I also didn't like some comments like "I'm not that fast" when he'd then talk at length about wanting a sub 3 hour marathon. You can tell Vassos loves running, which is something I can get behind, but when you look at what he's done he's hardly a "man of the people" as he thinks he is. For the true meaning and spirit of running I would recommend that you read James Fixx "The Complete Book of Running", Charlie Spedding's excellent "From last to first: How I became a Marathon Champion" (his winning of a bronze medal at the LA Olympics never really received the praise it deserved.), Richard Asquith's outstanding biography of Emil Zatopek "Today we die a little: The rise and fall of Emil Zatopek" I am not saying this is a bad book it is quite enjoyable but nothing special. However his privileged position allows him the means and opportunity to make use of all types of specialized training, physios and medical practitioners something that is out of the reach of most of the ordinary running population. Vassos Alexander makes great play out of the fact that running is a simple sport enjoyed with limited resources and therefore accessible to all. So much of the book is given over to naming the great ie Colin Jackson, Jo Pavey, Richard Nerurkar, Sally Gunnell and allowing them the opportunity to expound on their running stories. Beyond the mossy green acres was the icy blue Baltic Sea." His descriptive prose of his early morning running in this silent desolate landscape is what really is at the heart of running."a blood-orange sun rising above an expanse of dazzling white sand and lush marshland. His book does contain some great running moments in the opening pages he is adrift and isolated in Scandinavia and the 5am run never felt so good. I can understand totally how and why the author of this book is so enthralled by this simple pleasure yet I could not help but feel that the story is in some ways an attempt for him to "cash" in on this popular pastime. Being a member of a running club and competing in half marathons throughout the year still holds a great addiction for me. His book does contain some great running moments in the o I have been a runner for some 40 years and still find great enjoyment from this singular activity. I have been a runner for some 40 years and still find great enjoyment from this singular activity. Vassos Alexander shares the highs and lows of falling in love with running, from his first paltry efforts to reach the end of his street to completing ultra marathons and triathlons in the same weekend.Įach of the 26.2 chapters also features a fascinating insight into how others first started – from Paula Radcliffe to Steve Cram, the Brownlees to Jenson Button, Nicky Campbell to Nell McAndrew.įunny, inspiring, honest - the perfect read for anyone with well-worn trainers by the door (or thinking of buying a pair.). Part simple childlike joy of running when you could be walking. Part escape, part self-discovery, part therapy, part fitness. Vassos Alexander shares the highs and lows of falling in love with running, from his first paltry efforts to reach the end of his street to completing ultra marathons and This is a celebration of running - and what lots of us think about when we run. This is a celebration of running - and what lots of us think about when we run.
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