Bill Rodgers, 61, is one of the greatest road racers ever. Between 1975 and 1980, he dominated the international racing scene, winning the Boston and New York marathons four times apiece, competing in the 1976 Olympics, setting a world record in the 25K (1:14:11.8), a world best on the road in the 10K (28:36.3), and an American record in the marathon (2:09:27). In 1978, he put together perhaps the greatest single road racing season ever, winning 27 of 30 races.  Bill continues to race 35 to 40 times per year, and will be competing in the USA Master's Half-Marathon Championships as part of the State Farm Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon. He will also be the featured speaker at the Pre-Event Pasta Dinner Saturday night, Feb. 7, and will sign copies of his book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Running, at the Health & Fitness Expo Saturday, Feb. 7, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne Oceanfront. He is a first-ballot member of both the National Track & Field Hall of Fame and Distance Runners Hall of Fame.

TheMelbourneMarathon.com: What keeps you excited about racing after all these years?
Bill Rodgers: The sense of anticipation at the starting line. Seeing everyone again. Just getting out there with friends, meeting new runners and talking with them.

TheMelborneMarathon.com: One thing a lot of people don't know about you is that you actually quit running after college. Why?
BR: I did. I quit running for two years after college (1970-72). I was burned out from the track, from racing. Plus, I wasn’t even close to being the fastest miler around. When I got back into it, I decided to become the best road racer I could be. Things turned out pretty good after that (laughs). Now, I wouldn’t want to give up running for anything.

The MelbourneMarathon.com: During the last 10 years, the half-marathon has exploded into popularity on the road racing scene. Why do you think the race has become a favorite not only of all runners, but particularly the 40-and-over runners?
BR: I love the half-marathon, how the race represents both speed and endurance. It’s a lot more accessible to the fitness community, to the over-40 runner. For older guys like myself, it's a good long distance race that doesn't cost you as much emotionally or the wear and tear that you have with the marathon. Plus, for runners with only a year or two under their belts, running a half is an attainable accomplishment — and a major part of a progression toward finishing a full marathon.
Take a race like Melbourne. A gentleman who's 70 might watch (72-year-old) Bill Riley running along in the half, say, 'I've got to get into this,' then go to the store and get some shoes. He'll get out there and walk, then jog, start working out. This happens all the time now.

TheMelbourneMarathon.com: Unlike all of your archrivals back in the day, you continue to race constantly, in spite of some recent health issues. How do you approach races now, as opposed to your championship years?
BR: I used to be focused on American records, but when I broke my tibia (lower leg) at age 55, my approach to races changed. The last five years have been the most challenging of my career. Last year, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. That slowed me down, and made me realize that as we age, we hit different obstacles. Also, how much I've run over the years has become a challenge. My goal for all my races now is to be more competitive in the 60-to-64 age group. I'm not there yet, but who knows?

TheMelbourneMarathon.com: What is your basic training regimen like now?
BR: Well, it's not 150 or 200 miles per week anymore! I run about 35 to 40 miles a week, although it’s been a little tough with all the ice and snow this winter. One thing that's really changed is that I do more than just run now. I've been doing some swim fitness training and conditioning with Steve Victorson at SwymFit in my hometown, Boxborough. Steve used to be the trainer for the U.S. Ski team. That's helped me a lot.

TheMelbourneMarathon.com: You've long been a vocal critic of the way our society associates weight and looks with food and diet. Now, we're seeing more and more fitness and health expos associated with big races— and you’re coming to one of the premier Masters races in America, the USA Masters Half-Marathon Championship, which is part of the State Farm Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon. Can you elaborate on this?
BR: Sure. I constantly ask myself a question: ‘What does the overall lack of fitness mean to society?’ We need to change our culture from a diet culture to a fitness culture. I think these veterans' races (like the USA Masters Half-Marathon Championships) are examples of what can be done. You don't have to run a marathon to prove your fitness, but you can run 5Ks, 10Ks, walk … the involvement of older runners is a great story that needs to be told. A lot of them didn't get into any sport until their 30s or 40s, and did so because they were tired of dieting, or doing nothing, and wanted to be fit. Working out is for more than just the athletes we watch on TV — it's for everyone. We're not meant to be inactive.

TheMelbourneMarathon.com: To continue on your point, the beauty about running is that you don’t to spend an exorbitant amount of money or time to get started.
BR: Exactly. You don't have to spend all day working out — just 30 minutes to an hour a day will do it. Running fits into your life pretty efficiently. The good news is that, with 30 to 40 minutes a day, you can build up to five days a week, and you’re changed physically and psychologically.

TheMelbourneMarathon.com: Now you're coming to Melbourne to participate in what promises to be an incredible event. How does this USA Masters Half-Marathon Championship measure up, in your opinion?
BR: I think it might be the best gathering of veteran racers in the country this winter. So many of these people are either ranked at the top of their age groups, or they hold existing Masters records. Several competed in the Olympics.

TheMelbourneMarathon.com: What can we expect to see from you?
BR: I'm hoping to run 1:36, 1:37 — somewhere in there. Maybe I can place in my age group, but it will be tough in this field. But for me, there's much more than the competitive side in this race. I'll be seeing people again, getting into the camaraderie, comparing stories and talking with all the runners I'll meet for the first time.