What you'll find at All Running Biographies
This lens lists every running biography ever written (32 of 'em!). It has reviews, polls, and links to Amazon, where most (but not all) of these books can be purchased. I hope you'll leave a comment, vote in the polls, and help to turn this lens into a great resource for fans of running books!
Then be sure to visit the other lenses (coming soon!!):
Running Fiction (under construction)
Training Books (under construction)
Running Humor (under construction)
Women's Running Books (under construction)
Running History & Philosophy (under construction)
Contents at a Glance
- Quick Poll: Which unwritten biography would you most like to read?
- Running Biographies are the Best! (Or are they?)
- Milers: Great milers and the races that defined them
Quick Poll: Which unwritten biography would you most like to read?
It's amazing, but these haven't yet been written!
These are all athletes whose biographies I'd be interested in reading, especially if they included info about how they trained! Yet for all the success these athletes had, nobody's written their stories!
Running Biographies are the Best! (Or are they?)
What do you think?
There are many genres of running books: biography, training, history, philosophy, fiction, humor...
But aren't running biographies the best? If they are well written, they give you a little bit of everything!
Aren't running biographies generally the best?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, by far the most enjoyable to read
Nah, I prefer other subjects
Milers: Great milers and the races that defined them
When we think of the mile, we immediately think of Roger Bannister. His breaking the 4:00 barrier was a milestone (no pun intended) not just for running, but for our understanding of human physiology. Numerous runners have since followed his lead in the pursuit of excellence in four laps. These books profile the men who ran the mile, and the paths they took to achieving their success.
There are 10 books about milers listed here! If you could pick just one, which would you recommend?
The Four Minute Mile
by Roger Bannister
The Four-Minute Mile, Fiftieth-Anniversary Edition
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $2.00
As a cross-country runner in high school this book by Roger Bannister was a great inspiration to me. His description of the assault on the 4 minute mile barrier is fascinating but also memorable are his recollections of the Helsinki Olympics (where Bannister failed to achieve a medal), and his success at the Commonwealth Games where the only two sub-4 minute milers met face to face for the first time.
It's now about 40 years since I first read the book and I was very pleased it was republished in a commemorative edition.
Reading the book again was a joy. The book went very quickly and had most of the excitement of when I first read it. It was not surprising tha the prose and impressions seemed less mature than when I first read them, but that was to be expected as Bannister wrote the book when he was in his twenties.
I was disappointed that the pictures were not the same as the original edition, with perhaps too many pictures of Bannister in later years. The original pictures of the Helsinki Olympics and other competitions were an integral part of the book and it's a shame that they were missing.
Bannisters achievement in breaking the Four Minute Mile was a milestone (pardon the pun), as was the fact that he did it as an amateur and while he was in the middle of his medical studies. In my opinion his book is also a great achievement and is certainly worth the read. --Zev Kaptowsky
The Perfect Mile
by Neal Bascomb
The Perfect Mile: Three Athletes, One Goal, and Less Than Four Minutes to Achieve It
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 11/09/2009)
Used Price: $0.52
The Perfect Mile takes the reader into the intimate worlds of three extraordinary men, all from diverse backgrounds and continents. Even though you're familiar that Roger Bannister eventually came out victorious as the first man to fun the mile in under four minutes, the drama and tension of the runners' race to become the first to break the barrier will keep you turning pages almost as fast as the men were running around the track.
Without divulging too much, I will say that near the book's end, when two of the three men are racing in the 1956 "Mile of the Century," the other runner, who because of military obligations is not able to participate, is masterfully woven into the race, almost as if he were actually racing--how he would have run that race, how he would have positioned himself among the two others, and how he possibly would have won the race. --CJB
Roger Bannister and the Four-Minute Mile
by John Bale
Roger Bannister and the Four-Minute Mile: Sports Myth and Sports History
Amazon Price: $47.50 (as of 11/09/2009)
Used Price: $38.54
Roger Bannister and the Four-Minute Mile does more than detail the history of a sports star. It is a testimonial to the legend of Roger Bannister but it also invites the reader to reconsider the very words often used to describe him - notably "hero" and "gentleman amateur." Informed by contemporary sports science, the text also questions the significance of the four-minute mile per se.
