Customer Reviews

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)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What a wonderful book by Amby Burfoot to fuel the spirit and heart of the runner in each one of us. The book is inspirational, caring and sharing of running and life that we run. It has quotes, stories, heros, thoughts about goals, courage, finishing, victory and yes stopping to smell the roses along the way or maybe even a majestic view on the race course. Amby shared thoughts and philosophies that made me laugh, put the book down to do my own reflection and even brought me to tears. The story of Amby's 30th annversary Boston Marathon race was so touching when his brother joined him on the run. I plan on giving this book to all of my running friends. This book is just what you need to fuel or maybe even refuel your own running spirit. Whether you are a beginner or elite runner there is something in this book that will touch your mind and heart. It is a book for the runner in each of us. Amby teaches us the winning attitude so well in the book. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Thanks for all you do for the running world.

This book was easy to read, straightforward and inspirational. Though not as deep as Sheehan, this book contains simple truths of the joys of running and makes you appreciate not only the mileage put in, but why you do it. I put the book down feeling good about the hours of sweat, a renewed bond with runners in general, and a desire to carry forward in good times and bad. Amby Burfoot, thanks for sharing!

He may be a great runner, but this book is ankle-deep philosophy and so basic in its lessons that it seems really designed for a 12-year-old. I would not suggest this book for any adult interested in life lessons or inspiration. It simply doesn't compare to the thoughtful books of people like Wayne Dyer and it's not a good book on running either. For a much better book on running and life, try Haruki Murakami's "What I talk about when I talk about running."

The perfect book to lift the spirits and give you the motivation to get out and give it your best. It's a small and easy to read companion that is ideal for taking along to races and whipping out when the nerves start to set in. Every runner should have this in their kit bag or beside the bed.

Books are easy reads for a number of reason, the primary ones are you are engrossed in the material or the writing is straightforward and to the point. This book is a combination of the two, I enjoyed the personal reflections of Mr. Burfoot (i.e. I enjoy biographies) and so the stories were quite enjoyable. I also liked the fact that it was written to be read by the everyman, straight with no chaser. Good read and a book I will pass on to others.

Burfoot's "The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life" is so simple yet so thorough. It's such a quick read, but the depth and variety of each short, powerful chapter is incredible. I literally could not put it down.

I particularly connected with the chapter on traditions (the need for anchors in this fast-paced world). Amby talks about the draw of Manchester and it's annual Thanksgiving day Road Race, which he has done 37 consecutive times. This fall will be my 17th straight. Like Amby, I make the pilgrimage back to Connecticut (despite now living in Chicago) because of the opportunity to re-connect with family and friends for this one "magic" day.

As a father of three daughters, I also appreciated his perspectives on his children and how he came to the realization that they must choose their own paths. While I would love for my daughters to share my passion for running, I have learned through Amby that it is OK if they don't. Finally, the chapter titled "Materialism - what you really need you already have" is right on and should be "must read" for our entire society.

This is a book much like "Tuesday's With Morrie" that I will refer back to from time to time to put life - and running - in perspective.

Thanks Amby and see you in Manchester!

Todd Gothberg
Gurnee Il.<

A wonderful collection of short essays from a perspective of a long-time runner and editor of "Runner's World" on the impact that the sport has on our lives. Amby Burfoot covers a number of topics, ranging from attempting to answer the perennial question of "Why Run?" to the subjects of winning, losing, courage, goals, children, and a variety of other topics. It is an easy and refreshing read, guaranteed to give you something to ponder the next time you lace up your shoes. Having said that, be forewarned, this is not a book about the technique, training, or nutrition, so if you are searching for one of the above then you should keep looking.

Amby Burfoot may be more known as the long-time editor for Runner's World magazine than for his 1968 victory in the searing heat at the Boston Marathon.

Burfoot merges his skill of a journalist with his many years in the sport to deliver wonderful essays on the peaks, valleys and rugged terrain of life. Though the starting line is his running, the course that is mapped out is accessible to those who never laced up a pair of shoes for a marathon or a jaunt around the block.

This is a gold medal performance by Burfoot, that comes straight from the heart.

Amby Burfoot's life has been running and this short book makes that clear. On one level, this is a running book but it isn't a how-to book like many other running books. It also isn't a running book that relates a lot of race stories like Bart Yasso's My Life on the Run or Benjamin Cheever's Strides. Instead, this is a philosophy book on its most basic level, and Amby's philosophy is to take it easy and enjoy running and life. It's an approach that he admits eludes many runners who are driven to succeed and improve. Amby has a achieved a great deal of success as a runner, especially in his younger days when he won the Boston Marathon, so it's clear that he hasn't always taken it easy himself. The only reason I give this book four stars is because Amby often comes across as discounting competition. For some of us master's runners who came to running at a later age, the chance to compete and drive ourselves is part of the appeal of running. Still, all in all, an enjoyable read for any runner.

I'm not one to read running books since I just feel that one should go out and run! But this was very good...I highly recommend it to other runners and significant others of runners. Burfoot does a good job of explaining some of the basic "unexplainables" that we runners deal with. My favorite chapters were "Listening" and "Simplicity". I let go of the mp3 a couple years ago and while I want to go back to it from time to time I love the sounds I hear during the run.