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) [Hardcover]

Amby Burfoot (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 22, 2000 | Series: Daybreak Books

"As runners, we all go through many transitions-- transitions that closely mimic the larger changes we experience in a lifetime. First, we try to run faster. Then we try to run harder. Then we learn to accept ourselves and our limitations, and at last, we can appreciate the true joy and meaning of running."

As its opening pages reveal, The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life is not merely about running. It is about living-- to your fullest potential. Amby Burfoot, one of running's wisest voices, here presents 15 essential life lessons about passion, courage, materialism, failure, regeneration, and more, all learned from experience during more than 35 years of running. In this book, Amby discusses the essential traits of a runner-- traits that also are essential for all people wishing to reach their long-term goals. He discusses the writings, music, and quotes that have inspired him throughout his long career. Most important, he explains that winners are not those who cross the finish line first, but rather those who are able to discover more about themselves with every step.

The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life is one in a series of Daybreak books that provide life lessons and spiritual perspectives from the vantage point of different occupations and passions.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life
What 35 Years of Running Has Taught Me about Winning, Losing, Happiness, Humility, and the Human Heart

On Finding Your Path
"I have learned that there is no failure in running, or in life, as long as you keep moving. It's not about speed and gold medals. It's about refusing to be stopped. You might find that one particular direction proves difficult, but there are many directions on a compass. Infinite, in fact. As long as you keep searching, you'll find your way."

On Creativity
"Sometimes my main reason for running is simply to see where my brain will go while my body is meandering though the local trails or roadways. It can never be predicted, and it's always a surprise."

On The Need For Traditions
"In a world that perpetually moves faster, never slower, we need all the anchoring points we can find. Chaos erupts spontaneously in our spinning lives. It's the center of the wheel that we need to focus on more often."

On Bouncing Back
"Losing isn't contagious. It's not a fatal condition, and it's not forever. It's more like a cold that makes you miserable for a week but then goes away, and you're fine."

On Goals
"When in the mountains enjoy the mountain scenery. Nobody achieves his goal without having some fun along the way. Without fun, we'd give up long before the finish line. If there's any way to make the road easier and enjoyable, I'm all for it."

On Starting Fresh
"Life goes on, day after day, but it also has the ability to reinvent itself, to start over. This is what the seasons show us. We all have marveled at the apple tree's ability to rest through a dark, cold winter, then to grow new leaves in the spring, to blossom again, to bear fruit. We don't often think of our own lives this way, but I think we should."

About the Author
A lifelong runner and running advocate, Amby Burfoot has been executive editor of Runner's World magazine since 1985. In 1968, he won the Boston Marathon, the first American to do so in 11 years. He is the author of The Principles of Running and Runner's World Complete Book of Running.

About the Author

A lifelong runner and running advocate, Amby Burfoot has been executive editor of Runner's World magazine since 1985. In 1968, he won the Boston Marathon, the first American to do so in 11 years. He is the author of The Principles of Running and Runner's World Complete Book of Running.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Daybreak Books; 1st edition (April 22, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579542638
• ISBN-13: 978-1579542634
• Product Dimensions: 0.7 x 5.2 x 7.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #581,271 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Amby Burfoot is the 1968 Boston Marathon winner, and a long-time editor (since 1978) at Runner's World magazine. Burfoot has run approximately 103,000 miles in his life, and has finished the Manchester (CT) Thanksgiving Day road race every year since 1963 (48 straight years through 2010). He also continues to run Boston on every fifth-year anniversary of his win, with his next scheduled Boston race in 2013, and has twice completed the 54-mile Comrades Marathon in South Africa. These days, at age 64 and counting, Burfoot continues running about 25 miles a week for health and fitness, and races just a handful of times each year. He's married to Cristina, a fellow writer/editor, and has two grown children, Daniel, a Ph.D. in robotics, and Laura, a community organizer in New London, CT. He feels extremely lucky to be one of those fortunate few who have been able to combine their passion with their profession.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 46 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Mental Run for the Heart and Spirit! June 30, 2000

By "judywoz"

Format:Hardcover

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.

32 of 42 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing and basic; Philosophy for beginners November 11, 2009

By P. Stephens

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

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."

22 of 32 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Simple but deep May 4, 2000

By Dunn Neugebauer

Format:Hardcover

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!

4.0 out of 5 stars Easy read April 11, 2013

By CGray2

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Burfoot offers a nice succinct message about what can be gained gained in life from running, at any level. His guide is simple, yet strikes a chord of truth.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Inspiration March 30, 2013

By dgb1023

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was weary about getting this book and didn't know why. I'm sorry I waited as it has great stories and insight that have helped me enjoy running all that much more.

4.0 out of 5 stars good book February 27, 2013

By Book Lover

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Inspirational, but not much "meat". Good personal examples. I found the sections to be a bit too short for my taste . A bit more elaboration would have been nice.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great ruminating material for runners. December 1, 2012

By J. Moffitt

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

A terrific read if you are a runner, it really nourishes the soul. If you are not a runner, after you read this you will want in on the secret.

5.0 out of 5 stars Right On Time October 28, 2012

By Briana Myricks

Format:Kindle Edition

This book was given to me on my 22nd birthday. I started running this past March with a group of ladies and stopped at the end of July because I let life get in the way. Now I have a renewed outlook on running thanks to this book. My quarterlife crisis can be avoided.

I highlighted so many lessons on the meaning of life and how to live it right. There's many lessons for the reader, no matter how old or where you are in life. A book I‘ll make a point to read every birthday from now on.