Thoroughly researched, this book gives fascinating insights into the history of track racing as well as early athletic training methods and the beginnings of sports science.
The first rigorous historical study of Bannister's sporting life and the man behind the legend reveals an ambivalent athlete - highly achievement-orientated and scientific in his approach but also in love with the freedom of running sensuously in nature, in contrast to the constraints of modern sport. --Editorial Review
Sub 4:00
by Chris Lear
Sub 4:00: Alan Webb and the Quest for the Fastest Mile
Amazon Price: $13.45 (as of 11/09/2009)
Used Price: $2.74
Chris Lear has done it again! Following an exellent debut with "Running With the Buffaloes" he comes back with "Sub 4:00" -- a great account of Alan Webb's first and only season at the University of Michigan.
Lear is the only guy out there writing about the collegiate running scene as most books in the running section at your bookstore revolve around training logs or how to run your first 10K. It's about time someone took a different path and I'm glad Lear has done so.
Webb's tumultuous season at UM is well-depicted. The tough workouts, the injuries, and most importantly, the hot and cold relationship Webb has with his collegiate coach. Webb is pulled in a couple of different directions, whether to turn pro and go back and train under his high school coach, where he had great success; or stay at UM where he has friends and training partners. After awhile one can tell where Webb is going to end up.
What makes Lear's books so good is he gets right into the action. Just like his first book, he has intimate access to the team, it's workouts, meetings, and private moments. He's with Webb in the residence halls, on solitary and team workouts, at the meets, and even on the road in his car. Lear isn't an outside observer, he's right there. Also, the main supporting character, Brannen, gets his fair share of coverage.
This isn't just a book for runners, but anyone interested in athletics, particularly college athletics and how the system works and how coaches are under pressure to win -- yes, even so-called minor sport track and field coaches.
I highly recommend this excellent book and hope Lear has more coming down the road. --Timothy R. Sullivan
Alan Webb on Squidoo
America's greatest hope? Or greatest tragedy?
This lens is the definitive source on Alan Webb's career, with statistics you can't find anywhere else!-
Alan Webb
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Alan Webb has had a record-breaking career, and he is still just 26 years old. He holds the National High School indoor and outdoor mile records, the American mile record, and is the former holder of the two-mile record. He ranks among America's elit...
Steve Scott the Miler
by Steve Scott and Marc Bloom
Steve Scott the Miler: America's Legendary Runner Talks About His Triumphs and Trials
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $0.90
I can understand why the general public didn't buy this book. It's appeal is to those of us who have undergone the "Trial of Miles." Like Once a Runner's Cassidy, Scott gave it everything and sacrificed much, as did his family. Yet, like Cassidy, he didn't win the Gold, so the ignorant have forgotten him. Even so, he should be remembered for his dedication to the sport and his willingness to give everything, to be the front runner, to not hide until the final lap, so, like Prefontaine, he is an inspiration to runners. A very good book. I wish him and his family well.
