Description
Book SynopsisThis book explores the world of aging, training, and performing through a self-experimental, self-reflective lens, merging science, mythology, and performance psychology. The result is a fascinating, inspiring tale about how living as an athlete can serve as a motivational metaphor for feeling alive and getting good-in practically anything.
Trade ReviewA magical memoir of a masters athlete in search of his inner track star…expertly weaves in state-of-the-sport research. -- Ken Stone, founder and co-webmaster of masterstrack.com
The ultimate in passion is to try to be the best that you can be, and in running there is no better metaphor. And there is no better book I have read that delves as deeply into this relationship than Runner as Hero. -- Bernd Heinrich, professor emeritus of biology, University of Vermont, ultramarathoner and author of Why We Run
Rules that pertain to running in Runner As Hero apply to other activities. This caulks an important void and makes it much more than a book about running. -- Bob Roncker, owner, Bob Roncker's Running Spot, runner for over 50 years
A comfortable and "likeable" exchange…put[s] emotional and spiritual meaning to the physical act of running; and…liberates our greatest and most authentic human potential. -- Molly Barker, MSW, founder and vision keeper, Girls on the Run International
[A] marvelous "Everyman" book…readers get plenty of philosophy, mixed with daily running challenges, to tug us along. -- Amby Burfoot, 1968 Boston Marathon winner; editor-at-large, Runner's World
The ultimate in passion is to try to be the best that you can be, and in running there is no better metaphor. And there is no better book I have read that delves as deeply into this relationship than Runner as Hero. -- Bernd Heinrich, professor emeritus of biology, University of Vermont, ultramarathoner and author of
Why We Run
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Illustrations Chapter 2 Foreword Chapter 3 Introduction Part 4 WARMUP Chapter 5 The Big Idea Chapter 6 The Adventure of Feeling Alive Begins Part 7 LAP 1: ENGAGING IN PREPARATION Chapter 8 1. The Little Voice of Feel Chapter 9 2. Why Athlete Chapter 10 3. The Weakest Link Chapter 11 4. Paying Attention in Preparation Chapter 12 5. Water World Chapter 13 6. Getting to the Core of the Matter Chapter 14 7. I am Lady Hear Me Roar Part 15 LAP 2: EMBRACING PAIN AND DISCOMFORT Chapter 16 8. The Summer of Pain Chapter 17 9. The Feel Chapter 18 10. Easy Speed Chapter 19 11. The Feel Wakes Up After Forty Years Chapter 20 12. Breakthrough at the Brewery Chapter 21 13. I am Superman and I Can Do Anything Part 22 LAP 3: SLAYING DRAGONS Chapter 23 14. Testing, Testing Chapter 24 15. The Muscles at the Heart of It All Chapter 25 16. Then and Now Chapter 26 17. Back in the Rehab Saddle Again Chapter 27 18. Desire Greater Than Fear Chapter 28 19. My Longaberger Mile Chapter 29 20. Waiting for Spring Chapter 30 21. Living on the Side of the Mountain Part 31 BELL LAP: TRANSFORMING TO MYSELF Chapter 32 22. Shock the System Chapter 33 23. The Joy of Deliberate Practice Chapter 34 24. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to, During, and After the Race Chapter 35 25. Wanted Dead or Alive Chapter 36 26. Aligning Goals with a Dream Chapter 37 27. Training Tracks Chapter 38 28. Track Town USA Chapter 39 Acknowledgements Chapter 40 References Chapter 41 About the Authors
