Book Description
Paul VI High School dominated boys' scholastic cross-country in South Jersey over a span of 20 years. From 1980 through 1999, Paul VI was voted the number one boys' cross-country team in South Jersey an unprecedented 15 times, including 11 straight seasons encompassing the years 1980 through 1990.

Customer Reviews (4)

Excellent book: inspirational and accurate
"The Streak" details the 27-year winning streak of the Paul VI cross country team.It is an inspirational sports story, not just for runners but for anyone who likes a good underdog story.And as a member of the team from 1985-88, I can tell you that it's VERY accurate: the descriptions of guys like Mike Glavin, Ron Faith, & Jason DiJoseph, and of the program in general, are right on.And it doesn't focus only on the individual standouts; it describes the growth (and sadly, the decline) of the team as the years went on."The Streak" includes not just the statistics, but many of the good stories associated with the program (and they are many).Mr. Enright's writing style brought me right back to the days of the grueling training runs & nail-biter races.I strongly recommend "The Streak", especially to runners.And if you were involved with the program, I encourage you to read not just the chapters of your own "era"--read it all, chronologically.It's a great story of a legendary, classy program.

Run Right Out & Read about the Eagles!
This is a wonderful story about generations of ordinary kids who did something extraordinary - maintain a Cross Country Dynasty for 28 years. There were some elite runners on the team at different points in time, like Jason DeJoseph, but most were just kids with fire in the belly and pride in their team. This isn't just a book for the die-hard harrier, but for anyone who roots for the underdog to win against often overwhelming odds. The best part of the story is that these kids formed a brotherhood that transcended their years on the team and bonds them to this day.

Very Disappointing
Being a current Paul VI senior, I was very curious to read about the history of the cross country streak.However, this book provided very little information on the historical years of the streak other than statistics.Instead, the author seems to treat the streak as his own, despite only coaching the team for 4 years.It would be far better if he downplayed his own role, and wrote more about the runners and gave them credit for running as part of the prestigious program.Instead, he goes so far as to insult members of the team, and praises his own coaching skills.The book is not about the historical cross country streak, but is instead a biased account praising the author rather than the program or the students.The idea makes for a great book, but the execution here is poor at best.

Good stories, not so good writing
The stories in the book are great and the book is about an amazing program with a very rich history, however the author Mr. Enright has some pre existing unfair negative attitudes toward some of the runners in the book. It is unfair how he puts down runners who worked just as hard as the next guy but didn't have amazing times. He makes fun of the 2004 boy's freshman team saying that the freshman girls are better runners then they are. This is obviously not necessary in order to tell a story. Mr. Enright includes it simply to put down runners that he doesn't like. In addition, the book is a little pricey 26 dollars for a 368 page paperback is a little high in my opinion. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (60)

Entertaining, but beware...
I bought three copies of this book (and 2 other non-fiction, cross country based running stories "Harriers" and "God on the Starting Line").I had the intent of donating two copies of each of these three to our local school libraries (middle and high schools) in the desire of trying to bring more attention to youth running in our semi-rural, football-is-everything Southern town.Big mistake with this story, for one main reason: just the titles of several of the chapters themselves contain unacceptable language for a school library.In fact, if I listed the chapter title names here I would bet that this review would be removed due to profanity.

The content of the book is undeniably a very entertaining read, but the book as a whole is best left OUT of school libraries.

Wonderful
Great detail.As a coach I actually used some of the work outs that he goes into great detail about.

A great read, but a case study in poor coaching
As a running fan, I found the book to be a compelling read.

As a coach I was very concerned about obvious over-training that Coach Mark Wetmore puts his athletes through, and the lack of discipline in the program where many sessions end up in a competition rather than the original intent of the program.

The consequence for the athletes is an epidemic of injuries that limit both their college careers and running later in life.