--John Matney
The Jim Ryun Story
by Cordner Nelson
The Jim Ryun story
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $63.50
This is one of the most straight forward and exciting books ever written on Track and Field. Corder Nelson, one of the famed editors and writers from Track and Field News, captures Jim Ryun the competitor who was the first high schooler to break 4 minutes and of course later set the World Record that lasted for almost 9 years. From Track and Field News' archives, the book is complimented by Rich Clarkson's wonderful photographs of Ryun racing in action shots throughout the book capturing the excitement of races and drama. Clarkson was the premier track and field photographer for his time. For example, Clarkson captures Ryun stealing a glance at Peter Snell at one of their two races at the starting line and then has a running pictorial of the race. This is a truly exciting book capturing the work outs, the races and determination of Jim Ryun and his coach Bob Timmons. Perhaps the most exciting race is Ryun's 1964 Olympic trials race where he and famed miler Jim Grelle duel all the way to the line with Grelle diving for the finish. Only minutes later does either know who made the team. Ryun had an amazing tough mental ability to work hard, just look at the picture of Ryun running up an incredibly steep Kansas hill with the camera looking down on him. The race descriptions are fantastic and Nelson makes you feel that you are watching the race unfold in person with his descriptions and Clarkson's pictures. This book was released before the 68 Olympics but it's still a great book on a wonderkid's development. A reprint second release is desperately needed. --Daniel Hurley
The Perfect Distance
by Pat Butcher
The Perfect Distance - Ovett and Coe: The Record-Breaking Rivalry
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $10.28
I was a high school runner when Coe and Ovett burst upon the world Track and Field scene. I was awed by their performances and read everything I could about them, which wasn't much on this side of the Atlantic. Seeing them (and Cram) compete head-to-head in person at the 1984 Olympic Games was such a thrill for me and my late father, who was also a huge T&F fan. Butcher's excellent writing truly took me back to those exciting times. This outstanding book also provides clear, fascinating and entertaining insights into Coe's and Ovett's rise to the world stage of T&F. Their personalities, how they got into running, the discovery of their talents, the ups and downs of their training and careers, the relationships and people who influenced them - it's all here in this eminently readable short book. As an added bonus, Butcher also recounts the "British Tradition" of miling, its rich history as well as other famous pairs of nineteenth and twentieth century milers. This is a fun read and a fantastic contribution to the small but growing genre of T&F books. --D. Antokal
American Miler
by Paul J. Kiell
American Miler: The Life and Times of Glenn Cunningham
Amazon Price: $13.22 (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $3.10
The true story of the incomparable Glenn Cunningham is one full of extraordinary perserverance and determination. Dr. Keill does a remarkably adept job of creating the world in which Mr. Cunningham grew up. This is the story of a boy so severely burned in a school house fire that doctors feared he would never walk again (his older brother died as a result of his burns in the same fire). He regains his ability to walk and run. His family suffers through depression era Kansas farm life and Glenn never gives up his dream of an education. His quest to become a world class runner is truly inspiring. The life he carves for himself after his running career ends is even more remarkable. GLENN CUNNINGHAM IS A TRUE AMERICAN HERO. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! --Michael Dennisuk
A Shining Season
by William J. Buchanan
A Shining Season: The True Story of John Baker
Amazon Price: $15.56 (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $5.27
An outstanding book.
I'm an emotional sap and cry at the drop of a hat, but if any one can read this book and not go through a few tissues they either have incredible emotional control or are extremely cold. I started this book yesterday after I got home, around lunch time. I finished it (250 pages) last night. I don't think I've ever done that before. It reads fast. It is the tragic, yet wonderful, true story of John Baker - one of American's best milers in 1969. He teaches elementary school kids and truly lives a life of purpose; a life well lived.
Buy this book now and read it, but stock up on the tissues. You'll come away wishing you had known him. This is mostly a book about teaching kids and heroic character and doesn't talk much about running. --William Wright
Beer and Brine
by Rob Hadgraft
Beer and Brine: The Making of Walter George, Athletics' First Superstar
Amazon Price: (as of 11/09/2009)
Used Price: $78.26
[In the 1870s] Walter George rode history's winds of change, setting records, covering astonishing mileage between meets on the new railroads, crossing the Atlantic in a new steamship to beat American star Lon Myers, pioneering a difficult path between elitist amateurism and the corrupt professional circuit, and giving the new sport a potent place in the public imagination. One two-man mile race attracted crowds of over 30,000 to a stadium that held 8,000. The streets were jammed, gates broken, fences toppled, and George and his rival crawled to the start on ladders held on the heads and shoulders of the tight-packed mob. George ran 4:12.8, a world record by four seconds, and a performance 50 years ahead of its time. --Roger Robinson
Long Distance Runners: Runners who made a living above the mile!
