Saturday, May 17, 2008

Read Any Good Books?



Funny how topics for posts happen. I was recommending a book to a friend when I realized most of you probably find time to read about running or triathlons. If you have a favorite book, please leave a comment with the information. It can be about training, an event, or a person. I have several favorites, most given to me as presents, here are three of my favorites.

"Anything for a T-Shirt", by Ron Rubin. This is the biography of Fred Lebow, who was the founder of the New York City Marathon. He was a Holocaust survivor, who made his way to New York City and became one of its most celebrated residents. I was given this book prior to running the 2005 NYC Marathon. If you have run the New York City Marathon or plan to run it, you must read this book.

"Duel in the Sun", by John Brant. This is the story of what many consider the greatest marathon ever run, the 1982 Boston Marathon. The story details the lives of Alberto Salazar and Dick Beardsley, prior to and after this marathon. These two men battled the entire distance as described by the author, "in each other's pockets."

"The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life", by Amby Burfoot. This little book, 150 pages, is packed with page after page of inspiration. Written by the winner of the 1968 Boston Marathon, he writes about; "winning, losing, happiness, humility and the human heart."

So, if you have a favorite book, please share it with us.

9 comments:

Donna N. said...

Oh my gosh!!! Duel in the Sun!! THE VERY BEST!!! Did you know Dick Beardsley is going to be at the Space Coast Marathon this year?? I believe we have a date. Beardsley and Salazar are two incredible heroes. Their stories are a must read. This was a great post idea Jim, I'm sure you'll get lots of good suggestions.

Runner's Anonymous said...

I've only read one of the three listed but Duel in the Sun is an excellent book! I had a hard time putting that one down.

I haven't read it yet but there is a new book about the exploits of Bart Yasso that looks interesting too.

Eileen Daly-Boas said...

So, it's not a book, but there's a moment in the movie, "Run, Fat Boy, Run" where he hits the wall, and it's brilliant. I imagine a lot of the movie would have real marathoners scoffing - but even my limited experience showed the wall in pretty good detail.

I don't think I've read any books about running. Nor swimming. And not much of cycling. It's like I'm an anti-triathlete of reading. Now I know what to put on my summer reading list!

Jim said...

Eileen - You might enjoy "Marathon Woman" by Katherine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon. I have not read it, but have heard it is very good.

ShirleyPerly said...

Sorry, I can't really provide any suggestions here. I wish I was more of a book reader but I'm not. I'll read a book to study or learn more about a subject I'm interested in but that's about it. When growing up, I never saw either of my parents read books for enjoyment. I wonder if Jade Lady is the same way.

CewTwo said...

I have a book my friends and I use often; usually as a 'what is wrong with me?' scenario. I'm at the office, but I will return with the name!

Jade Lady said...

Wish I could contribute my 2 cents...but, like sis, like sis. Not a book reader either.

Anonymous said...

a good book on nutrition (more for beginners)

Is a book called Nutrition Periodization for endurance athletes. It was written by a coach at the Olympic Training Center here in colorado Springs. Not a bad read, nothing earth shaking, but some good info

CewTwo said...

My book is The Runner's Repair Manual by Murray F Weisenfeld.

I refer to it often.