Dr. Jack Daniels, a true legend in the world of running, passed away recently, leaving behind an incredible legacy. He wasn’t just a coach; he was an Olympian, author, colleague, and researcher who revolutionized how we understand and approach running training. His contributions, particularly his VDOT formula and the book Daniels’ Running Formula, transformed the sport by making scientific training principles accessible to runners of all levels.

Jack had a profound impact on the sport, not only as an innovator but also as a mentor. His ability to simplify complex physiological concepts into practical, usable advice was unmatched. He also had an unwavering belief in the potential of every athlete, from Olympians to everyday runners, and his passion for the sport was truly contagious. He helped countless people achieve their goals and fall in love with running more deeply.

While his name is synonymous with running excellence, to those closest to him, he was so much more. He was a husband to Nancy, a devoted father to Audra and Sarah, and a dear friend and mentor to so many. He often said that his greatest accomplishment was his marriage to Nancy, a fellow accomplished runner and his partner for decades, and the family they built together.

Dr. Daniels’ running journey was unique, beginning not with long distance running but with the modern pentathlon. It was in this sport that he first achieved athletic greatness, winning two Olympic medals—a silver in 1956 and a bronze in 1960. It was the running portion, his “worst event,” that sparked his lifelong fascination with the sport and ultimately led him to become one of its most influential figures.

He was named “The World’s Best Coach” by Runner’s World magazine. His coaching career was marked by astounding success, particularly at SUNY Cortland, where his teams won 8 NCAA Division III National Championships, and his athletes earned 31 individual national titles and over 130 All-America awards. But his true genius was making complex science understandable. His book, Daniels’ Running Formula, and the VDOT system gave countless runners, from beginners to elites, a clear, logical path to improvement.

Resources