Running With The Buffaloes
In the summer of 1998 in Boulder, Colorado, expectations could not be any higher for the University of Colorado's cross country team. The Buffaloes finished third in 1997 and the returning team in 1998 only lost one runner.Running with the Buffaloes is written by Chris Lear who gives a firsthand account of one of the most emotional and physically trying seasons a college team has ever faced, all to achieve collegiate supremacy. Chris Lear was New Jersey's fastest high school miler in the 1990s; he attended Princeton University where he was awarded many honors. He now lives in Boulder, Colorado where he was inspired to document a season of a collegiate cross country team. The book is written in journal fashion and each chapter represents a new entry; a few chapters have pictures of the activities the team does. Each entry takes you through the day of training and Coach Mark Wetmore's philosophies.
As you read the book you get a feel for the average life of a cross country runner: the pain yet subtle enjoyment you get from running an "easy" ten miler, the feel of the dirt giving way to your spikes, and the shot of adrenaline that the starting gun releases in a human being that makes them feel free. You feel the raw emotions through each trial the team has to face, from injuries to the death of an important teammate.
Mark Wetmore, the fiery exuberant coach, constantly tells his runners that, "It takes 100 days to impress me, not just one." As with any sport, this means a lot. One good day doesn't equal a season of mediocre days. All his runners give their best every day, without an inch of mediocrity in their step.
Mark Wetmore's team consists of the varsity runners Adam Goucher, Mike Friedberg, Ron Roybal, Tom Reese, Adam Batliner, Jay Johnson, Oscar Ponce and Chris Severy. Adam Goucheris a runner who has high expectations to be near the very top at the NCAA Championships. Everyone on the team wants to be at his level, but fellow runner Oscar says you, "can't get greedy. Bad things happen when you get greedy." Adam finished second his freshman year and fourth his junior year at the NCAA Championships. As a senior he is even hungrier for the prize of being the top collegiate cross country athlete and most likely move on to the professional elites.
This book is a must have for any runner, competitive or non-serious. Although any sports enthusiast will enjoy the story and the trials that the team must overcome, a runner will enjoy the book the most. The book is used to not only inspire you, but it defines the sport of cross country itself.

Wonderful book!
This book is a great book about running.It is very interesting and motivating. ... Read more

Book Description
Whether you're an armchair traveler, a serious hamburger connoisseur, or a curious adventurer up for a road trip, Hamburger America will be your guide to reclaiming this precious slice of Americana.

No other food says "America" like the hamburger, and documentary filmmaker George Motz has made it his personal mission to save our nation's unique burger identity. He has traveled across the country in search of the best burger joints - those that have survived outside the fast-food mainstream - and has documented their rich histories and one-of-a-kind taste experiences. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Excellent for the beginner
I read several books when starting Nordic skiing this winter, and this one was by far the most useful. It describes all the basic manuevers and gives several exercises for each. The best feature is that it lists the common errors in each technique and how to correct them. I learned that in the diagonal stride, my slipping was caused by waiting too long to push off; the solution is to push off when the feet are side by side. My problems with the herringbone were solved with two tips: watch the top of the hill, think of stepping up the hill rather than side-to-side.

For the casual skier
The primer is more aptly named 'introduction to the sport of nordicskiing' because it focuses on the need of those starting out.Thetechnical content is not nearly rigorous enough for a sport or racer classof skier.

Traditional
The Cross-Country Primer targets the beginner or less athletic skier. Nicelayout and simple explainations reasonably priced. Avid or strong skiersmight want to keep looking.

even an old dog can learn new tricks!
I've been cross country skiing for years, but still learned a lot by reading this book.My skiing has much improved and I highly recommend this book for both beginners and for "old dogs". ... Read more

Book Description
Read Running with the Legends and become a training partner, student, friend, and fan of some of the greatest runners ever. More than a collection of biographies, Legends details the development, training techniques, coaching, competitions, motives, and perspectives of 21 all-time great runners.

From special tips you can use to incredible feats that will motivate you, Running with the Legends is full of material to enhance your own running and appreciation of those who have set the standard for excellence. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Thoroughly enjoyable tome for running fans!
I'm a recreational marathoner (7 and counting) but take my running very seriously, regardless.I bought a used, marked up copy of this on amazon and was happily surprised at how much enjoyment and useful information I have gotten from it.

So many profiles of great runners...all presented (no surprise, since it's from RUNNERS WORLD magazine) in abbreviated, interesting biographies that highlight their personal and professional accomplishments on and off the race track.Lots of pearls of wisdom, sage advice and things to think about for runners of all levels, regardless of skill or dedication.

There's something for every runner in this thick, wonderful book which I find myself picking up again and again...especially the night before a race or long run!

Good biographies
While it is a little thin on training details, this book does give you some insight into the mindset of these great athletes.As a 40+ runner who idolized some of these greats I was entertained.