What would running be without runners? From the gregarious Emil Zatopek to the humble Haile Gebrselassie to the fiery Steve Prefontaine, it is the runners who capture our imagination and motivate us to pursue our goals. These biographies capture the essence of the great long distance runners that they portray.
There are 10 books about long distance runners listed here! If you could pick just one, which would you recommend?
Pre
by Tom Jordan
Pre: The Story of America's Greatest Running Legend, Steve Prefontaine
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 11/09/2009)
Used Price: $2.05
While this book doesn't necessarily delve into the biography of the great sports star Steve Prefontaine as opposed to recount his specific athletic challenges, it still manages to motivate and commemorate. The most moving passages are personal accounts and recollections from the friends and competitors he influenced with his talent, determination, perseverance and "Gift."
A too-short life with a tragic end, remembered still for the great triumphs he enjoyed.
Any runner with even a passing interest in the sport will want to read this great little book. Chances are, he or she will finish it wanting to go out and hit the road for a good, hard run.
Go Pre!
--Nelson Aspen
Steve Prefontaine on Squidoo
Learn more about the man who became a legend
Want a little more info before you buy the book? This highly ranked lens is the place to get it.-
Steve Prefontaine
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Steve "Pre" Prefontaine was born on January 25, 1951. He died on May 30, 1975. In those 24 years, he became a legend. He won seven NCAA titles, set eight American records at distances ranging from 2,000 meters to 10,000 meters, and inspired a running...
Paula, My Life So Far
by Paula Radcliffe
Paula: My Story So Far
Amazon Price: $11.16 (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $2.28
This book really starts in Chapter 4 for the running enthusiast. The first three chapters provide an insight into Paula Radcliffe's childhood. The final 17 chapters provide in-depth descriptions of the motivation, injury, pain, perseverance and achievement of a dedicated runner. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand the emotional, psychological and physical characteristics of a serious and successful athlete. --David Hood
The Greatest
by Jim Denison
The Greatest: The Haile Gebrselassie Story
Amazon Price: $11.97 (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $1.94
As a runner, I love a good running book. The Greatest - the biography of Haile Gebrselassie - a man who dominated distance running for a decade - was extremely inspiring. It balanced the racing with the personal story of Haile, along with a great overview of the Ethiopian running scene and the opportunities and challenges facing the country. In addition to being a champion athlete, Haile has become a very successful Ethiopian businessman and the vignettes about his businesses, why he does them (when he clearly doesn't have to), and how he is focused on continuing to help Ethiopia evolve as a country was powerful. Heroic running, riveting race stories, good Ethiopian history, the passing of the torch of a champion to the next generation, and a guy that everyone would like - what more could you want from a running biography? --Bradley Feld
Haile Gebrselassie on Squidoo
Arguably the greatest distance runner ever
This lens has become one of the most popular resources on Haile Gebrselassie on the web. Come see why!-
Haile Gebrselassie
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Haile "The Emperor" Gebrselassie was born April 18, 1973 in Asella, Arsi Province, Ethiopia. He stands 5 feet 5 inches tall (1.65 meters) and weighs 123 pounds (56 kg). Oh yeah, he's set 26 world records, too. Haile currently lives and trains in Addi...
