The Passion of the Long Distance Runner – Endure, Inspire, Transform

The Passion of the Long Distance Runner – Endure, Inspire, Transform

To most people, running a marathon seems a remarkable and remotely possible achievement, a major lifetime accomplishment. To run 100 or more marathons and ultra-marathons is even harder for people to comprehend, especially when you consider that more people have climbed Mt. Everest than run 100 marathons.

This book starts with the basic question: Why do people choose to run 100 marathons or more? Answering this question unfolds a rich tapestry of responses and details that provide a window into the soul of the long distance runner. The author conducted interviews with over one hundred and twenty of these amazing individuals from around the world, including Canada, United States, South Africa, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and several European countries. We meet these remarkable runners and share in their stories. Stories about transformations in lifestyles, overcoming adversity, the setting and attainment of goals, and the social dimension of long distance running, which to many of these runners is described as ‘one big family’. We meet the men’s and women’s world record holders for the most marathons ever completed (and they are still running strong.) We meet the clubs around the world that have been formed specifically for those who aspire to, and those who have completed 100 marathons or more. And we meet the people who make this network of clubs and runners possible. Simply, distance running is as much a social movement as it is a movement of the body. And this family – this distance running ‘tribe’ – even with the transformations, adversities and challenges faced, is full of very happy people.

The Passion of the Long Distance Runner presents amazing stories of people from all walks of life. These are stories of courage, tenacity, resilience, humor, camaraderie and commitment. Learn about their experiences traveling, their training, the social connectedness of running marathons, and how these individuals make distance running an integral part of their lifestyle. They tell us about their favorite distance events, and give their advice to those just starting to run marathons. With well over 20,000 marathons run between them there is much to learn.

The stories are inspirational to runners and non-runners alike. They reaffirm the benefits of long distance running, and the belief that anything is possible if you set your sights on the goals that are important to you. If you have ever wanted an insight into the long distance marathon and ultra-marathon running world, or wanted to share these experiences with those who do not run long distances, this book is for you.

The Passion of the Long Distance Runner - Endure, Inspire, Transform
by Malcolm Anderson, to be released in Winter 2010.

Price: $17.80 CAD