Depends on what you are looking for...
I would agree with the other reviewers that this is by no means a training manual (ala Daniels or Coe).However, that doesn't change the fact that it is a very enjoyable book to read, covering legends of the past as well as more recent champions.If you are interested in marathoning, this book is particularly good, as most of the runners covered are marathoners.

Whilst the training plans will be of little use, I find this book a great motivator, and that's what every runner needs!

Where's the beef?
I must agree with the first reviewer, I too purchased this book with much anticipation and was sorely disappointed with it's lack of hard training fact.There is decent info from a few athletes but much of the training info of the more secretive elites are nothing but short biographies and anecdotal evidence akin to the dry packaged responses you get in most running mags.

Mostly "Track and Field News" rehash ...a cut and paste job.
Having been a running affectionado for 25 years, I eagerly anticipated this book.Sandrock has a great idea, running with and interviewing many distance greats from our time.He does manage to get "inside their heads" and that's of value.But much of this seems to be blatantly plagiarized out of old "Track and Field News" issues.No surprise T&FNdoes not include this in their book selections ... Read more

Book Description
Experience the best of the Bay Area in your running shoes. This handy guide features 35 of the most scenic and challenging running routes and 10 of the top races—from 5Ks to marathons—in San Francisco and the surrounding area. For each route and race course, you'll find directions to the starting point, a detailed map, and lots of additional information to help you get the most out of your runs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Got wheels?
During the recent year and a half that I lived in the Bay Area, I enjoyed having this book.It suggests routes for San Francisco plus the North, East, and South Bays.It also has a lot of information about each course and about a handful of Bay Area races.For someone who has lived his or her whole life in the Bay Area, maybe the information seems redundant.However, for a newcomer like myself, the hints were very welcome.

My biggest beef with the book is that several of the courses require one to first drive to a certain location.I am hardly the only person to have lived in San Francisco without owning a car--lots of people rely on buses and the subway--and it was frustrating to see so many great looking route descriptions followed by the words "No access by public transportation."It cut the number of routes I could follow by as much as a third.

This book re-states the obvious...
If you're looking for some insightful running suggestions in SF, avoid this book.[In my opinion anyone] could have written this book from 3,000 miles away by reading tourist brochures and looking at maps.The suggested routes are obvious, uninspired suggestions that anybody who is moderately interested in running in or around SF ALREADY KNOWS ABOUT.A huge portion of the book is taken up by content on races... I presume this was done to give it some bulk.

This book did absolutely nothing for my SF running intelligence. ... Read more

Book Description
Former Runner's World editor Rich Benyo explains how to make the years after 50 the best in your running career. Through his engaging writing style, Benyo will help you

• infuse your running program with new training ideas,

• set new goals,

• establish good nutrition and hydration habits,

• avoid injuries common in aging runners, and

• stay motivated.

Running Past 50 will show you that with a little imagination and effort, you can revitalize your workouts and make running more enjoyable than ever. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

OK part of a series.
As an over50 multi-marathoner I found this text lacking in some areas. It seemed to address a target market but missed because it assumed that all runners are speed motivated and were fast runners in early years. Most of today's distance runners are neither.

For Seasoned Runners Only
This book is not helpful for people taking up the sport of running for the first time in their 50's.It's aimed at lifelong runners who need to reassess their approach.It doesn't fit will with other books in this series, such as Strength Training Past 50, which is perfect for beginners. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Running & FitNews, published by American Running & Fitness Association on December 1, 1999. The length of the article is 498 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The benefits of cross country skiing to runners.(Brief Article)
Publication: Running & FitNews (Newsletter)
Date: December 1, 1999
Publisher: American Running & Fitness Association
Volume: 17Issue: 12Page: 3(1)

Article Type: Brief Article

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
There are many who believe that the popularity of running in America took off after Bill Rodgers won his first New York Marathon in 1976.Certainly, his record is unparalleled. "Boton Billy" is the only runner to win the New York and Boston Marathons four times each, and the only runner to win all three of the world's major marathons within a 12-month period.