Paul Tergat: Running to the Limit
by Jurg Wirz
Paul Tergat: Running to the Limit; His Life and His Training Secrets With Many Tips For Runners
Amazon Price: $14.00 (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $2.07
This book is truly fantastic, it is well laid out and gives a lot of information on the way Kenyans eat, sleep and train etc... Also it has a lot of information about the life of Paul Tergat and he includes numerous numbers of hints and tips for the beginning runner and the elite but I believe the best part of this book are the illustrations. The illustrations are truly amazing nearly every page or second page there are coloured "good quality" pictures of really interesting things. This is a book that you would expect to pay well over $25 for because the printing is just done to perfection. I highly recommend this book for any one who is interested in running. It is truly the best running book I have ever come across (and I own a lot of running books)
So if you want a big bang for your buck go the "Kenyan Way" and purchase RUNNING TO THE LIMIT. --Philip J. Taylor
Gerry Lindgren's Book on Running
by Gerry Lindgren
Gerry Lindgren's Book on Running
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $49.95
This is a wonderfully strange and inticing little book. I came to the running revolution in the mid 70's with all the other boomers. 30 years, 23 marathons, hundreds of road races and 20+ years of coaching and I'm still addicted. My heroes were Ryun, Liquori, Prefontaine, Shorter and Rodgers. There was always this myth of a man named Gerry Lindgren who may have been the greatest high school runner ever. Legend had it that he ran ungodly mileage 150, 175, 200 miles a week. 50 mile runs, 80 mile runs. Lindgren has given us a special little book that recounts his high school years and his emergence as a world class runner. It is a beautiful window into his world. Writing it as his shadow allows him to use the third person which, in this case, works very well. His replays of his races and his internal dialogue are worth the price of the book. This is a great little read. --Michael Dennisuk
No Finish Line
by Marla Runyan
No Finish Line
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $0.30
I'm not legally blind, but I could really understand it and identify with the struggles she endured in being different throughout most of her life. The writing style is so engaging and easy to read that it feels almost like conversation. Just when you have a question, the answer appears. Marla's dry wit is refreshing and intelligent. There is no pity party here!
Marla has really struggled in life and sport. She continues to learn and persevere as a person and athlete and that is what makes a champion in life and on the track. --imtriathlete
The Fragile Champion
by Ken Foreman
The Fragile Champion: Doris Brown Who Always Ran the Extra Mile
Amazon Price: $11.01 (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $6.76
Author Ken Foreman sets the record straight where Doris Brown (Heritage) is concerned. If you are a track nut, a recreational runner, or a sports historian, this book is for you. It will challenge all who seek to be the best that they can be. --Product Description
This Voice in My Heart
by Gilbert Tuhabonye and Gary Brozek
This Voice in My Heart: A Genocide Survivor's Story of Escape, Faith, and Forgiveness
Amazon Price: $18.68 (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $2.75
If you want to read a story about a person who has experienced such great tragedy but has used the experience to love and forgive and to help end the cycle of hate and educate us to this effect, then this book is for you. The book alternates through stories of school boy life in Burundi, running, and genocide. I am a runner in Austin Texas who hears great things about Gilbert Tuhabonye (now a running coach in Austin), but this is not a running book. This is a book about a man's dream to do well in school in order to get a U.S. college track scholarship. Despite being a victim of unthinkable horror he succeeds in doing so. But his greatest success is his ability to teach forgiveness and the book is a vehicle for doing so. The book is an easy read of a worthwhile tale. --James M. Gelb
Running with the Legends
by Michael Sandrock
Running With the Legends: Training and Racing Insights from 21 Great Runners
Amazon Price: $15.61 (as of 11/09/2009)
Used Price: $4.08
This is not a training book. Though it does include some snippets of a typical training week for each of the 21 athletes it profiles. If that is what you are looking for, there are other books that are better.
But this book is great. It gives you a 30ish page biography of many of the greatest runners in the world, particularly at the marathon level. It does give some training insights, but mostly in the context of the mini-biographies. It's first chapter focuses on Emil Zatopek, who had to be the gutsiest runner ever. Other great Olympic distance performers profiled in the book include Lasse Viren, Kip Keino, Sebastian Coe, Said Aouita and Frank Shorter, as well as Bill Rodgers, Arturo Barrios, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Alberto Juantorena, Grete Waitz, and Ingrid Kristiansen.
