In The Long Run [Paperback]

Tim Van Wagoner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 28, 1999

Joshua Chamberlain, great-great grandson of an acclaimed Civil War hero, competes in his first 26.2 miler, the venerable Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C.

Josh "zones out" during this classic physical test of endurance, allowing him to contemplate a gilded boyhood, stellar basketball career, and the elusive love of his life: the enchanting Autumn Andrews. Along the route, "The Colonel," a Medal of Honor winner at Gettysburg, manages to instill his own influence, enlightening Josh as to the real reason he's running the race.

This yellow brick road adventure takes the reader on a delightful romp through the nation's capital, to the strategic heights of Little Round Top, and to the sun-kissed virgin beaches of a beguiling little corner of northern Michigan rich with the values and characters that can only be found in small-town America.

Josh's spirited search for his past, present and future, affirms that in the long run, there's no place like home.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A native of Detroit, MI, Tim Van Wagoner graduated from Michigan State University in 1977 with a degree in Telecommunications. He previously worked in The Detroit News' advertising department, and Miller Brewing Company's sports marketing division. He came to the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club in 1989 and currently serves as Director of Broadcasting, working with the team's TV & radio sales and operations areas.

Tim is 43, has always had a keen interest in Civil War history, baseball, basketball, long distance running, and the elusive art of finding the right woman (fortunately he's found his). His debut novel, In The Long Run, offered him a chance to combine them all.

Product Details

• Paperback: 267 pages
• Publisher: Tim Van Wagoner (May 28, 1999)
• ISBN-10: 0966930800
• ISBN-13: 978-0966930801
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,135,592 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprised but pleased in the end., March 27, 2002

By 

Gerard M. Ford (North Massapequa, New York United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In The Long Run (Paperback)

This book caught my attention being a marathon runner and a Civil War buff. Having both together seemed too good to be true. Not entirely what I expected but certainly not a disappointment either. I found myself focusing more on the non-running aspects of the book, but was still acutely aware of Mr. Wagoner's description of the marathon that were unique and descriptive. A smart, smooth use of multiple times enabled me to correlate the main characters life with his progression through the marathon which I found very clever. Surprisingly so, this book made me feel like a teenager again. I'm not a love story type of guy, but I would highly recommend this book. Made me feel good about people again.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Runner alert!, November 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: In The Long Run (Paperback)

Anyone that has ever run at any time in their lives will love this novel. In The Long Run is a compelling and charming story of truly vivid characters. Tim Van Wagner manages to weave an enchanting and authentic story and propel us along for the ride, or rather, the run! Josh Chamberlain, the main protagonist of the book, has resolved to run his first marathon and while doing so gets into "the zone". It is in this "zone" that he contemplates his past and distant heritage and where he meets "the colonel" his great-great grandfather and Medal of Honor recipient. Whether you happen to be a Civil War buff or not; you will find the entire tale a joy to read. Tim has a runners soul and an historians attention to detail. My only regret was that this excellent book had to end. I'm already anticipating Tim's second novel!

Lynn Seely; runner/ author

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A charming read for sports enthusiasts/romantics, October 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: In The Long Run (Paperback)

Each year, many of us make a vow to get through our summer reading list -- a list often comprised of bulky classics that we've been meaning to get to for years. This summer, Tim Van Wagoner provides one more good reason to let those big novels serve as bookends just a bit longer by offering us a charming diversion entitled "In the Long Run." Enjoyably paced, the reader is transported, via 'the zone,' into the distant and not too distant history of sentimentally analytical Joshua Chamberlain, who contemplates his impending journey into midlife and beyond while running his first marathon. While one needn't be a runner to understand 'the zone,' I imagine it may help. However, those of us prone to the occasional daydream will also easily comprehend the device that serves as runners' mental escape pod. Left-brained readers may more easily settle in with the alternate historical chapters, which range from a tracing of Josh's formative years to a tour through Civil War battlefields. Romantics will fall easily into the charming ruminations of Josh's childhood/adolescence, where he met the woman of his dreams early on. As is so often the case, the relationship continuously becomes victim of that common malady - bad timing. Aiding Josh in his struggle of mind over the physical matter of the marathon is the omnipresent "Colonel," Josh's Civil War hero great-great grandfather, who serves as his mentor and guiding light - in race times and everyday life. Anyone who appreciates the romanticism contained within sports stories, from Hoosiers to Field of Dreams, can admire this first-published of author Van Wagoner. While to fully enjoy this tale requires the suspension of disbelief on several levels (from apparitions to the existence of perfect love), the weekend's escape that this quick read provides will make for pleasant dreams.