Now, in Bill Rodgers' Lifetime Running Plan,  the "King of the Road" offers practical and invaluable information that runners of all ages and levels can apply to a lifelong pursuit of running.Along with regimens and strategies specifically tailored for the different age groups, Bill Rodgers covers the full range of issues and concerns for all runners--everything from getting started to countering the effects of aging. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Okay Book, Totally Misleading Title
I was really disappointed upon receiving this book, because it just does not deliver what the title promises, e.g. "definitive programs for runners of all ages and levels". And that promise is the only reason Ibought it: like so many intermediate runners, I don't have a personaltrainer and have lots of questions about my training routine. In thebeginning, you just run; but after a year or so, you start wondering: am Itraining enough, what's the best combination of workouts (slow/fast;long/short etc.)in a given week, what types of workouts that make sense arethere... So you can imagine how happy I was when I discovered a book withthis title. But there is NOTHING in here to answer that type of question.It's a well-written how-to book, mainly for beginners with lots of injurytips and motivational stuff - but hey, that's in EVERY running book. So Iguess it's okay - if you don't have the wrong expectations.

Excellent book.Especially the pages for masters runners.
Since, like the author,I am a runner over the age of 50, I felt this book really provided valuable information on training.I especially liked the discussion on weight training.Bill encourages a moderate approach tolifting, which I agree is better than the more intensive weight trainingthat seems to be the norm these days.I highly recommend this book torunners of all levels. ... Read more

Book Description
Effective running requires fitness and harmony of the body, mind, and spirit. Running Within is your guide to developing each of those areas so that you can perform better, have more fun, and experience a deeper connection with running.

Sport psychologist, best-selling author, and runner Jerry Lynch and physician and elite triathlete Warren Scott provide insights and prescriptions throughout. Among the many useful tools offered in the book are

• goal-setting guidelines,

• relaxation and visualization exercises,

• affirmation-building tips,

• positive ways of dealing with setbacks,

• fatigue and injury-coping methods,

• motivation boosters, and

• prerace and race strategies.

Running Within will help you break through mental barriers, enjoy running more, reach higher levels of performance, and thrive in competition. Learn how to unleash the complete body-mind-spirit runner within you. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

MUST HAVE !!!!!!!
I just completed my first marathon and don't think I would have finished had I not purchased and read this book. During training, we had "long runs". The night before each long run (in excess of 17 miles) I would read the sections of this book that addressed issues I was likely to face during the following days long run. That helped me tremendously. The book gave me a sense of calm.

There are virtually thousands of books on the market concerning running. Most of those books however don't spend nearly enough time on the most critical aspect which is mental preparedness and toughness. However, this book gives what most trainig books and groups do not..a way to deal with the mental aspects of running.

This book is wonderful because it gives the reader techniques on how to deal with stress, anxiety, pain, disappointments, setbacks injuries, fatigue etc., all from the MENTAL side. I like how the authors make the connection between mind and body. They focus on the mind first and how the mind can often control the body.

I found MANY useful mental exercises from "breathwatching", visualization, dealing with fatigue and disappointments, learning from mistakes etc., Most importantly, the book focuses on the process of running and self discovery and NOT the result. This book helps novice runners like myself enjoy the process, find our own tools that work for us and realize that it is often mind over matter. This book is a must have for those just starting out "marathoning" or for anyone who just wants to enjoy the mental benefits of running and the pleaseure it gives.

It really works!!
I started reading this book 2wks before the Chicago Marathon. The relaxation techniques and the different exercises for distraction during the race really worked.I have read dozens of books on training the body.This was the first I have read on training the mind.I plan to use these techniques with the children I coach. It really explains in basic and interesting format how important mental preparation is for competition. I highly recomend this book for anyone competing on any level.

Running Within
Many people start to run because they want to get in a better shape. This book teaches your mind to get in a better shape too. You learn to focus in a new way and you are able to concentrate much better. Your mind learns not to wander so much and stay within the race. I have used the exercises in the book for my preparation of the Boston Marathon which I finished, despite running with an injury, with a new personal best by more than two minutes. I recalled the learned exercises during my preparation in the race and was even able to float up heartbreak hill without considerably more effort. I wonder how I would have raced hadn't I been hindered by a nagging hamstring injury.

If You Want to Run Faster-Read This Book
There are literally hundreds (if not thousands) of books on the market about how to train smarter, better, harder, or what have you. Some of them are quite good, and some of them quite bad. However, these books often neglect one of the key aspects of running and that is its mental component. And that's where Running Within: A Guide to Mastering the Body-Mind-Spirit Connection to the Ultimate Training and Racing comes in.

