Thats not bad. Next year I gotta win it! Well I was just emailing u to tell u I really enjoyed your web-site! Jenny
March 28, 1999 Outstanding website Congratulations on an outstanding website! I am a big Steve Prefontaine fan and was thrilled to find your site this evening. It is full of great photos and inside information. I have seen the movie "Prefontaine" about 10 times, but have yet to find "Without Limits" in any video stores in my town yet. I will continue looking for it and am also considering ordering the book by Jordan on Pre. Thank you for spending the time to put up such a great site and it is certainly enhanced by you personal relationship with the man. A great Pre fan, Joe R.
March 28, 1999 Wished he could have seen Pre I am sure I am one of the greatest Pre fans of all time. And yet I still have not seen Without Limits. I can not find it any where but I am going to keep looking I wish I would of been alive when he ran. I would of liked to see the magic first hand. But there is nothing I can do. Sincerely, Kevin A.
March 28, 1999 "Pre Freak" Hi, I'm Thomas. I am like the biggest prefreak in the world. I just wish I could run like that. I'm a junior and run track and CC. I have seen all the movies about 10 times a piece. Please write back and tell me more about Pre! I take it you knew him personally. My coach raced against Pre once in a 10k. Needless to say Pre killed him but my coach did run a respectable 31 min. So write back tell me where I can get more info. And tell a little about yourself. Do you run? Thanks, Thomas
March 28, 1999 What made Pre ... Pre?? Mr.Bence, I know you knew Prefontaine pretty well I have of course like everyone else wondered what made Pre-Pre. How did the man train? What was he like when he was doing workouts? Jeff Galloway said "Everything he lived for,dreamed of ... was running" - was that really the way he was? I heard he ran 6:00 pace for his easy runs - did he EVER run like 7:00 pace? My goal is to make the Olympic team in the 5000 meter - I'm still working on my times - I have 4:16 mile speed and have run 8:45 for 3000m which is hardly fast but do you have any comments - things you remember about Pre - things he said to you that would help me? I wish he were still here man - wish I could talk to him myself Your page is awesome!! I would love to hear from you and hopefully I'll be able to learn more about him from someone who trained and saw him often - I guess there is only so much you can learn in a book. Take Care and hope to hear from you. God Bless, -Nate P.
March 26, 1999 Georgia Southern University - Differences in the two movies Dear Steve, I just watched "Without Limits" and "Prefontaine" and found them dramatically different--so different, in fact, that it was difficult to determine which one was the most accurate (ex. Did he get a recruitment letter from Bowerman in the mail or was it in the paper? Did a hearse really go around the track at his memorial service?). I thought "Without Limits" was a better movie, but "Prefontaine" did a better job with the 1972 Olympics and Pre's efforts against the AAU. Prefontaine must have been an extraordinarily difficult person to know. I find myself (after seeing these two videos) almost captivated by his ambition and ability, but also wondering if I would have "liked" the guy if I had been as fortunate as you to have known him. By the way, where is he buried? I enjoyed your website. Best regards, Dr. Alan D.
March 26, 1999 Mary Marckx - Hope that she publishes her book Hello, Thank you for responding. I hope that someday Mary decides to make her book available. I know that me, along with many others would enjoy hearing about their times together. Of course, I realize that those times are very personal and that is probably why she doesn't want it available. Thanks again, Jesslyn K.
March 22, 1999 Mary Marckx - Pre Destiny I am not sure if I am writing to the correct person, but I was wondering if there is any possible way I could find a copy of Mary Marckx's book "Pre Destiny". I would love to hear her stories. Please let me know. I appreciate it so much. Jesslyn K.