If you want to get the stories behind some of history's most exceptional runners and the most amazing races ever run, this is a great book to start with.
I highly recommend this book! --Buraian
Best Efforts
by Kenny Moore
Best Efforts: World Class Runners and Races
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $16.13
Kenny Moore is the real deal. Fourth in the Munich Olympic marathon doesn't happen by accident. This is a collection of pieces about various elite athletes Moore has met over the years.
Moore's insights are fascinating. "Best Efforts" gives you a glimpse of the minds of the elites. The piece on Ron Clarke, who would always take the race out hard because he thought it was dishonest to do anything else, is especially intriguing. I also enjoyed the articles on Mary Decker, the Experiment, and John Akii-Bua. Moore's writing about his own life experiences as a child, training under Bowerman and alongside Pre, and then in the Olympics, is equally enthralling. --M. Eichenlaub
Marathoners: 26.2 miles and the runners who excelled at it
What the mile is to middle-distance running, the marathon is to long distance running. It is the race that defines the sport. From Boston to New York to London to Tokyo, every major city now holds an annual marathon. For a distance runner, excellence in the marathon is a ticket to immortality. These books profile great marathoners in running history.
For those who are interested, check out this provocative list of the Best American Marathoners Ever
There are 7 books about marathoners listed here! If you could pick just one, which would you recommend?
A Cold Clear Day
by Frank Murphy
A Cold Clear Day: The Athletic Biography of Buddy Edelen
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $10.34
I really enjoyed this book. Other people may go for the swagger of Pre or the domination of a Salazar or Rodgers. But, of all the the runners I've read about, Edelen is the one I identify with most. I suppose it's because he's more of an unsung hero of American running.
The book is fairly well written, and unlike many biographies, it does not drag on with boring unneeded details. It documents the man that Edelen was and shows excerpts from his training to give insight, to those of us who run ourselves, the kind of grueling training he did.
One of my top five running books. --Mr. William L. Burge IV
Duel in the Sun
by John Brant
Duel in the Sun: Alberto Salazar, Dick Beardsley, and America's Greatest Marathon
Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $5.95
The 1982 Boston Marathon is arguably one of the greatest road races of all time. Alberto Salazar was the "golden boy" and the favorite. Dick Beardsley was an unknown journeyman runner (despite wins at the Grandma's Marathon and London Marathon). Their epic battle is told in stride for stride fashion with each runner sharing his thoughts, doubts and pains. Mr. Brant does an excellent job of fleshing out each runner's biography both before and after the race. I could not put this book down. This is one of the best running books I have ever read. It transcends the sport and would be a very entertaining read for anyone!! --Michael Dennisuk
Staying the Course
by Dick Beardsley and Maureen Anderson
Staying The Course: A Runner's Toughest Race
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $5.93
I started running ~ 2 yrs ago. My wife got me the book, but I hadn't heard of Dick so the book sat. One evening I picked it up to see what it was all about and I was instantly and uncontrollably sucked in. Dick's story starts in HS where he went out for the football team, which lasted a few minutes. Then a friend suggested XC, and Dick fell in love with what turned out to be his calling -- running.
The story refers to 5/10K events, and explains how Dick got into Marathons (a whim). It then follows the course of the multitude of Marathons he ran in.
Dick had his battles in life too, as we all do, a theme that repeated itself. Dick had some very tough times, but in the end he prevailed. Big time!
My friend Mat just got back from Boston Marathon '03; Mat brought back an autograph from Dick for me. Having read his book, and knowing what a great guy Dick is, this will be treasured for years to come.