This book is designed for all runners from the novice runner to the elite athlete, and I think everyone who reads it will benefit tremendously. The book is designed to enable the reader to take his or her running to the next level, not only by giving concrete tips to mentally help one race faster, but also by helping one enjoy his or her running more, by exploring running's spiritual side and understanding the reasons we do run. As the authors state in the introduction, "Running Within uniquely presents the reciprocal relationship among the physiological, mental, and spiritual aspects of running performance, and how you can use specific mental exercises and attitudinal shifts in your daily training and racing to great advantage".

Spiritual RunningAlthough many of us run for physical reasons (i.e. to say fit, to lose wait, to get faster, to win races), those of us who truly enjoy running recognize what it does for us mentally. Not only the ability to clear our minds at the end of a tough day, but the ability to explore and learn about ourselves, as we transform preconceived notions about ourselves.

One intent of the book is to connect runners with the spiritual side of running. It wants to help them explore fully the reasons they run. The book explains that often the concrete goals we have in running (i.e. I want to run a certain time in a certain race, be All-State, finish a marathon) are not what give us joy from running. Rather, it's the steps we take along the way to reach these goals that make running so enjoyable. By better understanding our motivations for running, we can not only get more enjoyment out of running, but can learn how to run faster.

Running faster.And the book definitely can helps us run faster. Those who like to say that running is 99% physical are missing the point. Sure we can not run beyond our bodies' limits, or use mental tricks to make up for not training. But often the limits we set upon ourselves are self-imposed limits. One of the greatest things about running is the self discovery and self-confidence that comes from getting our body to do what once seemed impossible.

Running Within has excellent advice on goal setting and the type of goals we should set. It helps us set goals that push beyond our self-imposed barriers, but at the same time makes sure these goals do not end up discouraging us because they are too unreasonable.

But as all runners know, goal setting is not enough because the toughest part of running is the battle of mind versus body during a race or tough workout. No matter what kind of shape we are in physically, there comes a point in a race when our bodies start to feel that they've had enough. As the race or workout progresses, the urges to back off a bit, slow down, or quit altogether grow. If one is able to recognize these urges and overcome them one can come closer to reaching his or her physical potential.

To overcome these urges to quit, Running Within helps its readers come up with the self-confidence necessary to achieve their goals and not give in to the urges to quit. It provides a mental framework on how to approach races and workouts and has many practical strategies for dealing with fatigue, racing, race strategies, and the like.

But all of these things combined would still leave a lot of our potential untapped. For one of the keys to racing fast is a bit paradoxical, and that is to learn to relax. It seems impossible to do, to relax while the body is using all of its resources to struggle. But Running Within teaches us ways to relax while straining, and shows us the tremendous physiological benefits that come from relaxing.

SummaryI recommend this book whole heartedly. Most sports psychology books are full of many tips and tricks to help us perform better, but there is often little foundation to tie the things together. Ultimately, these books fail because they are not much more than a list of things to try. This book is different for while it does list many tips that are useful, it only does so after providing a larger framework to tie them together. The overall theme is the "body-mind-spirit" connection of running. With this framework, the book helps us explore the reasons why we run and what we get from our running. Once we have a better understanding of these things or are at least are aware of them, the books builds upon them and very effectively makes us get more from our running (and become better racers if that's our goal).

On a personal note, I credit this book with as being instrumental to my improvement as a runner (my 10k time went from 29:49 to 28:27 in one year). I am intrigued by the mental side of running and knew there was a lot more I could learn. However, at the same time, I've always been very skeptical of a lot of the "pop-psychology" and sports psychology books on the market. This book pleasantly surprised me and should be on the book shelves of all runners.

Learning and Loving It
New to running, and inspired by a commitment to my first triathlon(Danskin), I borrowed this book from the library.Needless to say, Iquickly had to own my own copy.The inspiring words danced in my head andfilled my soul with belief of dreams not yet realized.A recommendation toanyone who so much as "cares" about their health and the qualityof their life.A part-time instructor of "spinning" classes Ifound these words of wisdom crossing over into my classes, filling me wtihmotivation, which in turn motivates my students. This book raises theceiling on your limits and reconfirms your potential is ...endless. ... Read more

