We followed NZ coach Arthur Lydiard’s training methods of 100 mile a week with hills. At the Rome Olympics he had two gold medallists and a bronze medallist all from the same club.
Peter Snell 800m, Murray Halberg 5000m and Barry Magee Marathon
Traralgon Harriers and later Traralgon Achilles were formed so that along with the original Traralgon Amateur Athletic Club Traralgon would have its own centre and not have to travel to Warragul, Yallourn, Moe, Morwell and Sale with more athletes the all the towns combined. Martin and I once had to hitch hike to an athletic meeting whilst our mum and dad each drove a car full of athletes. Martin and Barry were President and Secretary of Traralgon Harriers. Around 1970 Barry was suspended from the Victorian Amateur Athletic Association ostensibly because he had not sent them an annual President’s Report. When he asked how many other clubs had not done so it turned out that the majority had not. Barry continued to do his work in supporting the club with someone else in his role. Martin was replaced by me as Secretary when he and Linda headed overseas at the start of 1975. I became the first Traralgon Harrier to run and complete a marathon.
