The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life: What 35 Years of Running Have Taught Me About Winning, Losing, Happiness, Humility, and the Human Heart (Daybreak Books)
by Amby Burfoot
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Book Summary Information
Author: Amby BurfootEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2000-04-22
ISBN: 1579542638
Number of pages: 144
Publisher: Daybreak Books
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Book Reviews of The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life: What 35 Years of Running Have Taught Me About Winning, Losing, Happiness, Humility, and the Human Heart (Daybreak Books)
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.
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