When the family got a Kindle for Christmas, I decided I needed to test it out, so I went and downloaded "The Long Run".To give a super brief synopsis (cause I don't want to spoil it if you don't know the story): Matt Long, a NYC firefighter, a 3:13 marathoner, and an 11:18 ironman, got run over by a bus while riding a bike to work in December of 2005. This is the story of his struggle, his fight, and ultimately, his triumph.
Let me write a short aside here to tell you that I don't read story books. What I mean is that on the very rare occassion that I do read, it's usually informational - like "The Runner's Handbook" and "Racing Weight" (neither of which I've finished yet). This is the first time I sat down to read a story since college when I was forced to read (and even then, not too often since I was an engineering major). I've never really found it relaxing, and I'm an extremely slow reader, which makes it that much more painful.
I can pretty much sum up my review of this book in just a few words... I read it in two days. That's right... Me... the non-reader... TWO days. Yes, it was that good. Completely captivating. And the odd part is that I had read the majority of the story in the Runner's World articles, and yet I still hung on every word... itching to hear the details. He puts it all out there... the demons as well as the triumphs.
The book is written with flashbacks scattered throughout, but I still had no trouble following the line of the story. Order it, download it, check it out at the library... I consider this a must read! And when I finished... I got on the treadmill... inspired to R-U-N!
What running books do you recommend?
I already downloaded "Born to Run", but was sad that "Staying the Course" (Dick Beardsley), "My Life on the Run" (Bart Yasso), and "Pre" were not available for download.
20 comments:
Ultramarathon man. Another quick read, but Dean is totally crazy. Definitely better than 50 marathons 50 states 50 days, which was good, but not as exciting. http://www.amazon.com/Ultramarathon-Man-Confessions-All-Night-ebook/dp/B001QNVPHW/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1294881533&sr=8-1
(Sadly, the kindle version is more expensive than the paperback. WTF is up with that?)
I love this book. Possibly my favorite book that I have read as an adult. Matt and I have some things in common and that helped in keeping me riveted.
Oh and by the way, I hated "Once a Runner" don't buy that.
I really loved Just a little run around the world by Rosie Swale Pope. Its about a woman who runs round the world after her husband dies of cancer.
i finished that book over vacation too and found it so inspiring. great read, glad that you liked it.
Carla - Perfect... that one was on my "maybe" list since I'm not an ultramarathoner yet, but I'll check it out.
Jason - I can't imagine... New York, Triathlete, and Motivational... yeah, you two have nothing in common. ;-)
I'm definitely going to have to get that book!! sounds awesome!
I received this book for Christmas. I definitely need to start reading it!
Sounds like a good book. Unfortunately it isn't available on Kindle to South Africa (I love my Kindle but so many books aren't available outside USA). I have added it to my wishlist for when i order "real" books.
I loved Born To Run.
Thanks for the review! He is an amazing person. I got to hear him speak a couple months ago and he is very funny and charming in person :) This book is definitely on my list to read!
I got that book for Christmas and devoured it. So good.
Seconding Ultramarathon Man. I read it years ago and it was inspiring and nuts. I may have to go back and re-read it again now. I am looking forward to this one now. thx!
As far as running, I have only read more informational ones. I have a book on half marathon training for beginners and a book for women.
I am almost finished with Adam Carolla's book (obviously not about running). I'm sat down to read it 3 times and just have a bit to go. Like you I am slow and I don't really enjoy reading unless it really sucks me in right away.
However, this will not surprise you in the least, I have a new book on my piano that is next in line. What is it?? PRE!
i have read about him in RW and want to read this one SO bad...def putting it on the list now :D
i really REALLY want to read this. badly. it sounds like such a great book. i don't really tend to fall in love with running books because very few of them make me want to go out there and RUN. but i did really love once a runner because it made me want to train hard.
I'm currently reading this book on my kindle. I'm loving it so far; I'll probably finish it by the end of the weekend at this rate.
Okay, I'm going to have to order this book from Amazon today!
I loved Run Like a Mother. My circle of friends has passed the book around and each of us has loved it and found it full of inspiration!
I think I am going to need to read this book! A good running book that is actually a novel is "Marathon" by Hal Higdon. Make sure you get the novel and not the training guide, although I really like the training guide as well.
I liked Born To Run despite the few errors I noticed and I loved Running With The Buffaloes.
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