Written by Sammy Hutchison
Two of my greatest passions in life have been running and reading. Strapping on a pair of running shoes and opening up a book are two things that can transport us to incredible places—both literally and figuratively. When I read Moby–Dick, for example, I am right there with Captain Ahab leaving Nantucket; and when I put on my shoes, my feet take me to new places and down unexplored trails. It’s no wonder that books about running tend to make for thought-provoking, motivating and learning experiences.
For the avid runner who likes to read—or the avid reader who wants a little more insight into the world of running—the following books are definitely worth picking up.
Once A Runner
(1978) By John L. Parker, Jr., 248 p.
Once A Runner is fiction that carries heavy credibility in the running world as one of the most honest views into what it takes to be an elite runner. The passion, sacrifice and indomitable will are put on beautiful display through main character Quentin Cassidy.
Pre: The story of America’s greatest running legend, Steve Prefontaine
(1997) By Tom Jordan, 176 p.
A biography focusing on the amazing and tragic life of arguably the greatest distance runner that America has ever come across. Prefontaine was brash and talented yet died at a young age. This book single-handedly led me to making T-shirts that simply read “PRE,” which I often wore before races.
Ultra Marathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner
(2005) By Dean Karnazes, 300 p.
Ultra Marathon Man (non-fiction) is a fascinating look into the world of ultra-marathon running and, even more interestingly, at the human ability to push beyond what we perceive as our limits. Dean Karnazes was one of the first runners to bring this type of running from out under the rocks and into the mainstream. His book details how he became involved in the sport and many of his first races.
Born To Run: A hidden tribe, superathletes, and the greatest race the world has never seen
(2009) By Christopher Mcdougall, 304 p.
Born To Run was and likely still is the most widely discussed book concerning running. Non-fiction, it takes the reader deep into the lives of the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico’s Copper Canyons. For centuries, the tribe has been practicing techniques allowing them to run hundreds of miles without rest. The author’s account of the tribe and his look into the human species will leave your head full of thought and your body full of inspiration.
Chi Running
(2009) By Danny Dreyer and Katherine Dreyer, 320 p.
Chi Running is an instructional book on how to incorporate Tai chi into your running routine. Danny Dreyer does a wonderful job of helping the reader recognize how they should be running. He incorporates drills, runs and visualization to help the runner become faster, stronger and more efficient without extra effort.
The Perfect Mile
(2005) By Neal Bascomb, 344 p.
The Perfect Mile is a encompassing non-fiction account of the race by three men in 1950s to become the first to break the four-minute mile barrier. The three men are methodical and passionate individuals who all have different paths in their quest for the record. Their stories come together and make for a wonderful story— one many would call one of the greatest sports stories of the 20th century.
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RACE DAYS
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Williamsburg
MARCH 3
14th Annual Fort Eustis 10K Run
Fort Eustis
(757) 878-6075
MARCH 17-18
Shamrock Sportsfest Weekend
Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Shamrockmarathon.com
MARCH 24
2012 Yorktown Victory Run
Newport News Park
9 a.m.
nngov.com
MARCH 31
Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k
Beginning at Monroe Park
6:45 a.m.
sportsbackers.org
APRIL 7
10K Run for the Heart
Old Stable Road, Newport News Park
8:30 a.m.
(757) 873-0266 or abahazy@verizon.net
Hampton Roads
MARCH 3
14th Annual Fort Eustis 10K Run
Fort Eustis
9 a.m.
(757) 878-6075
MARCH 17-18
Shamrock Sportsfest Weekend
Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Shamrockmarathon.com
MARCH 24
Cerebral Palsy of Virginia 19th Annual 5K run and 1 Mile Walk-a-thon
Mt Trashmore Park
8:30 a.m.
cerebralpalsyofvirginia.org
MARCH 24
2012 Yorktown Victory Run
Newport News Park
9 a.m.
nngov.com
APRIL 1
11th Annual Virginia Duathlon
Chippokes Plantation State Park
9 a.m.
virginiaduathlon.mettleevents.com
APRIL 7
7th Annual Monarch 5K
Old Dominion University Student Recreation Center
8:30 a.m.
studentaffairs.odu.edu/recsports/EVENTS/5krun.shtml
Richmond
MARCH 10
Free to Breathe® Richmond Lung Cancer 5K Run/Walk
Innsbrook
7 a.m.
keensusan13@yahoo.com
MARCH 10
2nd Annual Hope 5K
Hope Church West Creek
7:30 a.m.
(804) 708-5330
March 17
Raiders Rock 5K
Atlee High School
9 a.m.
March 24
Richmond SPCA Dog Jog and 5K Run
Robins-Starr Humane Center
9:30 a.m.
(804) 521-1318
MARCH 31
Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k
Beginning at Monroe Park
6:45 a.m.
sportsbackers.org
