To Be a Runner
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15
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With an exuberant mix of passion, insight, instruction, and humor, best-selling author--and lifelong runner--Martin Dugard takes a journey through the world of running to illustrate how the sport helps us fulfill that universal desire to be the best possible version of ourselves each and every time we lace up our shoes. Spinning colorful yarns of his running and racing adventures on six continents--from competing in the infamous Raid Gauloises to coaching his son's high school cross-country team--Dugard considers what it means to truly integrate the activity into one's life. For example, how the simple act of buying a new pair of running shoes can be a source of meaning and hope ..."--Dust jacket flap.
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A former manager gave me this book close to 7 years ago, as she knew I was a runner (very thoughtful!). I just decided to pick it up now, hoping it would inspire me as I move into my marathon taper. Not so! Honestly, this book is a disappointment. The author clearly thinks himself witty and self-deprecating while also a master of prose and it comes off arrogant and cheesy. There were some relatable passages, but mostly this is a part-memoir, part “here's why running is great and how to do it” coming from a washed-up, middle-aged writer and cross-country coach. I hate to be scathing and probably a runner snob but I found the author unlikable and so little of interest or value here, having myself 15+ years of competitive running experience, and having read many good books about running. Honestly, I don't see this being very interesting or helpful to new runners, either. I say skip it.