Book Description
Runners can log their daily goals, interval split times, heart rate, training routes, and personal comments in this handy journal containing double the space of similar running logs. With inspirational quotations, full-color photographs, and cutting-edge advice, this goal-oriented journal can inspire the most motivationally challenged of runners. Sally Edwards, a leading authority on heart rate training, discusses the latest advances in training with a heart-rate monitor, and one of the world's greatest running coaches, Jack Daniels, offers his proven training advice that will benefit every runner. Expert nutritionist Mary Coordt explains race day nutrition and when and how to use running-related supplements, such as gels and sport drinks, and running sage Joe Kelly contributes 53 morsels of wisdom that every runner should know by heart. Running humorist Tim Martin provides a hilarious excerpt from his personal training diary. Charts with advice on running distances from one mile to 100 miles are included, as is a unique training map in which runners can record their workouts for an entire year. In a clear, uncluttered format, this book provides unbiased information for the beginning, veteran, and elite runner. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A nice journal
I have been using a running journal for several years and this is a very nice one.Is it the ultimate one?That is certainly a matter of taste.If this were the ultimate one, it would be structured to accommodate more than one workout in a day, it would be hardcover, and it would be waterproof.And Amazon would be giving them away free.

The large format is very nice if, like me, you want to have some room to write.The training information in the front of the log is great but I already have that information in other books.Once you've read it then it's just dead weight to haul around.(This is important to me because I do carry my training log around with me most of the time.)It would be nicer if this supplemental material was in another volume that you could leave at home.

If you want a minimalist log (like the one you get for subscribing to Runner's World), then this is not the log for you.If you need room to take careful notes of your training, then you'll appreciate this log.

Not what it says
While this training log is a pretty decent one, the "product description" for this item is incorrect. It specifically says that it includes "full color photographs," and it does not. The only "full color photograph" in the log is the cover.I was disappointed upon receiving it.

Flexible, Inspiring, Roomy, and Informative...THE BEST!
The Ultimate Runner's Journal is easily the best log book on the market.I've tried several other logs, and none come close to providing the amount of space available to write about my runs every day.That's why I'm veryconfused by the previous review--the writer states he wants a lot of roomto write.That's exactly what The Ultimate Runner's Journal provides, sohis criticism is puzzling to say the least.If you don't like pictures(and I don't know too many people who don't like pictures...), then it isvery easy to skip them since they are on their own pages.Maybe what hereally needs is a lined college notebook!

The Journal is geared towardall levels of runners--the pace charts go from 5 minutes per mile to 15minutes per mile.Even brisk walkers could use the pace charts!I alsolove the quote that starts off each week on the right foot.They arewell-chosen to provide inspiration one week, a good laugh another, andoffer contemplation yet another week.I thought the articles wereexcellent as well, particularly the training article by Jack Daniels thatis based on his book, Daniels' Running Formula.He tells you exactly howto train from middle distance to the marathon.Very useful.In sum, TheUltimate Runner's Journal easily rates as the best log book available todayfor runners of every ability--whether you like to write a lot or a little,read some or not at all, and gaze at great pictures, or thumb past them. With this book you have that flexibility, while with others, you don't. The Ultimate Runner's Journal is simply THE BEST!

Too picturesque...large...
While I can understand the appeal some runners have towards this running log, I personally found it too picturesque with a lot of fluffy details. It is too loaded with other stuff that I think shouldn't be in a log book likeall those pictures and quotes. Of course, I guess different people thinkdifferently in terms of what makes a good log book. For me, a good logbookis one that is minimalist on the pictures (none the better) and quotes andmainly with space to write down the interval training, long distance runs,pace, heart rate etc. that are essential in a log book.

And the otherthing about this book is that it's format is too huge. Half the size wouldbe good.

The Ultimate Log
This is the most versatile and comprehnsive training log on the market. I've used many over the past 25 years and none offered the flexibility to adequately record the variety of information this log allows, heart ratedata, routes, cross training, weather, emotions etc. A beautifullyorgainized and easy to use, this log takes the grand prize with no otherschalleging for its place at the top. Wonderful advice is provided by trueexperts in the field of exercise physiology and training along with easy touse planning charts. This log does more than just record, it allows forreview, planning and preparation. Way to go Richard and Dennis, this is along needed item for every endurance athletes bag. ... Read more

Book Description
Take a fascinating look at the personalities and passions of the runners as well as the history and evolution of the Boston Marathon in this centennial race edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The Boston Marathon until 1994
The book gets quite tedious towards the end, but the stories about the earliest races, as well as the arrival of women in the 1960s, are very interesting.