Net, net, it's a must read. --Rex Uzelac
Marathon Woman
by Kathrine Switzer
Marathon Woman: Running the Race to Revolutionize Women's Sports
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $2.37
I picked up this book a week ago at a race expo (and also had the opportunity to meet and chat with Kathrine Switzer). I devoured this book within a few days. Her writing is great, her story compelling and inspiring. She weaves together the story of her own personal running history, the history of womens long distance running, her quest to have the marathon included as a womens event in the Olympics (a monumental feat), including her own interpersonal struggles with the men in her life and development of her career along the way. Her writing was very candid, occasionally funny, and she had a wonderful way of including and articulating some of her more trivial thoughts and incidents, which brought the book to life. --L. Montgomery
Ellison "Tarzan" Brown
by Michael Ward
Ellison "Tarzan" Brown: The Narragansett Indian Who Twice Won the Boston Marathon
Amazon Price: $31.50 (as of 11/09/2009)
Used Price: $25.20
I had heard of Tarzan Brown when I was young. He seemed a mysterious character, with not much known about him. I enjoyed learning about him, what a really great runner he was in a time when 100 runners in a race was a lot. The author interviewed many of those who knew him, including his wife, and gives an idea what it must have been like to be a Narragansett Indian in those days.
For anyone who loves the freedom of running (which Tarzan did), and is interested in life in New England 70 years ago, this book is a real find. You will also learn more about Johnny Kelley (the elder), Clarence DeMar, Les Pawson, Bricklayer Kennedy, etc. This was a time when money was scarce, and runners had to be amateurs- Tarzan once won a refrigerator in a race, but he had no electricity so gave it away. At one point he won 17 races in a row; at his peak he was brilliant. He won consecutive marathons over a 2-day period, taking a night train from NY to NH to get to the 2nd one. Tarzan had quite a spirit, and I thank the author for his painstaking research. --Gordon A. FitzGerald
Barefoot Runner
by Paul Rambali
Barefoot Runner: The Life of Marathon Champion Abebe Bikila
Amazon Price: $17.00 (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $2.88
I loved it - this book had a much more interesting story, and better style, than almost any other sports book that I have ever read. --Footling
Young at Heart
by Frederick Lewis
Young at Heart: The Story of Johnny Kelley, Boston's Marathon Man
Amazon Price: $13.22 (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $7.54
The Boston Marathon is the World Series, Super Bowl, the Masters and Wimbeldon all rolled into one. Johnny Kelley is Mr. Boston Marathon. Mr. Lewis has painted a loving portrait of this running icon. Mr. Kelley ran 61 Boston Marathons, winning twice and finishing 2nd an astonishing 7 times. The book was originally published while Mr. Kelley was still alive. Mr. Lewis interviewed Mr. Kelley extensively and this adds immeasurably to the story. The book is not only a biography of a great runner but a personal journey through the history of America's Greatest Race. GREAT READ!! --Michael Dennisuk
Ultramarathoners: Some distance runners do it longer
The ultramarathon is what happened when marathoners decided it wasn't enough to completely thrash your body -- they wanted to annihilate it. Well, that has led to some amazing individuals performing some amazing feats. Here are some books about the men and women who "do it longer".
There are 5 books about ultramarathoners listed here! If you could pick just one, which would you recommend?
Ultramarathon Man
by Dean Karnazas
Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $2.17
This book is what it claims to be - "Confessions" of an Ultramarathoner.
The book comprises of Dean Karnazes memories and experiences being a runner and athlete in his younger years and re-discovering the joys and challenges of running, right after his 30th birthday celebration.
The story is told starting out with a smart and captivating intro of ordering food on the road while running and then flashbacking to his early childhood memories. The book seems to be a mixture between autobiography, race and course reviews, training advice and a little on diet.
While not shy to brag about his accomplishments and ambitions, Dean balances these out with candid accounts of his mistakes, limitations, and struggles.
