Bobby Crim Laid The Foundation For A Healthier Community

Today’s guest is my neighbor, at least for the part of the year where he migrates South from Michigan so he can keep running without dealing with the snow and ice up north.

Bobby Crim Will Still Run in the Snow if He has to!

At 87 years of age Bobby Crim’s passion for the sport only continues to grow.

I will go a few easy miles with Bobby as we dive into how running has changed over the past 50 years and how he has positively affected the lives of thousands.

5 Decades and Counting

Bobby Crim has been a runner for 50 years and while he may be slowing down he certainly isn’t stopping.

His first started the sport while in high school where he focused on the 800 m and mile distances.

The sport came naturally to him which was evident as he placed second in the state in the mile and held his high school’s record for years.

After graduation he went on to join the Navy then continued on to college and all the while running remained a constant in his life.

It was in his late 30’s that he had become inactive and gained weight so running once again re-entered his life.

On St. Patrick’s Day in 1968, Bobby ran his first race in years and hasn’t stopped since.

Bobby has been witness to all the changes that occurred in the sport over the past 50 years including:

• Shoe design has improved drastically since the 1960’s.
• Chip timing is used in most events today.
• Various training programs are available to choose from.
• Science has come a long way in proving the benefits of stretching and doing the little things.

With all the advances in running over the years it is critical that each individual determines what works for them.

Bobby Crim and Myself After Our Chat

The Trailblazers

While most changes in the sport have been positive, there are still more changes to be made.

Bobby has taken notice that running tends to be geared towards runners that are younger.

For example the majority of age group awards in races cut off at the age of 60 or 65.

Older runners are still very much athletes and shouldn’t be dismissed.

Retirement doesn’t mean sedentary and these people should be encouraged to continue moving.

In many cases, these athletes were the ones that helped the sport to grow and evolve before gaining the popularity it has today.

Bobby shared some tips for continuing to run into your golden years:

• The earlier you focus on diet the better. The food you put into your body will have affects for years to come.
• Hydration should never be neglected.
• Never stop moving.

Crim Fitness Foundation

For the past 42 years Flint, Michigan has been home to the Crim 10 mile road race.

Over the years the race has evolved to include various shorter distances and has grown exponentially.

The race began while Bobby was the Speaker of the house in Michigan.

Bobby and his assistant Lois Craig took notice of a Special Olympics race nearby and made the decision to start a race of their own to support the cause.

The first year of the race went so poorly that it was almost the last year as well.

The inaugural race had a noon start time with 96 degree temperatures and a full medical tent.

Bobby credits the community for standing behind the race and continuing to come out in support.

The Crim Fitness Foundation has evolved over the years to become a well known non-profit organization that has impacted the lives of thousands.

A Statue of Bobby Crim in Flint, MI

Mentioned In This Episode:

• Crim Fitness Foundation

Stay connected with Bobby through his Website.

Bobby Crim is 87 years old, and while his pace is slowing he has no plans to stop #running anytime soon! #runchat Click To Tweet

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