Each year's story concludes with a list of the top finishers, which after 1966 included women (although not officially until 1972).The way the earliest women runners dressed (Carol Brady blouses and beehive hairdos) almost merit another star in itself.In an unfortunate twist of fate, Uta Pippig, the German champion featured on the cover, was later stripped of many of her awards when it was discovered that she used performance-enhancing drugs.

Comprehensive Collection of Boston Marathon History--Run on!
I picked this book up while getting ready to run in the 104th running of Boston and it truly heightened the whole experience.It enabled you to pick out the landmarks throughout the course (Kenmore Square, Newton Hills, the 25 mile Citgo Sign, the screaming Wellesley girls/I high-fived one of them, the Brookline cemetery in the netherworlds of the last 5-6 miles) and most of all get a good grasp and appreciation on the history that had run before.

It's amazing what a complete detailed history the author was able to put together and how he was able to pick out a unique individual aspect from each race.What stands out are the American Indians running at the turn of last century with Tom Longboat, Clarence DeMar's dominance in the 20's, Kelly Senior and Junior, Bill Rodgers, Ibrahim Hussein, and Cosmas Ndeti.They are all there with details from the race, details from the runner's lives, details of the victories, and more interesting details of the not quite victorious.What really stands out is the focus on the plight of women runners in the marathon and how difficult it was for them to break the barrier in the 60's to enter the race.Bobbie Gibb, Kathrine Switzer, and Sara Mae Berman were true pioneers and had to face harassment from race officials to even be allowed to run in the prestigious Boston Athletic Association great race.Perhaps my favorite story though is that of Rosie Ruiz in 1980 that jumped the barrier from the ranks of the spectators and ran the last miles and took credit for the women's victory for a contentious period of time. She proved a little mentally unbalanced and to this day swears she won the race.This book captures all those quirky details and puts together a great history of what the 26.2-mile jaunt in Boston is all about.

I hold back giving this 5-stars because the non-runners may not find this book so engaging as myself, but if you care about the sport and especially if you are getting ready to run Boston don't miss picking up this book.Boston only gets more interesting year from year as a South Korean broke the Kenyan dominance last year and maybe just maybe Fatuma Roba will take the laurel wreath away from Catherine Ndereba.

The people of Boston love this race as is evidenced by not a single stretch of the course passing by without throngs of spectators handing you oranges, water, beer.Consequently the rest of the world has caught on to the enthusiasm of the Bostonians, as Boston has become the marathon to run.There is prestige, there is sweat, there is heartache and heartbreak, and there is a wonderful history all captured in this book.Run on.

As satisfying as a marathon PR!
Running fanatics will become as obssessed with reading this book as they are with completing their daily workouts. Derderian combines rich, journalistic descriptions of each year's race with engaging biographies of individual runners -- winners and non-winners alike -- many of whose stories are chronicled across successive chapters. The book should be especially pleasing to those interested in reliving the era of American marathon dominance in the 1970s and 1980s: they'll not only get to read more about Bill Rodgers and Joan Benoit Samuelson, but will also be treated to vivid and inspiring accounts of perennial also rans like Tom Fleming and Patti Lyons Castalano. Equally fascinating are the tales of the Japanese, Finnish, and Kenyan runners who have enjoyed their own periods of preeminence over the years.If you are training for an upcoming marathon, you should definitely keep this volume close at hand for motivation. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Great for all athletes, not just runners
If you are a runner, adventure racer, ultrarunner, or interested in extreme events, Extreme Running is for you. I love this book. Extreme Running features sections on races on the seven continents. Twenty-four events are profiled in the chapters. Each event is shown with plenty of photos, race information, distance, time of year, field size, ascent and decent data, contact and Web information, and maps or an altitude profile. As you read the chapters, you get a feel for the event and its difficulty. The Marathon des Sables is featured in 16 pages, Badwater in 10, while others are covered in several pages. The photos are fantastic - making you feel in the race. While not inclusive of all extreme events on the seven continents, the book does a great job of showing you popular events and enough information to help you decide if you could do any one of them. This is a book that some might call a "coffee table" book - it is that beautiful. It appeals to me because I love the draw and challenge of these extreme events. As the author of Fixing Your Feet, I patch the feet of these athletes, and have been to several of them and can attest to the descriptions as accurate. ... Read more