One Step Ahead


The Story of the Norths Joggers by Philip McCouat


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Norths Joggers were one of the first clubs set up in the early days of the jogging craze that swept the world in the 1960s - a far-off time when there were "no home computers, no mobile phones, no Sydney Opera House, and Elvis was still slim".
This book, specially commissioned to commemorate the Joggers 40th anniversary, tells their story - from their early beginnings, puffing their way around Balmoral Oval in well-worn Dunlop Volleys, to their present day role as a popular running institution on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Drawing on long lost records, interviews and the memoirs of members, some now in their 80s, the book features a cast of unforgettable characters - from the multitalented Jimmy Bell, the "scrapings of the barrel" boy who was still walking over 500 kilometres a year in his 90s to Reg "Have You Heard This One" Conway, and Lal "I Didn't Even See The Intersection" Lawson.

Over the years, the Joggers have been blessed with some notable members - world ranked masters champions, official City to Surf Legends, and even a winner of a Sydney Melbourne Marathon. But, as the book points out, its main recipe for success has been its emphasis on the simple pleasures - enjoyable sociable activity in beautiful surroundings.

Philip McCouat, a Sydney lawyer and writer, has been a member of Norths Joggers since 1996. He has had work published in such oddly diverse areas as the Australian Financial Review, the GST Guide, and Runners World.

Interested in a copy of One Step Ahead?


The book is only available through the Norths Joggers. Please contact Richard Butler via email for details of how you can obtain a copy of this book.