I happened upon Dickie Longo via my friend, Agatha Kerr, a San Antonio-area running friend. She is editing a book about Dickie by an Australian writer named Sue Oaks.

Oaks needed some additional interviewing to help flesh out his story. Agatha asked me if I could help. I was a little nervous parachuting into someone else's project, but I accepted the challenge.

Last Monday, I talked to this exceptional and generous 83-year-old from Louisiana. He gives away running shoes and (sometimes) race fees to those who can't swing the cost. He has since been given access to demo shoes by a local running store and gives those away.

He runs 6-8 miles daily, runs road races and has an admirable attitude toward the sport and life.

He told me this was his favorite interview, which thrilled my inner journalist.

Enjoy!