The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life
by Amby Burfoot
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Book Summary Information
Author: Amby BurfootEdition: Turtleback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-11-17
ISBN: 1602391858
Number of pages: 150
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
Book Reviews of The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life
Book Review: A great runners guide coming to terms with the long run....
Summary: 5 Stars
Amby tells the story of what is inside of most runners who have been on the trail/road for at least a decade. I loved the concept that we first run fast, then far then learn to accept ourselves and our limitations, and at last, we can appreciate the true joy and meaning of running.
I'm in the middle of the stage of my running career where I'm at terms with not being fast any longer and now trying to push the limits of running far. Amby lets me know that this is normal, and with a little more maturity, I will truly come to terms with my running, but for now the journey and adventure is normal and to be expected in a runners life.
I've read several "philosophical" running books, but this one is one of the better ones because he does not get too "natural" with why we run. I know that may have something to do with it, but I do not have that earthly connection (or at least not yet).
One of the chapters or lessons as he calls it is entitled "Starting Lines", and it was my favorite of the whole book. He breaks down the most beautiful place in life is a starting line. Now one would think he is talking about starting line of a race, but he really is talking about starting anything new in life and not being afraid to try it out and to go for life. Running is such a metaphor for so much in life and the starting line is one great way to bring it to life. I was certainly afraid when I stood on the starting line of having children, but that race has been the best starting point of my life, and I'm only four years and three children into the race!
"In running it is man against himself, the cruelest of opponents. The other runners are not the real enemies. His adversary lies within him, in his ability with brain and heart to master himself and his emotions" - Glenn Cunningham
"The human body can do so much. Then the heart and spirit must take over." Sohn Kee-Chung (how true this is...during my first 100 mile attempt is was a failure of my mind and spirit that failed me at 62 miles)
I would recommend this book for so many reasons, but mostly because it says in so many beautiful words what I've thought or searched for during my many years of running. I'm so thankful for the gift of running and it is nice to connect with some who knows the reason I'm so thankful for the gift of running.
Summary of The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life
C ited by Runner?s World magazine as one of the best books ever written on running, The Runner?s Guide to the Meaning of Life reveals as much about reaching your full potential as it does about sport. Boston Marathon winner Amby Burfoot, one of running?s wisest voices, presents 15 life lessons about passion, courage, materialism, failure, and regeneration, all learned during his more than 35 years of experience in running. He discusses a runner?s essential traits?qualities necessary for everyone striving to reach a long-term goal?as well as the writing, music, and quotes that have continually inspired him. Most important, Burfoot explains that winners are not those who cross the finish line first, but those who discover more about themselves with every step.
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