My wife (Roxanne) got me a subscription to Runners World magazine when I signed up for my first 5K. One of my first issues had an article on the ten coolest marathons. The Green Bay Marathon made the list, and I decided I wanted to do it. As I ran further my reading habits changed too. I wanted to learn more about running and started reading books.
I can’t name my favorite book on running. On a Cold Clear Day: The Buddy Edelin Story might be it. Hal Higdon tells us about Edelin, a great marathon runner during the early ’60s. Edelin trained in England and wrote letters back and forth to his coach in the U.S. We forget the pre-email era. Kathrine Switzer’s Marathon Woman tells Switzer’s story from having the race director at Boston trying to throw her off the course to getting a women’s marathon into the 1984 Olympics. Amby Burfoot’s Runner’s Guide to the Meaning of Life puts running into perspective. Amby’s chapter on heroes is my favorite chapter in any book.
I had the opportunity to ask Amby a few questions recently. Following is our interview.
ME: How does reading help the recreational athlete?
AMBY: I think inspiration is the biggest benefit. You can learn that you are not alone. There are many others facing, and beating, the challenges you encounter.
ME: What type of book to you prefer?
AMBY: When i was young, I wanted to read about other young, fast runners. Now at 64, I prefer scientific articles about the health and medical benefits of regular exercise programs.
ME: What about the Internet?
Amby: The Internet has changed everything for runners. Now there are hundreds of ways for runners to be in touch with each other, share with each other and encourage each other. That’s incredibly helpful.
Learn more about it by reading. Knowledge is power and motivation. Also, be sure to join the Facebook group Truckin’ Runners. It is hard to exercise on the roadJeff Clark is a trucker, a grandfather and an eight-time marathon (26.2 miles) finisher. He is dedicated to helping truckers improve their health through better habits. Contact him at [email protected] or https://twitter.com/marathontrucker.. Get all the help you can.
