He has worked as a freelance writer since 1959, and has written a variety of subjects including a children's book that was made into an animated feature.

[2] While attending Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, Higdon won the Midwest Conference titles in the mile, half-mile and cross-country.

"[3] Higdon has worked as a freelance writer since 1959, covering various subjects including politics for the New York Times Magazine, science for National Geographic, business for Playboy and aviation for Air & Space Smithsonian.

The student, Bob Anderson, had started a magazine titled Distance Running News and he was seeking Higdon's help.

Higdon offered an article that he had written for Sports Illustrated to be published as a reprint in the second issue of Distance Running News; the publication that eventually became Runner's World magazine.

[4] In 1968, during the Olympics, Higdon introduced George Sheehan to Joe Henderson who later recruited him as medical editor for the magazine.

Several articles written by Higdon were included in a 2006 commemorative book which was edited by Richard Benyo and was released in honor of the Boston Marathon.

[7] Higdon's children's book The Horse That Played Center Field was made into an animated feature by ABC-TV.