The other day I posted a quote by Ryan Hall saying that he started training for Beijing when he was 15 years old. Scott replied that he’d like the whole world to understand what Hall meant. Half joking, I replied that I’d be happy if just the running community understood. Well it took less than one week for a real-world example. One of my co-workers signed up for Flying Pig and said her Hal Higdon program doesn’t start until January. Then she asked me when I was going to start training for Boston. I just told her we’re looking to get different things out of the sport.
Yesterday a commenter asked for some running book suggestions. I guess it depends on what you’re looking for. Off the top of my head, here’s what comes to mind - note: some of these may be hard to find;
FICTION:
Once a Runner – John L. Parker Jr.
PHILISOPHICAL:
Did I Win? – George Sheehan
TRAINING:
Running Your Best – Ron Daws
Anything by Arthur Lydiard
Guide for Elite Runners – Marty Liquori
Daniels Running Formula – Jack Daniels
Advanced Marathoning – Pete Pfitzinger and Scott Douglas
Road Racing for Serious Runners – Pete Pfitzinger and Scott Douglas
BIOGRAPHICAL:
Self-Made Oympian – Ron Daws
Cold Clear Day – Buddy Edelen
Running with the Buffaloes – Chris Lear
MENTAL TOUGHNESS:
Competitive Edge: Mental Preparation for Distance Running – Richard Elliott
Running Within – Jerry Lynch
As I said, there are a lot more than this, but it’s a good start. If you’re going for something to inspire you, I’d probably pick Running with the Buffaloes from the list above. Feel free to add your favorites via a comment or email.
Lately I’ve just been briefly mentioning my latest interviews – I figure if people aren’t interested there’s no need to hit them over the head. Well, I posted two new interviews last night that I think are worth being hit over the head. Jason Lehmkuhle just placed 5th at the Olympic Trials Marathon and he shared his thoughts on the race. And how often do you get to mention that you interviewed an Olympian? Janis Klecker was a true trailblazer for runners in Minnesota. She jumped into the marathon at an early age and by the time she was 21, she was running 2:36. She was kind enough to reflect on her career for me.
Quote of the day;
“Not 'blowing up' was really the only thought in my mind for a lot of the middle of the race. With one lap to go (21 miles) though, I really felt like I was going to hold together... Of course, 20 miles into TCM last year I "really thought" I would hold together too.” - Jason Lehmkuhle
Thank you for the list of books. Its a good start for me.
ReplyDeletegood stuff Chad. It would be interesting to see an interview of Barney Klecker, as I really enjoyed reading about Janis in your interview. Those two are definite legends. Barney I believe still holds the American 50mile road record at sub 5hrs. 4:51?
ReplyDeleteChad, keep this up and you will have an awesome spring. You are adapting. Take your cutback weeks and easy days seriously. And yeah, I'm curious to see what you'll get out of Barney, too.
ReplyDeleteWynn, stay tuned on Barney - it's coming.
ReplyDeleteDr.George Sheehan: This Running Life
ReplyDeletevery good book, sums up the life of a runner from all aspects, both like and sport. Sometimes it's easy to feel like you're the center of the world when one delves into deep training, but Sheehan makes the reader understand that a balance/compromise/broadening/enjoyment of other things should be in place, and that is so very true.
Dr. David Horton:Quest for Adventure. A detailed sojourn of David's 3100mile Trans-American race and Appalacian Trail record. Both encounters are very interesting. There is rumor that Horton may attempt a new speed record in 2008 on the Continental Divide Trail. David set the speed record on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2005 (supported).
No love for the 4,500 mile North Country Trail?
Wynn, I'd never heard of that Sheehan book, nor the Quest for Adventure.
ReplyDeleteSorry about not mentioning any books about ultras or adventure racing. I've never read any of them.
Chad, that particular Sheehan book is legendary. I have a copy, hard to find because it is out of print. Explains, racing, training, injury, and philospohical ideas in regard to the runner.
ReplyDeleteIt was recommended in the last issue of RunningTimes.
The Horton book is a little more "underground". I enjoyed the Trans American part of the book. Horton took a beating. They practically "raced" every stage of the race, which would be just brutal. Averaging anywhere from 35-60 miles a day on pavement. He was never the same after that race. Took its toll. Jason Dorgan who recently set a record in covering the entire 1,000+mile Ice Age Trail also admitted that he has not been the same physically after that.
Old book called "MARATHON" by the late Clarence DeMar is also good. Probably discontinued. I have a copy as they made another edition in 1981. Describes his victories at Boston Marathon.
A couple good books I read last summer :
ReplyDeleteBowerman and the men of Oregon
by Kenny Moore
Duel in the Sun
by John Brant
"Pre" by Tom Jordan
ReplyDelete"Bowerman and the Men of Oregon" by Kenny Moore was really good, too. Moore, like Bowerman, was at the center many of the pivatol running events in America during the early and mid 1970s. Though Moore was an essential part of these events, he does not make himself the centerpiece of the book.
Wynn, I think about 80 percent of the good books are discontinued.
ReplyDeleteBill and Jim, I haven't read Bowerman yet, but I added it to my Christmas list. I'd like to read Dual in the Sun at some point too.