Despite pain in the neck, Ed Whitlock stays in WR mile shape
By the time you read this, Ed Whitlock may have lowered his Friday world record in the M85 mile. His 7:18.55 on a dirt track with no railing may not pass muster with record authorities. But in reply to a Q&A, Ed told me he was running a mile Sunday on all-weather track. So as we await his latest spectacular, let’s savor his first M85 mile mark.
M80 Ed lapped a USA runner at the finish of 1500 at 2011 Sacramento worlds.
Masterstrack.com: What was your race plan? Â What were your splits?


Ed Whitlock: A few days before the race, I developed a stiff neck, making it difficult to raise my head or turn from side to side and stopped training. Really uncertain about what to expect.
My plan was just to run at what seemed like a sensible pace and not go for any set pace. I don’t know what my exact splits were but they were quite even paced.
What was it like running on old-fashioned track? How long were your spikes? When was last time you ran on a dirt track, or whatever?
I have run in this event a few times before, last time a couple of years ago. I tried spikes but found them a problem then and so ran in flats.
How many youngsters did you beat in the race (the 55-plus)?
I beat one guy, the others were way ahead. I basically ran the race solo.
Did you get cheered on by announcer or fellow runners?
Yes, lots of encouragement particularly from the announcer.
Will you race at Grand Rapids USA masters nationals? If so, which events?
I don’t think so.


Have you ever been timed in the 100? Last time you ran it? Considering a go in M85?
Not since my 40s. Even then, not in a race — only in training. Between 13 and 14 seconds.
Any residual aches and pains from Friday?
My legs are fine, but my neck is somewhat worse.
2 Responses
Ed writes Tuesday:
Stayed overnight in London, only got back today. The mile in London did not go as well as I hoped and only did 7:22.28 on Monday evening. I am sure all the appropriate legality requirements were fulfilled and eventually WMA will get around to ratifying it. The Friday one is much more in doubt and a work in progress, we will see, I am not that confident.
Ed’s mile mark confirmed here:
http://www.runninggoals.ca/resources/Mile%20Night%202016%20Results.pdf
Leave a Reply