Bob Anderson’s Notebook: 1. Embracing Challenges as "Situations" in a Lifetime of Running
(This is the first of many Bob Anderson's Notebook posts.) Bob Anderson laced up his running shoes for the first time on February 16, 1962, setting in motion a journey that has spanned over six decades. Now 77 years old, Bob continues to average 35 miles a week, a combination of running and walking split between his homes in Los Altos, California, and Monforte da Beira, Portugal.
Beyond his personal fitness, Bob is the founder of KATA Running Retreat in Portugal (and KATA Kenya), where runners from around the world train under the guidance of accredited Kenyan coaches, learning the art of running the Kenyan way.
For Bob, running is not just an activity—it’s a way of life. Yet, like any long-term runner, he has faced his share of physical setbacks. What makes Bob's perspective unique is how he approaches these challenges. He refuses to call them "injuries." Instead, he reframes them as "situations," each with its own solution.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
“I feel it’s more positive to see problems as situations,” Bob explains. “Every situation has a solution. It’s about finding it and moving forward.”
This mindset has carried Bob through countless running-related issues over the years. Most recently, he encountered a tendon situation in his right calf, which he describes as feeling like “an ice pick stuck in my calf.” For many, such a setback could mean frustration or discouragement. For Bob, it was simply another situation to navigate.
The calf issue emerged six weeks ago, temporarily sidelining him from running. “At one point, I could only walk a 32-minute mile,” he recalls. “It was a low point, but I knew I just had to focus on walking instead of running. The solution was to keep moving, even if it wasn’t at the pace I wanted.”
Today, Bob is on the cusp of full recovery. The pain has subsided, and he’s back to building his strength and endurance. “Now, I have to get in shape to get in shape,” he says. It’s a sentiment that many runners recovering from setbacks can relate to: the road back to peak performance often starts with small, deliberate steps.
A Lifetime of Solutions
Over the decades, Bob has faced numerous "situations," from shin splints to plantar fasciitis, and even the natural slowing of pace that comes with age. Yet his ability to adapt, learn, and persevere has kept him running—and walking—well into his 70s. Adding walking to his routine has not only helped him stay active through setbacks but has also introduced a new dimension to his training.
“Walking isn’t just a fallback,” Bob says. “It’s a powerful way to stay connected to the movement and keep your body engaged, even when running isn’t possible.”
Inspiring Others Through KATA
Bob’s passion for running extends beyond his personal journey. At KATA Running Retreat in Portugal, he shares his wisdom with runners of all levels. The retreat offers a chance to train with world-class Kenyan coaches, combining the cultural richness of Portuguese countryside with the legendary endurance techniques of Kenya.
“KATA is about helping runners achieve their personal best,” Bob says. “Whether it’s overcoming a situation, improving your times, or learning to enjoy the process, we’re here to support every step of the journey.”
Moving Forward with Optimism
As Bob continues to recover from his latest situation, he remains optimistic. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and a positive mindset. For him, running is not just about miles or pace—it’s about the journey and the lessons learned along the way.
“At the end of the day, it’s not about being perfect,” Bob reflects. “It’s about showing up, finding solutions, and keeping your passion alive.”
For Bob Anderson, every mile—whether walked or run—is a victory. And every situation is just another step toward the next solution.
The Legacy of KATA
Bob’s vision for running has extended far beyond himself. In 2021, he founded the Kenyan Athletics Training Academy (KATA) in Thika, Kenya, a place where runners from around the world come to train alongside Kenyan athletes. KATA Thika has quickly become a hub for endurance athletes seeking to learn from Kenya’s rich running culture and expertise.
Building on this success, Bob opened KATA Portugal in October 2024. Located at his estate in Monforte da Beira, Portugal, this retreat offers runners the opportunity to train in a serene and inspiring environment while working with world-class Kenyan coaches. Together, the two KATA locations represent Bob’s lifelong commitment to fostering the global running community and empowering athletes to achieve their dreams.
Photos: 1. Bob in Monforte da Beira with coach Dennis, and guests Risper and Jane. 2. Bob on a training run in KATA Kenya 3. Bob getting in miles on the way to lunch in California
https://katarunningretreat.com/
posted Thursday January 23rd
by Boris Baron