Summer Book Report, Volume 2

Today's installment is one of my absolute faves.  I had heard about this book early on in my running journey.  However, I kept putting off reading it, in part due to the fact that copies are almost impossible to find because it's out of print.  When I read it, I was mesmerized.  Today, I bring you:

Once a Runner, by John L. Parker, Jr.

What it's about:  Collegiate runner Quentin Cassidy goes full out to see how good of a miler he can be.  Mentored by Olympian Bruce Denton, he moves away from everything and everyone to live, breathe, sleep and eat running.  His breakout performance comes in a meet at his University that he has to run in disguise, since he's been kicked off the team.  This book answers the age-old question asked by relatives and friends of any dedicated runner; namely "Why".  The book takes that question, spits on it and asks "Why not?".

What I learned: This book confirmed the paradoxical secret of distance running that I thought I might have discovered on my way to my pedestrian achievements.  The secret is that there is no secret.  They even state this in the book.  The "secret" is hours on the pavement, trails, tracks, etc.  The "secret" is not the latest workout in Runner's World.  The "secret" is not the latest piece of gear.  The "secret" is the same secret that Lydiard and other coaches discovered in the middle of the 20th Century.  Run more miles, use that as a base to do some decent workouts and then kick butt.  

If this book was a band, it would be: Led freakin' Zepellin baby.  Like Led Zep, this book came out in the '70s.  Sometimes when I hear Led Zepellin I'm floored that the music is so good and wonder why I don't listen to them more.  Same with the book.  I've read it three times in the last three years and wonder each time why I don't read it more.  

How's the writing?  Gotta be brutally honest here.  Imagine a talented writer.  Now take that writer and put them back in 12th grade English or an early writing course in college.  They're still full of angst and in the course of trying to be the best writer they can, they go a little over the top with their descriptions.  That's my best assessment of the writing in this book.  If you are in to the running, it won't matter because the insights made on training and racing are simply incredible.  If that part goes over your head, however it is rough sledding.

After you read this: ....you might be in danger of burning your collection of Runner's World mags.  You also might be in danger of getting rid of any and every excuse for not being the runner you want to be.  

Final note:  Last I checked, Once a Runner was still out of circulation but there were plans to put out a new edition by a publishing company.  I suggest you wait for this instead of ordering it used for 100+ dollars.  It's good, but not THAT good!

Cycle of futility

My latest training cycle has come to an end, and it's ended much like my last two training cycles.  In short, I create a plan, target a race and then go back to absolutely despising running after I get the mileage up.  Stepping back and taking stock has led me to the conclusion that I am, in fact, done.  I figured that I was wrung out and done with racing for a long time after the 2007 Richmond Marathon.  These cycles of futility have only confirmed that for me.  

Here's what I do know:

1) I love running.  I continue to do it and like being in shape.  I'm going to continue doing this.

2) I can't race.  I loved racing because I loved the process of setting PR's.  Therefore, I cannot line up for a race and know that I'll be minutes slower than the absolute best I could be.  A good friend of mine who ran in college told me that he can't bring himself to race despite the fact that he's in great shape for someone pushing 50.  In his words "Why would I go out of my way to break 18 for a 5K"?  While he is a much more talented runner than I, I am finally fully empathetic with this.

3) I realized that I slayed the dragons that I strained after for 10 years and have no more that I want to conquer.  Actually, relative to many people, these were only semi-large lizards instead of dragons.  I always wanted to break 40 for a 10k and qualify for Boston in the marathon.  I've done both on more than one occasion now and also participated in the wonderful celebration of running that is the Boston Marathon.  Despite trying to make other goals, they pale in comparison and fail to resonate with me enough to push past the considerable inconvenience.

I'm a fan on road racing and track and field.  I learned so much about myself from this recreational pursuit.  Most of this ambling, rambling blog will continue to be devoted to this wonderful sport.  However, the personal aspects will be fond recollections of the past.  The present will be devoted to other people's pursuits of their dragons.  

See some of you on the roads!