This book is truly a great inspirational read from a great athlete. I read the book in two afternoons and when I was finished I went out on a 3-hour run. A great reminder of why I've always enjoyed running. --Gabriel E. Borlean
The Extra Mile
by Pam Reed and Mitch Sisskind
The Extra Mile: One Woman's Personal Journey to Ultra-Running Greatness
Amazon Price: $16.29 (as of 11/09/2009)
Used Price: $4.00
I read the reviews before buying and was a little reluctant; however, I decided a while ago I wanted to read it. I bought it anyway. Pam writes on a very personal level and tells of things many people would never have the courage to reveal to others. I thought this was a great book and am so glad I bought it. Be your own judge and don't let other people decide whether or not you will like something or someone. You might miss out on a lot of good things and people if you let someone else make the choice. I would recommend Dean K's book as well rather than compare this book to it. They both are great reads and very motivational! Any book that makes you want to get outside and take to the street, trail, etc. is a plus. --C. Ralls
Ultrarunning: My Story
by Mike Bouscaren
Ultrarunning: My Story
Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $13.43
Mike Bouscaren's narrative on ultrarunning is both compelling and entertaining. Having no background in long distance running, I found Mike's recounting of his experiences very educational from the physical aspects of the sport, as well as the mental drama that each participant has to deal with. His unique style of writing presents the reader an opportunity to " run in his shoes " as he makes his journey thru 25 separate events over a seven year span. A must read for the occasional runner, as well as for those who pursue their dreams in ultramarathon running. --Bondman
To the Edge
by Kirk Johnson
To the Edge : A Man, Death Valley, and the Mystery of Endurance
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
Used Price: $1.65
It was so fabulous to read this highly enjoyable chronicle of Kirk Johnson's journey from non-runner, basically, to ultrarunner and Badwater finisher. Amazing. As an avid runner and ultrarunner, it was refreshing to see the sport from his eyes. I had first learned of him in the documentary on the Badwater 135,Running on the Sun. this book chronicles how he first learned about the race, his training and time leading up to the race, and the race itself. It was a great book. I recommend it to runners and non-runners alike. --ultrarunnermeri
Running Wild
by John Annerino
Running Wild: An Extraordinary Adventure from the Spiritual World of Running
Amazon Price: $13.45 (as of 11/09/2009)
Used Price: $2.18
I first read "Running Wild" several years ago while recovering from a running injury and it not only gave me the confidence to come back from the injury but also became my running companion. I have since re-read it many times especially before an important race or when the reasons for training get blurry. For a runner it is a spiritual connection to the joy and mystery that running can be as well as historic proof of the origins of American running. John Annerino is an incredible man whose courage and love of the wilderness together with his deep spiritual commitment to the land, it's history and it's people make "Running Wild" a masterpiece. --Donnamarie Barnes
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Other great distance running lenses by buraian
Because the world needs to know!
Read more great distance running lenses at my lensography!-
The Best American Marathoners Ever
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America has had its share of great marathoners. But there hasn't really been a clear way of determining where they rank. I set out to answer that question, and this lens shows my results. It's a dynamic list, though, and with every performance by pre...
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Kara Goucher
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Kara Goucher is one of America's best distance runners competing today. She won the bronze medal at the World Championships in the 10k in 2007, ran the fastest half marathon by an American woman (1:06:57) and is on the all-time US top-10 list for 3k,...
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Galen Rupp
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Galen Rupp is arguably the best young distance runner in the US today. He set high school or US junior records from the 2000m to the 10,000m. And though he is still a student at the University of Oregon, Galen has participated in the World Championsh...
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Matt Tegenkamp
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Matt Tegenkamp is a phenomenal runner. The American record holder for two-miles, he has also run the fifth fastest 5k all-time in America. He has won USA cross country titles, indoor track titles, and come within four hundredths of a second of medali...
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Abubaker Kaki Khamis
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Abubaker Kaki Khamis is a Sudanese 800 meter runner who recently broke the Junior World Record by running 1:42.69 in Oslo, Norway. He is an Indoor World Champion, the 5th fastest 800 meter runner indoors, and the 13th fastest 800 meter runner outdoor...
Optimal Training
Develop the mindset of a champion
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