March 22, 1999 Pre is an Emotional Story I rented Without Limits last night. Wow. I cried when the car flipped over. An excellent portrayal of the man and his story. It is a real shame that it never made it into the theaters here. The impact on the big screen would have been incredible. The race scenes were very believable. The characters were well developed, and I really felt the camaraderie between Pre and his teammates and friends. I really enjoyed your homepage also. My husband is the big runner/athlete in our family, but I know enough about Pre to really appreciate the heart that went into the movie. Thanks for the great website, Jennifer
March 21, 1999 Your website answers many Questions I have just studied your Pre website fairly carefully after watching both Pre movies on video. Your website is impressive and helps one understand the movies and their differences. Thanks! Dave W.
March 19, 1999 Questions from a High School Runner How come in the movie "Prefontaine" it changes all the names of the people in his life? And is Pat Tyson his real roommate? I was also wondering if you knew my friend's dad. He ran in the 1972 Olympics as well ... Rick Wohlhuter? His son and I run track and cross country at our school. And do you have any training tips for over this summer? tim
March 19, 1999 Idaho Soldier Stationed in Germany Hi, I'm a Pre fan living and running in Germany. Having grown up in Idaho (HS grad 1972) I have a natural tendency to gravitate towards anything to deal with running and the Pacific NW. Although I got to see Pre run, I have been enchanted by his story since my HS days. I also have a quite worn Pre Memorial poster. This is the same poster that is hanging in Phil Knight's office in the documentary film "Fire on the Track." Since my poster is not in the best of shape, I've tried unsuccessfully to find a replacement. Do you know of any sources for this particular poster? The others I've seen on the internet are not quite the same. The other question I would like to ask is: Are Pre's workouts or log books published anywhere? I have heard of some of his more legendary workouts, but have never seen any examples of what he did on a day to day basis. Thanks for any information you can provide this displaced NW runner. Jeff F.
March 17, 1999 Indiana High School Coach ... wants to pay respect to Pre Steve, I am a high school cross country and track coach and as you know, there has been a resurgence of interest in Pre over the last few years. I am planning to go to Oregon on the 25th anniversary of his death to pay my respects. I have heard all kinds of rumors over the course of the last couple years about the place he died being developed (into a parking lot or whatever). Could you clear this up for me? I would very much like to pay homage at the site, as well as at UO. I hope I can actually get there on the date, but as a high school teacher also, it may be difficult. I also am trying to bring some of my former athletes along. You are the first person I've been able to be in contact with who actually knew him. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thanks, Steve C. (Indiana) P.S. - I've got a couple of cross kids who are absolute Pre freaks. One is a great athlete. By that I mean he works his tail off and it has begun to show. The other has oodles of talent but no work ethic. That has begun to show as well .....
March 17, 1999 Nice Page ... Write Back ! Dear Mr. Bence, I bet you get dozens of letters a day since you have posted your e-mail on here. I thought I would write you a e-mail, kinda to see if I would get a response. If not I understand. I do a combination of X-C, Swimming, and Track. And then I Mountain Bike race in the Summer. I'm currently ranked number one in the Mile at our school and 4th in the Columbia Basin (not a school record). I have watched both Prefontaine movies and they have inspired me to set high goals so I can some day beat the school record. I wrote this letter reguarding the excellent work you have done not only on this page but the fine work you did as a runner on the Track. I not only look up to "Pre" but you too as a role-model with you two I think anything is possible. I hope this letter is not a inconvience of your time fill free to write back, like said I understand if not. Sincerely, Jared
March 1999 Which movie is better? Dear Mr. Bence, I've emailed before but I'm not sure you'd remember me. I watched "Without Limits" just recently and I have some more questions for you. It seemed to me that "Prefontaine" portrayed Pre as more of a runner than a man and "Without Limits" did the man angle and made it seem that running came second best. I don't argue with that method because I love Pre just as much as I love his running style, but an article in "Runner's World" says that "Without Limits" was more of a running movie. I guess it's not a question I'm asking you but more of your opinion. Which movie did you like best? Which one was more true, I mean. I'm really grateful for your time. Thanks. ~Nat
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